Gustafs skål
English: Gustav's Toast | |
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Cover from Gustafs skål | |
Royal anthem of Sweden | |
Lyrics | Carl Michael Bellman, 19 August 1772 |
Music | Carl Michael Bellman, 19 August 1772 |
Gustafs skål (English: Gustav's Toast), is a song written by Carl Michael Bellman as a salutation to Gustav III of Sweden, following the coup d'état of 1772, which made himself an autocrat and ended the parliamentary age of liberty. The king very much liked the song and informally it came to function as his royal anthem.[1]
Lyrics
Swedish
1. Gustafs skål!
Den bäste Kung, som Norden äger:
Han ej tål,
At vigtskåln ojämt väger.
God och glad,
Han Ilskans röst föraktar
Samt afvaktar
Och betraktar
Dårskap i sin grad.
2. Sådan Kung
Är värd att styra Sveriges öden:
Rask och ung,
Ej rådlös uti nöden.
Wasa Ätt
Har aldrig lärt att svika,
Aldrig tvika,
Men at fika
Till at göra rätt.
Translation
1. Gustav's Toast!
The greatest king of the north:
He can't rest,
While injustice rules.
Decent and cheerful,
He detests anger
and waits
and studies
lunacy in progress
2. A king like he
Is worthy to govern Sweden's destiny
Bold and young
Never in hopeless need
Of Vasa dynasty
Is taught to never fail
Never hesitate
But rather do
What is just and fair.