What Does Folina Sahlo Mean?
Today Tyler was asked about the elusive phrase, Folina Sahlo in a reddit AMA. He said “it's what we cry out in TRENCH when we are in need.” I had a few theories going - maybe an anagram, maybe something that makes more sense if sung in a round. After some screaming in three different chat rooms, here's what I've got:
If Folina Sahlo (or Sahlo Folina) is something you cry out in Trench, then it's “the sound you make when in between two places.”
When Tyler first sings the line, it's with his voice alone. He's just got done talking about his revelations about how the fire Dema is “heatless;” it lacks true substance and meaning (unlike the torches and campfires of the Banditos). His mind feels trapped like neon gas in a tube- gas which in nature always tries to expand, but can't here. He's also not sure whether he should fight his fears (over his revelations, over the thought of escaping, over himself?) or believe them, “but either way it helps to hear the words bounce off of you.” This brilliant line has 2 interpretations:
It's about us, the clique, singing his words back at him in concert. It helps him, provides some validation.
In Trench, it's a call for help, meant to be answered by any Bandito who hears it. It's a rally cry of support. If you yell it out, and get an answer, it means that you're not alone. Kind of like wolves howling.
The amazing part of this is that these two meanings converge- we are the Banditos. Tyler calls out to us and we sing back, telling him he's not alone.
The song illustrates this by transitioning from Tyler singing solo to be joined (first by Josh's drums, aww) and then by a growing chorus of other voices. The next time this musical theme is visited in the album is Leave the City, where it's done even more deliberation and build; Tyler sings “In Trench I'm not alone. These faces facing me they know... what I mean.”
Sahlo Folina isn’t a real phrase, it’s an echo of one. Even if it’s an anagram or a word in Somali, what it MEANS doesn't matter. It's the fact that Tyler calls, and the Banditos answer. WE answer.
I know, it’s a kitchen sink thing, I’m sorry! But if you’re not satisfied, please just imagine Tyler singing Folina Sahlo for their live show, and us, who also find ourselves in between two places, echoing it back.