The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #71700   Message #1231867
Posted By: open mike
22-Jul-04 - 10:41 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Alternative to 'Happy Birthday'
Subject: Lyr Add: JA, MÅ DU LEVA
Swedish Birthday Song "JA, MÅ DU LEVA"

A birthday celebration in Sweden often starts early in the morning. The family "surprises" the one with a birthday by bringing in a special breakfast tray with a hot beverage, sweet roll and lighted candle and singing "Ja, må du leva".

This song is sung to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions. The Swedish version as well as an English translation are presented here.
Swedish Version

Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva, Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva,
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva, Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva,
Ja, må du (han,hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.

Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva, Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva,
Ja, visst ska du (han, hon, dom) leva uti hundrade år.

"Ett fyraldigt leve... leve du (han, hon, dom). HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH."

English Translation

Yes, may you (he, she, they) live, Yes, may you (he, she, they) live,
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live for a hundred years.
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live, Yes, may you (he, she, they) live,
Yes, may you (he, she, they) live for a hundred years.

Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live for a hundred years.
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live,
Oh sure, you (he, she, they) will live for a hundred years.

"A four fold cheer ... cheer for you (him,her, them). HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH, HURRAH."