“Almost Heaven” by Isak Danielson
by Amanda London· Published · Updated
The title of this song (“Almost Heaven”) points to the idea of the singer nearly reaching an ideal state of existence but being unable to actually get there. What he is actually speaking to behind the religion-related metaphors, as illustrated by the cover art for instance, is the concept of gay love. Or even more specifically he finds himself as a homosexual man in a setting where such is not accepted. So basically “heaven”, as presented throughout the song, as well as the related references represent a world in which the vocalist can enjoy his same-sex romance freely. And for the most part he is fantasizing about relishing such a state alongside the addressee, who would be his lover.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();What is the meaning of the title (“Almost Heaven”)?
The use of “Almost” in the title of this song indicates the writer’s belief that he nearly reached a certain ideal state but couldn’t actually do so due to a possible resistance. The said ideal state to him is comparable to heaven.
Is this song really about a gay relationship?
Yes. The cover art of the song, which captures two men lying side by side, gives more meaning to the song’s lyrics. The artist finds himself in a same-sex relationship. However, he and his partner cannot be together in a world that frowns upon such unions. Now all he does is imagine a world where he and his lover could freely enjoy their romance without feeling precluded.
Facts about “Almost Heaven”
“Almost Heaven” was written by Jeremiah Lloyd Harmon, the artist who originally dropped the tune back in 2018. Danielson’s version is therefore a bona fide cover. And interesting to note is that Danielson’s version became even more famous than the original.
');var c=function(){cf.showAsyncAd(opts)};if(typeof window.cf !== 'undefined')c();else{cf_async=!0;var r=document.createElement("script"),s=document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];r.async=!0;r.src="//";r.readyState?r.onreadystatechange=function(){if("loaded"==r.readyState||"complete"==r.readyState)r.onreadystatechange=null,c()}:r.onload=c;s.parentNode.insertBefore(r,s)}; })();Danielson released his version on 16 October 2020.
The producer of the track, who utilized a string ensemble consisting of almost 20 musicians, is Kevin Andersson. And the song can be found on Danielson’s 2021 album entitled “Tomorrow Never Came”.
Is the song’s original writer (Jeremiah Harmon) gay?
Yes. In 2019, Harmon revealed that his parents still can’t bring themselves to accept that he is gay. According to Harmon, he first realized he was gay when he around age nine. He said it was at that point in his life that he noticed he was attracted to other boys.
Harmon was catapulted into the spotlight via his participation in the seventh season of American Idol. He actually auditioned for the show with his own original song “Almost Heaven”. At the end of the show, Harmon placed sixth.
