Daði Freyr's song "Seinni Tíma Vandamál" (A Problem for Later), created for Áramótaskaupið 2017, is a humorous and insightful reflection on modern anxieties and the human tendency to worry about the future. It's a song that delves into the worries that plague us daily, from personal insecurities to social media anxieties, and ends with a unifying chorus that suggests perhaps these issues are "a problem for later," indicating a collective decision to postpone these worries rather than address them immediately.
The lyrics capture a series of modern-day concerns ranging from the fear of inadequacy in comparison to others, the anxiety of never finding love, to the dread of social media backlash. One part humorously addresses concerns over physical appearance and the authenticity of one's online persona, highlighting the discrepancy between our real selves and how we present ourselves on platforms like Tinder. Another segment deals with the fear of saying something outdated online and facing public ridicule. This mirrors the current climate of rapid digital communication and the pressure to always say the right thing.
The chorus brings the song's message into sharp focus: it acknowledges the cascade of worries but suggests postponing dealing with them, encapsulating a common approach to overwhelming stress or anxiety. The song cleverly balances between acknowledging these anxieties and offering a temporary solution of simply putting them off, embodying a very human way of coping with stress.
"Seinni Tíma Vandamál" also touches on broader societal issues with a touch of hope and humor. Through spoken words towards the end, it fantasizes about a better year ahead where political, environmental, and social issues find resolution, and even dreams of Iceland's success in soccer, bringing a light-hearted optimism to the otherwise anxious narrative.
Musically, Daði Freyr's signature style - a mix of synth-pop with catchy melodies and electronic beats - makes the song not just a lyrical but also an auditory delight. It's a song that manages to be both reflective and uplifting, encouraging listeners to dance away their worries, at least for the moment.
In essence, "Seinni Tíma Vandamál" captures the zeitgeist of modern anxieties with a blend of humor, empathy, and musicality. It reflects on how we often deal with our problems by deferring them to a later time, serving as a mirror to our collective consciousness and a reminder that sometimes, it's okay to take a break from our worries and just enjoy the moment. This balance between acknowledgment and postponement, wrapped in Daði's charismatic performance, makes the song a memorable piece that resonates with a wide audience, offering a musical escape from the pressures of contemporary life.
