On the very day of their departure Regine in all haste leaves her apartment in Nybrogade and ventures out into town in the hope of meeting her old love. And, as though the final gesture of a generous Providence toward these two persons whose life histories are so uncontrollably linked, it is not long before her eyes fasten on the familiar figure with the broad-brimmed hat. As she passes him by, she says under her breath: “God bless you — may all go well with you!” — from Kierkegaard’s Muse by Joakim Garff

This is one of the more autobiographical songs that I’ve written, and it’s about visiting someone after the relationship is over and pretending that you’re still with that person, even though you both know it’s a bad idea. It’s also about not feeling strong enough within yourself to let go of a relationship that doesn’t serve you anymore. — Scott Nesbit, Mt. Meru

Right outside my door, on the sidewalk in front of the avenue, she meets me. As so often happens of late, I cannot keep from smiling when I see her — ah, how much she has come to mean to me! — she smiled in return and nodded. I took a step past her, then raised my hat and walked on. — Søren Kierkegaard, 1852

Lover I can’t go by your door
Not with the way I fell before
And what if I can’t return your gaze…

Standing outside your open door
Sprouting the wings I held before
But what if I can’t return one day
— from ‘Rose Street’ by Scott Nesbit

Søren Kierkegaard proposed to Regine Olsen in 1841. The following year, the philosopher broke off the engagement citing — to himself at least — his poor health, his call to God, his impending celibacy, and the belief that no one could endure him on a daily basis. Afterwards, though he often encountered Regine in the streets, fourteen years would pass before he heard her voice again.

‘Rose Street’ floats somewhere between David Crosby and Nick Drake, maybe a touch of Al Stewart, with just a trace of the universal air of bittersweet nostalgia that speaks through every person who has ever picked up an acoustic guitar.

Once a two-man acoustic act, now a four-piece band, Mt. Meru describes their music as reflecting a wide array of influences grounded in folk, indie, and pop… for fans of Iron & Wine, Sufjan Stevens, Elliott Smith, Conor Oberst, Nick Drake, M. Ward, etc. ‘Rose Street’ appears on their new four-song EP, .​.​.​to Be Seen Again. Today’s track is Mt. Meru’s second Song of the Day. We previously featured ‘Flora, Flora’ from their 2018 self-titled twelve-song LP.

Mt. Meru’s music is available on Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music. Check out the band’s website, and be sure to follow Mt. Meru on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.