Faroese record label TUTL has just released Eivør Pálsdóttir’s new album, Bridges. The lyrics to the song “Tides” were written by West Virginian poet Randi Ward. Ward says that the lyrics were largely inspired by the Faroese legend of kópakonan, or the seal woman, of Mikladalur.

Ward also remembers hearing Faroese villagers tell her that people who die at sea, especially those who commit suicide, become selkies. In the song, these legends serve as a metaphor for exploring pain, transformation, and agency.

Here is Eivør Pálsdóttir performing her stunning song, “Tides.” The live show was recorded by Kringvarp Føroya in Tórshavn in 2016.