In 1964, Cornelis Vreeswijk, a 27 year old mental care student, attends a party where he performs a song he has written. One of the guests is the artist
Fred Åkerström who brings Cornelis with him to a record company, Metronome. The company is immediately attracted to his songs and soon after Cornelis' first album is released. He becomes a national sensation, frequently on tour and recording new albums. But his successful career with staying away from home, excessive drinking and his stint in prison puts a strain on his marriage.
—Mattias Thuresson