Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)

Subject: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: Shelly B.
Date: 05 Nov 98 - 11:28 AM

In church choir last night we sang a song based on a Swedish folk tune - but the sheet music didn't say WHICH tune. It reminds me strongly of a story & song I heard a few years back. I'm hoping if I tell what I remember of the story, someone can help me find the song again! I "think" I remember hearing of it twice - the first time on PHC, as part of a story Mr. Keillor was telling of immigrants embarking on their boat trip, looking back to shore at the families they were leaving, until all they could see was their white handkerchiefs waving in the ever -increasing distance. Next time I heard it, it was Sally Rogers (or m-a-y-b-e Claudia Schmidt) talking about going to the Vesterheim museum in Decorah, looking for this song, and finding it in the first book she looked in. Not much to go on, I know. Thanks for helping! ~~ Shelly

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: Shelly B.
Date: 05 Nov 98 - 02:28 PM

...and I think the last phrase of the chorus is "but who can leave a friend behind without the tears that flow...'

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: Mikael Ahkoila, Sweden
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 03:30 PM

I think I know what tune you mean. Problem is I only have the swedish text for it.

It's a really sad song and the title translated should be "Goodbye, Farwell for the last time?"

It's an old traditional song with roots inte the 1850s when a lot of swedes emigrated to the USA.

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Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: Mikael Ahkoila, Sweden
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 03:31 PM

I think I know what tune you mean. Problem is I only have the swedish text for it.

It's a really sad song and the title translated should be "Goodbye, Farwell for the last time?"

It's an old traditional song with roots in the 1850s when a lot of swedes emigrated to the USA.

[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: T in Oklahoma
Date: 09 Nov 98 - 04:13 PM

I suspect some of my immigrant ancestors' attitude on leaving the old country was something like "get me OUT of this dusty old place!" Does anyone know of any HAPPY emigrant songs reflecting such an attitude ?

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: GUEST,Lisa
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 09:01 AM

If it's Swedish and the translated lyrics are correct, it really sounds like Who Can Sail Without Wind. Don't know of any immigrant connections, though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thBQl4B6QLA

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 12 Aug 10 - 11:08 AM

Thanks for the link, Lisa. That's a lovely tune.

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:25 AM

I knew I'd answered a question like this before. See this thread.

It was Sally Rogers, if that is the right song (which I think it is). A Shame the question was asked almost 12 years ago...

Subject: RE: Sad folk song about leaving Norway (Sweden?)
From: ClaireBear
Date: 13 Aug 10 - 10:32 AM

I forgot; that was Sally Rogers ASKING in that thread; she wasn't the singer. So maybe not the right song, but very similar in theme and origin.

Too earky. No coffee yet. Sorry!