Swedish pop/folk duo Smith & Thell released their new single ‘Waste of Time’ on 9th February. It’s their first release since May 2023 and the fans have been looking forward to the release of this song for a long time.
The duo, consisting of Maria Jane Smith and Victor Thell, have previously won a Swedish Grammy for “Composer of the year” and are one of the most played bands on Swedish radio. Smith and Thell are some of Sweden’s most sought-after songwriters and producers, and they’ve previously worked with artists such as Sandro Cavazza, Sunrise Avenue and Alan Walker.
The duo’s latest release is about the realisation that you simply can’t live without the other person. It doesn’t matter what you tell yourself, you will always keep looking back at the time you had, and the memories made together. It’s a song about fighting for the one you lost.
“Excuse me love as I come undone. I’m filled with fire. I’m a loaded gun. Still want you back and I cannot lie. Trying to forget you was a waste of time.” The lyrics are sung with a tone of remorse, suggesting a regret that you feel this way. Slowing down the song and leaving a lone voice repeating “Waste of time, waste of time” enables Smith & Thell to create the sensation of someone unsure of their feelings, not knowing if it’s acceptable to feel this way.
As the song progresses, it’s as the person and even the instruments come to terms with the feelings that they can’t be separated from this person. “Waste of time, waste of time” is once again repeated but this time in a much happier demeanour. An upbeat and playful electric guitar accompanies the addition of whistles, showcasing the relief of finally coming to terms with your feelings, and acknowledging that there’s no use trying to forget the other person. It’s time to fight for the one you love.
‘Waste of Time’ is a song about not being able to move on, cherishing the moments you had together, and fighting for the one you love but lost. The single is Smith & Thell’s first song from their upcoming album and we can be sure to expect more with the duo stating that they “won’t hold back on releases in 2024”.
Written by: Nora Herrgård
Edited by: Vanessa Svejkovsky
