13 Best First Aid Kit Songs

First Aid Kit, the Swedish folk duo that has captured hearts worldwide, brings a fresh, nostalgic sound to the music scene. Their harmonies blend seamlessly, creating a hauntingly beautiful auditory experience. Johanna and Klara Söderberg have a knack for storytelling, making each song feel like a personal journey.

Their unique style has led to noteworthy collaborations with artists like Conor Oberst and Jenny Lewis. This makes their work stand out even more. Let’s explore some of their best tracks that showcase their exceptional talent.

1. My Silver Lining – First Aid Kit

My Silver Lining by First Aid Kit from 2014 is a hauntingly beautiful folk-pop anthem with a nostalgic vibe. The song is marked by its rich harmonies and poignant violin lines, delivered with a sense of both urgency and serenity. The Söderberg sisters’ vocals shine, blending seamlessly to create a tapestry of melancholy and hope.

Centered around the theme of perseverance, the lyrics speak to finding strength amidst adversity. With lines like gotta keep on keeping on, the song encapsulates the spirit of pushing through life’s challenges. The minimalistic yet lush instrumentation supports the message perfectly, with acoustic guitars, violins, and gentle percussion painting a vivid soundscape.

2. Wolf – First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit’s song Wolf from 2012 delivers a folk-infused, haunting melody grounded in nature and primal instincts. The rich harmonies of sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg blend seamlessly with the acoustic guitar, creating a wild, almost ethereal atmosphere. The lyrics paint vivid imagery of transforming into a wolf, running through forests, and feeling an untamed freedom.

The music video for Wolf matches this raw wilderness theme perfectly. It features the band running through forests, scenes of dark woods, and mystical choreography that complements the song’s mood. The natural setting and expressive movements emphasize the song’s exploration of human connection to wildness, making it a visually captivating experience.

3. Out of My Head – First Aid Kit

The song Out of My Head by First Aid Kit, released in 2022, is a lush blend of folk and indie pop. Filled with haunting harmonies and reflective lyrics, it tackles themes of letting go and moving forward. The sisters’ soulful voices weave a tapestry of melancholy and hope.

One standout feature is the musical composition. The track showcases beautiful acoustic guitar lines and subtle string arrangements that build gradually. This creates a textured, immersive soundscape, pulling the listener deeper into the emotional core of the song.

4. Fireworks – First Aid Kit

Fireworks by First Aid Kit, released in 2018, is a mesmerizing folk-pop ballad. It captures the essence of longing and nostalgia, with haunting harmonies and rich instrumental layers. The gentle strumming of the guitar, combined with the delicate piano, create an ethereal soundscape that elevates the emotional depth of the lyrics.

Number 6 stands out as particularly fitting. The song received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics for its poignant lyrics and evocative melody. It even earned spots on several year-end best song lists, solidifying its impact in the music world.

5. Emmylou – First Aid Kit

Emmylou, by First Aid Kit, is a mesmerizing folk ballad from 2012. The song evokes a profound sense of nostalgia and yearning, blending gentle acoustic guitars with heartfelt harmonies. The Swedish duo, Johanna and Klara Söderberg, pay homage to legendary country music icons Emmylou Harris and Gram Parsons in both melody and sentiment.

The songwriting largely touches on the themes of love and musical camaraderie. It portrays the interplay between partnership and the enduring bond of shared experiences. This song soared within the folk genre, garnering significant acclaim for its soulful sincerity and impeccable musicality.

6. Turning Onto You – First Aid Kit, HNNY

The song Turning Onto You – HNNY Remix by First Aid Kit and HNNY from 2023 mesmerizes with its unique blend of folk and electronic elements. The delicate harmonies of First Aid Kit’s voices are interwoven with HNNY’s soulful beats, creating a perfect synergy. It’s a refreshing take that updates the original while preserving its emotional core.

The production quality stands out remarkably. The remix uses layered synthesizers and crisp drum patterns, giving the track a polished yet organic feel. HNNY’s masterful reimagining highlights the intricacies of the original, making it both a nostalgic and contemporary listen.

7. America – First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit’s song America from 2015 is a heartfelt and melancholic ballad. Soaked in folk and country influences, it features acoustic guitars paired with lilting vocals that evoke a sense of wanderlust and yearning. The harmonies, delivered by the Swedish sibling duo, are rich and warm, wrapping around the listener like a hug in the chill of a late evening.

Production quality is top-notch, emphasizing raw, authentic sound. The song strikes a perfect balance between polished and organic elements, allowing the emotions to shine through. The stripped-back arrangement lays bare the sisters’ vocal prowess, making every line hit just a bit harder.

8. Running Up That Hill – First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit’s rendition of Running Up That Hill, recorded at Spotify Studios Stockholm in 2018, breathes new life into Kate Bush’s classic. Their indie-folk spin layers rich harmonies over an acoustic foundation, making the song feel both timeless and immediate. You can sense an intimacy in the stripped-back arrangement, emphasizing the poignant lyrics about struggle and hope.

The musical composition stands out with its delicate balance of guitar, subtle percussion, and haunting vocal harmonies. Johanna and Klara Söderberg deliver each note with emotional precision, letting every pluck and beat resonate deeply. It’s a masterclass in how minimalism can amplify the emotional core of a song.

9. Stay Gold – First Aid Kit

Stay Gold by First Aid Kit, released in 2014, captures a timeless folk essence with its lush harmonies and poignant storytelling. The song blends rich acoustic guitar with intricate melodies, underscoring the Swedish duo’s ability to evoke deep emotions. Its heartfelt lyrics explore themes of hope and resilience, urging listeners to hold on to their inner light amid life’s challenges.

Influenced by classic Americana and modern folk, the song draws inspiration from the poetry of Robert Frost, particularly his idea of transient beauty. This literary touch gives Stay Gold a nostalgic yet hopeful vibe that resonates deeply with audiences. The track’s unique blend of old and new makes it a standout piece in the folk genre.

10. Angel – First Aid Kit

Angel by First Aid Kit is a shimmering piece released in 2022. The song falls within the folk and indie genre, known for its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics. The sisters’ harmonies take center stage, backed by acoustic guitar and subtle percussions.

One of the standout elements of Angel is its theme and lyrics. The song explores themes of longing and rebirth, urging an anonymous figure to find their inner light. Lines like Angel, come back to me resonate deeply, giving listeners a sense of heartfelt urgency.

11. To Live a Life – First Aid Kit

To Live a Life by First Aid Kit from 2018 is a hauntingly beautiful folk song. The track showcases the band’s signature harmonies, weaving a tapestry of sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Its mellowness, bolstered by acoustic guitar and gentle piano, lends an evocative, almost nostalgic air.

The song dives into themes of self-discovery and the highs and lows of existence. It’s a stirring tribute to embracing life’s journey with resilience. The line what will we leave behind reminds listeners of the impermanence of life and the importance of making lasting memories.

12. The Lion’s Roar – First Aid Kit

The Lion’s Roar by First Aid Kit, released in 2012, is a stirring piece of modern folk music. The song blends haunting harmonies with a lush instrumental backdrop, creating a raw, emotional experience. Its melancholic tone captures the essence of introspection and yearning, making it an evocative listen.

Key themes in The Lion’s Roar revolve around self-discovery and emotional resilience. Its poignant lyrics touch on the struggles and strength found in facing life’s adversities. The song’s contemplative nature resonates deeply, offering solace and a sense of understanding to its audience.

13. It’s a Shame – First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit’s song It’s a Shame is a gorgeous folk-rock ballad released in 2018. The melancholic tune laces lush harmonies with rich acoustic guitar work, creating a haunting and soothing soundscape. Its bittersweet lyrics explore themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, resonating deeply with the listener.

Interestingly, the inspiration behind the song stems from the duo’s travels and the sense of rootlessness they experienced. They captured this transient feeling with profound simplicity, effectively blending poignant storytelling with compelling melodies. The track’s authentic, heartfelt nature is a testament to their raw, emotional artistry.