Music

För Att Mänskan Skall

Deeply rooted in Swedish cultural heritage, the Snaps Song tradition holds a special place in celebratory gatherings. Almost always they are based on very familiar traditional melodies or, in this case, on a children’s song.

Bä, Bä Vita Lamm, which translates to Baa, Baa white lamb, is known by every swede. In the snaps song version the melody remains the same but the words are changed. Sometimes there is a completely new text, but very often the new text rhymes with the original and has several common elements or phrases, but ends up being a humorous travesty of the original.

At parties the song would usually be printed up on song sheets and sung in unison, but when it is covered by an organized choir, such as the Atlanta choir Vasa Drängar, there is often a very elaborate arrangement with multiple harmonies. In men’s choirs it would typically be sung in four harmonies, but certain notes may have as many as six or seven parts.

The Swedish text is below with translation next to it.

För att mänskan skall (In order for people to)
trivas på vår jord, (enjoy themselves on our planet)
Fordras att hon har (It is required she has)
på sitt smörgåsbord: (on her smörgåsbord)
en stor stor sup åt far (A big, big shot for dad)
en liten sup åt mor (a smaller shot for mom)
och två små droppar (And two small drops)
åt lille, lille bror. (for little brother)

Click below for an audio sample of “För att mänskan skall” which is representative of one of many styles of music performed by Vasa Drängar

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Kvarten – The Beautiful Fourth

Welcome to the blog of Vasa Drängar, the Atlanta based men’s choir. Today we are covering the fourth installment in the series of Swedish Schnapps songs or snapsvisor as it is called in Swedish.

Originally people supposedly had first a whole shot, “Helan”, and then second shot was half a shot, “Halvan”.

Over time the tradition has changed to mean something a little bit different. The first schnapps is still called “Helan”, the whole, but in now it is simply the first shot of the evening or perhaps the day if this is a holiday party and we gat started earlier. The second Schnapps is call “Halvan” or the half, but again in this context it means the second drink.

For some people the two drinks might mean the end of the drinking for this particular occasion, but for others that are extra thirsty, the singing and the drinking continues. The third drink is called “Tersen” which is probably based on the music term meaning a third or in this case the third drink.

Each of these drinks of course have its own designated drinking song, or schnapps song, and many of these sequential drinks have more than one song named in their honor.

Which brings us today to the fourth drink “Kvarten”, which means quarter and it happened to be such a beautiful melody that it got the name “Vackra Kvarten” of course meaning the beautiful fourth.

A common theme in most of these songs is that from the very beginning it is made very clear that if you don’t drink the first one, you can’t have the second one. Similarly, you are not allowed to drink the third one until you had the second one and so on. Irrefutable logic at its best.

What is typically allowed, however, is to sip your drinks very carefully so that your first schnapps lasts for several songs. That way you can keep singing and participating even if the number of songs reach into the twenties.

Here is a sample of Vackra Kvarten. True to tradition it spells out that he who does not take the fourth cannot have the fifth either.

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Tersen – The Third Schnapps

At a typical Swedish party there will be plenty of singing. Often in unison, but very often with some added harmonies if there are some qualified singers present. The most common type of song is going to be a schnapps song, but there are many other short humorous songs that people sing.

True to tradition though, if there is drinking going on, it can only happen after an appropriate song. There can be any number of songs dedicated to schnapps, but if they get as far as the third one, it is appropriate to sing the song “Tersen”, which means third.

The text is as follows. Translation in parethesis.

Ren helan slunkit ner (The first one already slipped down)
och halvan tagen är. (And the second has been taken)
Men magen vill ha mer, (But my tummy still wants more)
men magen vill ha mer, (My tummy still wants more)
ej släckt är dess begär. (It’s desire has not been satisfied)
Till tersen nu den trår, (It’s longing for the third)
till tersen nu den trår. (It’s longing for the third)
Så drickom, drickom, (So let’s drink, let’s drink)
skål, gutår. (Cheers, Drink up!)

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Halvan: schnapps Number two

Schnapps songs hold a significant place in Sweden’s cultural heritage. Originating in the 18th or 19th century, drinking songs have become a cherished part of Swedish celebrations, such as Midsummer, Christmas, weddings as well as any party where people gather and at least one person can sing. With their catchy melodies and participatory nature, they are a cornerstone of Swedish festivities, making singing a beloved tradition across generations.

The concept of “Halvan” is an old Swedish tradition. Halvan, which translates to “The Half,” is a popular drinking song in Sweden. It follows sequentially after another famous schnapps song called “Helan,” meaning “The Whole” or “The First.” While Helan is associated with the beginning of the schnapps-drinking ritual, Halvan is another word for the second, as in schnapps number two. These songs are often sung in tandem during festivities, symbolizing the progression of the drinking experience.

The most famous version of Halvan is based on a song written by the composer Gunnar Wennerberg called “Hur länge skall i Norden den döda fred bestå?” This phrase means “how long shall in the north, the peace of death be allowed to last? The composer was basically trying to rally up some emotions in a war effort.

The travesty version Halvan used the same catchy melody as the original, but the words were changed to “Hur länge skall på borden, den lilla halvan stå?” , meaning – “how long shall on the table, the little second schnapps be allowed to remain?”

The Halvan version is today the better known one that has stood the test of time. Sung during festive occasions, Halvan exemplifies the joy and togetherness found in Swedish celebrations, making it an enduring and beloved tradition.

Click below for a sample of the arrangement often performed by the Atlanta based men’s choir Vasa Drängar.

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Embracing the Joy of Acapella with “Helan Går”

Welcome to our blog post, where today we delve into the joyous world of acapella singing, Swedish party style, with the beloved classic “Helan Går.” This traditional Swedish Schnapps song has been a staple at celebrations for generations, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and merriment. In this article, we explore the infectious charm of “Helan Går” in acapella renditions, and how it has become an anthem of togetherness at Swedish parties. Join us as we raise our glasses, harmonize our voices, and immerse ourselves in the harmonious revelry of “Helan Går.”

“Helan Går” is a lively drinking song deeply rooted in Swedish tradition. With its catchy melody and humorous lyrics, it has become a cherished anthem of celebration and togetherness. Sung during festive occasions, especially when toasting with aquavit or other traditional Swedish spirits, “Helan Går” encapsulates the vibrant spirit of Swedish party culture.

First mentioned in writing in 1843, Helan Går has become a pillar of Swedish tradition and culture. When Sweden’s ice hockey team won the 1957 World Ice Hockey Championships in Moscow, not all of the Swedish players knew the lyrics to the Swedish national anthem “Du Gamla, Du Fria”, so the players sang Helan går instead. When the famous Austro-Hungarian composer Franz Lehar visited Sweden in 1936 he heard performances of the song and believed it to be Sweden’s national anthem. He was so impressed that upon his return home he sat down and wrote five variations on the song to illustrate five different emotional moods.

In recent years, acapella renditions of “Helan Går” have gained popularity, offering a unique twist to this age-old classic. By stripping away instruments, acapella arrangements bring the pure beauty of vocal harmonies to the forefront. Singers use their voices to recreate the melody, percussion, and even mimic the sound of clinking glasses, creating an immersive and captivating musical experience.

  1. Vocal Six: This Swedish acapella group delivers a spirited rendition of “Helan Går” with their impeccable harmonies and infectious energy. Their vibrant vocal arrangements and playful delivery make it impossible to resist joining in and raising a glass to celebrate.
  2. The Real Group: Known for their exceptional vocal talents, The Real Group infuses “Helan Går” with their signature blend of creativity and precision. Their acapella rendition showcases tight harmonies, dynamic vocal improvisation, and an infectious rhythm that will have partygoers singing and clinking glasses in unison.
  3. Rajaton: The Finnish vocal ensemble Rajaton puts their unique touch on “Helan Går” with their masterful vocal skills. Their harmonies are beautifully intertwined, evoking a sense of joy and camaraderie that perfectly complements the festive spirit of the song.
  4. Vasa Drängar: This Atlanta based Swedish men’s choir has taken on what could be described as the most ambitious attempt to date at a performance of “Helan Går”. The choir’s founding member, Göran Rygert, set out to arrange the song for men’s choir in four harmonies based on the above-mentioned five variations by Franz Lehar. This very demanding and incredibly entertaining version has only been performed a handful of times for local audiences in Atlanta.

Incorporating “Helan Går” into your Swedish party playlist adds an element of tradition and unifies guests in joyous celebration. Here are a few tips to embrace the spirit of “Helan Går” at your next gathering:

  1. Gather your guests: Encourage everyone to come together in a circle, forming a sense of unity and togetherness.
  2. Raise your glasses: As the song begins, raise your glasses high in the air, ready to toast and sing.
  3. Sing with gusto: Embrace the infectious melody and humorous lyrics of “Helan Går,” encouraging everyone to join in and sing their hearts out.
  4. Mimic the sounds: In acapella fashion, create the sounds of clinking glasses and cheerfully interact with the lyrics, adding a touch of theatricality and fun.

“Helan Går” in acapella form brings an extra layer of charm and vocal camaraderie to Swedish party traditions. With its lively melody and catchy lyrics, this beloved drinking song quickly sets the tone of the party. Here is a sample arranged for men’s choir.

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