You have, I suppose, seen Swedes dancing in circles, and leaping like frogs, and lifting their glasses and singing with joy, and you have likely seen a Midsummer celebration. The Midsommar pole (midsommarstång), a maypole decorated with flowers, is the main attraction of this favorite holiday, and the focus of traditional dances and songs.
The secret here is, though, that in order to really play along, you must be familiar with the songs. You may be going to Sweden the first time or just interested in this magical tradition, here are the most important Swedish songs you should know when attending the Midsommar pole.
1. Små grodorna (The Little Frogs)
There is one Midsummer song you must learn, and that is Små grodorna. This merry melody is the ultimate feature of the Midsommar pole dance.
- What it’s about: The lyrics talk about little frogs that have no ears and no tails. To perform it, the participants will skip around the pole in addition to using their hands to make floppy ear and tail-wagging movements.
- Why it matters: It’s fun, silly, and universal. Everyone—from children to grandparents—joins in, hopping and laughing together.
- Fun fact: The melody is in fact an ancient French military march. It eventually became a Swedish folk tradition linked to happiness and unity.
Therefore, when you are at a Midsummer party, feel free not to be shy, like a frog, and laugh at the people around you.
2. Björnen sover (The Bear Sleeps)
It is a very popular children song in Sweden and it usually finds its way into Midsummer celebrations.
- What it’s about: The song tells the story of a bear that is fast asleep in its den. But will it wake up? Children sing, tiptoe, and giggle their way through the game, pretending to be caught if the bear stirs.
- Why it matters: It’s a great way to get younger participants engaged in the celebration. While the Midsommar pole is for everyone, children especially love these playful moments.
3. Prästens lilla kråka (The Priest’s Little Crow)
Prästens lilla krakas is another old song that is frequently performed at Midsummer.
- What it’s about: This nursery rhyme song tells a funny story of the little crow of the priest.
- Why it matters: It is one of the three classic Midsummer songs (along with Små grodorna and Bjornen sover), so anyone who wants to join in will be required to know it.
- How it’s performed: It is typically sung as one goes round the pole, accompanied by playful motions to maintain the rhythm, like other songs.
Read More: Learning Swedish for Beginners
4. Helan går (The Whole Goes Down)
Not every Midsummer song is a children song. Others are left to the adults at the table, particularly when drinking songs are involved (snapsvisor).
- What it’s about: It tells of the singing of Helan går before the first shot of aquavit (a traditional Scandinavian spirit). The name translates to the whole goes down, which is the drinking of the entire shot.
- Why it matters: Singing in the pub is a Swedish tradition. Indeed, the Museum of Spirits in Stockholm has gathered over 12,000 drinking songs, many of which are sung at party events.
- Fun tradition: You cannot take a shot without listening to the first song.
At a Midsummer dinner full of herring, potatoes, and strawberries, you will hear this tune repeated many times.
5. Så går vi runt om ett enerissnår (Around the Juniper Bush We Go)
Så går vi runt om ett enerissnår is yet another classic dance song.
- What it’s about: This song is like ring around the rosie where one circles around and sings together. The lyrics refer to a juniper bush instead of a maypole.
- Why it matters: It keeps the dancing spirit alive and adds variety to the Midsummer repertoire.
6. Party Favorites for Modern Midsummer
Although the dancing around the Midsommar pole is dominated by traditional folk songs, there will be no shortage of modern Swedish pop hits that keep the party going. Some of the popular options are:
- “Sol, vind och vatten” by Ted Gärdestad
- “Sommartider” by Gyllene Tider
- “Oh, vilken härlig da’” by Ted Gärdestad
These songs are very summery and are usually played loudly at parties and outdoor events after the official circle dances are over.
Why Songs Matter at the Midsommar Pole
Songs are not background music at Midsummer, they are what bring the celebration alive. They:
- Encourage community participation, with everyone singing and dancing together.
- Blend old traditions with modern joy, from frog dances to pop anthems.
- Highlight Sweden’s unique culture, where music, laughter, and folklore create unforgettable memories.
To really feel Midsummer, it is best to learn some Swedish songs. You may frog-leap to Smo grodora, and laugh with Bjornen sover, or raise a glass to Helan gora, and that will have been something of the Swedish thing, and part of the witchcraft of the time.Then next June, when the Midsommar pole is up in the air and the music is playing, you will be prepared to sing and dance and celebrate like a Swede. Glad Midsommar!
