#14 Sommer på jorda - Norwegian summer song decoded [på norsk] [kultur]

Dive into the heart of Norwegian summer through music as we explore and translate the beloved classic "Sommer på jorda" by Postgirobygget. This immersive language episode breaks down a quintessential Norwegian summer anthem line by line, offering you a unique opportunity to expand your vocabulary while gaining authentic cultural insights.

The magic of this episode lies in its methodical approach to language learning through song. First, you'll hear each lyric in slow, clear Oslo dialect, followed by its English translation, allowing you to absorb both meaning and pronunciation. We explore fascinating linguistic features like the blending of R+S sounds and other pronunciation patterns that make Norwegian unique. For language enthusiasts seeking regional variations, the song is also presented in Bergen dialect, highlighting the fascinating differences between Norway's major linguistic regions.

Beyond just vocabulary, this song teaches you about Norwegian summer culture – from coastal towns like Langesund to highway traffic jams on E18, from seaside delicacies to the precious feeling of warmth after long winters. Through lyrics about cold beers, salty shrimp, tanned skin, and living in the moment, you'll understand why summer holds such a special place in Norwegian hearts.

Whether you're a beginner picking up new words or an advanced learner fine-tuning your pronunciation, this musical approach to language learning offers an engaging alternative to traditional study methods. The episode includes tips for using music as a learning tool and suggestions for how to practice with the original song after listening. Send your feedback about this format – your input shapes future episodes and helps create the most useful content for your Norwegian language journey!

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Norwegian Summer Song
• 3:14 Translation Method and Podcast Updates
• 6:03 First Verse Translation: Langesund Summer
• 9:28 Chorus and Second Verse Translation
• 18:40 Bergen Dialect Version
• 30:41 Closing Thoughts on Norwegian Summer

Transcript

Sommer på jorda - Postgirobygget (2003)

Når sola henger høyt over Langesund
When the sun hangs high over Langesund

Og hjernen er myk og jorda er rund
And the brain is soft and the earth is round

Og Wrightegaarden ligger der den alltid lå
And Wrightegaarden lies where it always lied

Og pilsen er kald og sorgene små
And the beer is cold and the sorrows small

Når køen på E18 er gått i stå
When the queue on the E18* has come to a standstill *European road, mostly highway

Og alle går og banner og ingen kan forstå
And everyone goes around swearing and no one can understand

At det er sommer på jorda
That it is summer on earth

Når terna går i spinn over Langesund
When the tern goes nuts over Langesund

Og katta er mett og tar seg en blund
And the cat is full and takes a nap

Og jenta di er gyllenbrun og sommerpen
And your girl is golden-brown (tanned) and summer pretty

Og bare har på seg solfaktor en
And is only wearing sun protection factor one

Når rekene er salte og jenta di er søt
When the shrimps are salty and your girl is sweet

Og tørre kontorister har lagt kroppen sin i bløt
And dry office clerks have soaked their bodies

Da er det sommer på jorda
Then it is summer on earth

Refreng:

Chorus:

Sommer på jorda
Summer on earth

Smil overalt
Smiles everywhere

Himmelen er gjennomsiktig, havet blått og salt
The sky is transparent, the sea blue and salty

Og jentene er søtere enn markjordbær på strå
And the girls are sweeter than wild strawberries on a straw

Sommer på jorda
Summer on earth

Livet, det er nå
Life, that is now

Når sommernatta kler seg i perlemor
When the summer night dresses itself in mother-of-pearl / nacre

Og jenta di gir deg himmel på jord
And your girl gives you heaven on earth

Og klokka di er full av vann og går i stå
And your watch is full of water and stops working

Og jobben var før, og livet er nå
And work was before and life is now

Når krabbene er fulle, og hjernen din er tom
When the crabs are full and your brain is empty

Og sola varmer sjela di, og havet roper kom
And the sun warms your soul and the sea calls “come”

Da er det sommer på jorda
Then it is summer on earth

Refreng: x 2

Chorus: x 2