Yggdrasil

## Aurora singles chronology

"**Yggdrasil**" is a song by Australian singer, songwriter, rapper, and producer Aurora. It was released on January 2, 2015 as the title track and lead single from the soundtrack to the 2015 epic science fiction film of the same name.

## Background and composition

In 2013, Red Rose Records secured an exclusive partnership with Platvian-based film production company Pink Petal Pictures, ensuring any soundtrack releases for their films would be distributed by Red Rose Records. In late 2014, Pink Petal Pictures recruited Red Rose Records for a soundtrack to their upcoming 2015 epic science fiction film *Yggdrasil*. Despite being overseas on an international promotional tour for her album *Platinum Heart* at the time, Aurora agreed to help curate and contribute to the original motion picture soundtrack for the film.

"Yggdrasil" is composed as a Nordic folk song. "I was simply mesmerised by the synopsis of the screenplay that I was given by [Pink Petal Pictures]," Aurora revealed on the red carpet for the film's premiere in Platvia, "It's such a marvellous film, and I wanted to write an authentic song for it." Lyrically, the song references a subplot of the film itself, detailing the story of a person who has lived a troubled life attempting to better themselves in their final days, utilising the ascension of Yggdrasil via Bifrost to Asgard in a quest for redemption as its central metaphor.

## Critical reception

"Yggdrasil" generated praise for Aurora, with critics commending her decision to experiment with Norse cosmological themes and the Nordic folk genre.

It received a rating of 7 by Platvian music critics.

## Commercial performance

"Yggdrasil" debuted and peaked at #3 on the Platvia HitList chart dated January 13, 2015.

## Lyrics

I once was a mortal, afraid of my sin
My life passing by while my heart had grown thin
Midgard as my home, I felt so alone
A terrific journey, about to begin
Commenced my ascension among Bifrost's gold
The stairway to Asgard—or so I was told
My eyes now aglow, the serpent below
Reluctant to fall, maintained my steadfast hold
**First Pre-Chorus**
Oh when, oh when, will I reach the summit?
I fear if I let go that I'll surely plummet
Desires conflicting, now clouding my vision
So fearful that I will make the wrong decision
**Chorus (A)**
Of all these nine lands, I only dream of one to call my home
But there is no hand to help me, I must do this on my own
Betraying the thoughts my conscience tries to place inside my mind
Instead I will choose to search for mercies of another kind
**Bridge (A)**
Echoes of a past life deafen me
A martyr for my internal insanity
Overcame the weight that hangs below
A martinet making the rules up as I go
**Second Verse**
I pray that Heimdall will see the good in me
My hunger for change, my desire to be
For I cannot know, what awaits below
Far worse than the torment of a dragon's teeth
I'm granted my freedom, but free it is not
The sins of my past will not soon be forgot
But I couldn't care, as now I'm aware
That galvanised glory's achieved roaring hot
**Second Pre-Chorus**
Oh please, oh please, do not let me burn
I've put in my time and this lesson I'll learn
The monsters I've battled will not be in vain
I promise that I shall never sin again
**Chorus (A)**
Of all these nine lands, I only dream of one to call my home
But there is no hand to help me, I must do this on my own
Betraying the thoughts my conscience tries to place inside my mind
Instead I will choose to search for mercies of another kind
**Chorus (B)**
Of all these nine lands, I only dream of one to call my home
I once was a broken man, now I begin to claim my throne
A ruler of absolution, I feel the power inside
This climb to the highest peak has been a self-fulfilling ride
**Bridge (B)**
Sin is now a distant memory
A fractured fossil of what I used to be
Now I'm high above the highest cloud
Here among the Gods I tell my story proud
**Chorus (B)**
Of all these nine lands, I only dream of one to call my home
I once was a broken man, now I begin to claim my throne
A ruler of absolution, I feel the power inside
This climb to the highest peak has been a self-fulfilling ride
**Outro**
Oh Yggdrasil, Yggdrasil, standing so tall
I gave you my life and you cushioned my fall
Now one of your leaves, I sway in the breeze
An evergreen tale, to share as you please

## Re-recorded version

Following her split from Red Rose Records in 2020, "Yggdrasil" was re-recorded as a bonus track for Aurora's album *Platinum Heart: Deluxe* (2021). It appears as the thirteenth track on the re-recorded album.