Lyrics - Norwegian
(Norwegian folk tune, lyrics by Jens Zetlitz, 1761 – 1821)
Hvor såre lidet vil der til
for lykkelig at være;
et muntert sinn, en piges smil,
en venn, som gjør dig ære,
en hytte, som dig skjule kan,
sundt brød og kildens klare vann,
så megen visdom at du vil
og bruger denne lære.
Gull har sin glans og makt sitt verd,
og rang vanærer ingen;
Det er rett smukt at være lærd,
men det er ikke tingen.
Nei, skjelve ei for dårens dom,
og tage dagen som den kom,
Er mer enn gull og ære verd,
og det deg røver ingen.
English Translation - How little hurt there would be
How little hurt there would be
too happy to be;
a cheerful mind, a girl’s smile,
a friend who honors you,
a cabin that can hide you,
healthy bread and the spring’s clear water,
as much wisdom as you want
and uses this teaching.
Gold has its luster and power its value,
and rank disgraces no one;
It is quite beautiful to be learned,
but that is not the point.
No, do not tremble at the judgment of the fool,
and take the day as it comes,
Is worth more than gold and honor,
and that robs you of no one.
See also
- Country: Norway
- Subject: positive message
- Form: AABA
- Harmony: chords I, IV, V
- Meter: 6/8
- Scale: major
- Source: Sons of Norway, Supreme Lodge of the Sons of Norway, Minnesota, 1948
YouTube
- PDF of song with chords
- MIDI file
- Listen to the melody