The Swedish anthem was written in 1844. The author – Richard Dybeck – chose the melody of an old folk song from Västmanland to create the hymn and named it “Sång till Norden” (Song of the North).
The song originated at a time when a “pan-Scandinavian” movement was strong, which is why it is a “song in the north” and not just to Sweden. This has resulted in other verses being written that are more patriotic. However, these additional verses never gained popularity and were never considered part of the national anthem.
Swedish national anthem
| Du gamla, Du fria, Du fjällhöga nord Du tysta, Du glädjerika sköna! Jag hälsar Dig, vänaste land uppå jord, 𝄆 Din sol, Din himmel, Dina ängder gröna. 𝄇 | You ancient, you free, you mountainous north You quiet, you joyful beauty! I greet you, loveliest land upon Earth, 𝄆 Your sun, your sky, your green landscapes. 𝄇 | |
| II | ||
| Du tronar på minnen från fornstora da’r, då ärat Ditt namn flög över jorden. Jag vet att Du är och Du blir vad Du var. 𝄆 Ja, jag vill leva, jag vill dö i Norden. 𝄇 | You are enthroned on memories of great olden days, When honoured your name flew across the Earth, I know that you are and remain what you were, 𝄆 Yes, I want to live, I want to die in the North. 𝄇 | |
| III | ||
| Jag städs vill dig tjäna, mitt älskade land, dig trohet till döden vill jag svära. Din rätt skall jag värna med håg och med hand, 𝄆 din fana, högt den bragderika bära. 𝄇 | I forever want to serve you, my beloved land, fidelity until death I want to swear to you. Your right I shall defend with mind and with hand, 𝄆 the glorious ones carry your banner high. 𝄇 | |
| IV | ||
| Med Gud skall jag kämpa för hem och för härd för Sverige, den kära fosterjorden. Jag byter Dig ej, mot allt i en värld 𝄆 Nej, jag vill leva jag vill dö i Norden. 𝄇 | With God I shall fight for home and for hearth, for Sweden, the beloved mother soil. Exchange you, I won’t for anything in this world 𝄆 No, I want to live, I want to die in the North 𝄇 |
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