Sometimes, a song comes along that doesn’t just play in the background but instead reaches into your soul and makes a home there. Jóhannes Stefán’s “Pull Me Up” which he put out there on Febraury 7, is one of those rare finds—an alternative indie ballad that doesn’t just tell a story but makes you feel like you’ve lived it. With poetic lyricism and evocative storytelling, this Icelandic singer-songwriter crafts a song about love and the fleeting nature of time. Hailing from Seltjarnarnes, Jóhannes is no stranger to the art of weaving nostalgia into melody. His music is intimate, cinematic, and timeless, carrying the weight of memories and emotions in every note. With Guðrún Bjarnadóttir’s ethereal backing vocals and the delicate guitar work of childhood friend Freyr, Jóhannes delivers an unforgettable piece that resonates deeply.
From the initial note, “Pull Me Up” sets an atmosphere of warmth and reflection. A softly strummed guitar carries the melody, its tones rich with sentiment, while ambient textures create a feeling of stillness—like watching a sunrise with someone you love. Then, Jóhannes’ opening lines land like poetry on the heart: “Come sit by the bed. And let me read your story. Through the lines in your face. Imagine our old glory.” With these words, the song pulls us into its world. There’s an immediate sense of intimacy where two souls intertwined by decades of love, face the weight of time together.
The delicate phrasing and heartfelt delivery make it impossible not to feel the depth of the emotions carried within these lines. Jóhannes sings with a quiet vulnerability that makes the song feel deeply personal. His voice is warm, slightly hushed, and filled with longing—like someone trying to hold onto a moment that is slipping through their fingers. Guðrún’s harmonies wrap around his vocals like a soft embrace, adding an ethereal quality that makes the song feel like a dream—one you never want to wake up from.
As the song progresses, it takes us back to a defining moment—Barcelona, 1986 where nostalgia fully takes hold. It’s not just a memory being recalled—it’s a lifeline, an anchor to the past that still feels as vivid as the present. The way the song moves between past and present mirrors the way love itself exists outside of time, eternally woven into our being. And as the final chorus swells, the plea becomes more urgent: “Pull me up by the wrist. Cause my hourglass ain’t filled. Pull me out of the abyss. Cause my candle ain’t burned out just yet.” It’s a line that aches with longing—a desperate wish to hold onto love just a little longer.
Musically, the production is organic, unhurried, and deeply immersive, allowing space for every note to breathe before Jóhannes’ voice enters. It leans into the alternative/indie aesthetic with an understated elegance. The acoustic guitars are at the heart of the arrangement, guiding the song with a steady pulse, while gentle percussions and atmospheric pads add depth without overpowering the delicate storytelling. There’s a raw, almost live-recorded quality to the song, allowing each instrument to feel present and intentional. The decision to keep the arrangement minimal enhances the song’s emotional weight, making every lyric, every strum, every breath count.
“Pull Me Up” is a reflection on love, memory, and the quiet beauty of shared history. It speaks to those of us who have ever loved deeply, held someone’s hand a little tighter, knowing that time is always moving forward. It’s a song that teaches us that love is not about how many days, months, or years you have been together. Love is about how much you love each other every single day. With this track, Jóhannes Stefán has created something timeless—a masterpiece that lingers in the heart long after the last note fades. So, if you believe in love that transcends time, “Pull Me Up” is a song you won’t just listen to—you’ll feel it. And that, in itself, is a rare gift.
Listen to “Pull Me Up” on Spotify
Follow Jóhannes Stefán here for more information
