While some songs are original, many come from traditional Norwegian folk songs. Some songs are based on the poems of the Norwegian poet Astrid Krogh Halse. These include "Følgje" ("Companion") and "Stengd Dør ("Closed Door"). The music consists of guitaring, violins, synthesized keyboarding, drumming, and the distinctive voice of Gunnhild Sundli.
On September 6th, 2005, the band announced that they would "take a break" to pursue other stuff, mostly because of Gunnhild's desire to do something else. This came as a surprise to many, as the band has been a success both in Norway and abroad, especially in Germany. However, they released a new album in 2006, Liva, a live recording from Rockefeller, Oslo.
Gåte returned for a one-time performance during the culture festival UKA in Trondheim, on October 24, 2009. After the success with this concert, they announced they would tour festivals in Norway in the summer of 2010. The band reunited another time in 2017 and in 2024 they participated in Melodi Grand Prix, winning the competition with the song Ulveham and thus being given the right to represent Norway at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
Wikipedia page
Fredlysning
Gåte Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
høgt over gråor og havskjær og eng.
Let varje få ferdas i vallmarkon fritt
og tå i det lende han meiner er sitt.
Let bjønnen få vakna og gange ut i hi,
kvil seg på rabbom og kjenne seg fri.
Let blomsteren få vekse og falde seg ut,
og somne i skogon når såmmår er slut.
Men menneskjebonna ska dei takast med?
Ska kje dei og få låvå på jorda i fred?
The lyrics of Gåte's song "Fredlysning" are a powerful and thought-provoking call to preserving the beauty and balance of nature. The verses speak of the importance of letting animals and plants flourish and roam freely in their natural habitats, without human interference. The first verse invites the eagle to soar high above the trees and the sea, spreading its wings and enjoying its freedom. The second verse calls for every creature to wander in the wilderness, finding their place and purpose in the world. The third verse paints a peaceful picture of a bear waking up from hibernation, resting on the heather, and embracing its wildness. The fourth verse touches upon the beauty of wildflowers and their cyclic process of blooming and falling into slumber when summer is over.
However, the last line of the chorus - "But should human beings not be allowed to live on earth in peace?" - brings a twist to the otherwise idyllic portrayal of nature. The song raises the important question of whether we, as humans, are entitled to claim ownership of the earth and all its resources, or whether we should be more mindful of our impact on the natural world. It suggests that we need to find a way to coexist with nature, rather than dominate and exploit it.
Overall, "Fredlysning" is a poetic and urgent reminder of the importance of preserving our planet and the creatures that inhabit it. It challenges us to reconsider our relationship with nature and to work towards a more harmonious and sustainable future.
Line by Line Meaning
Let ørnin få låva og breid ut sin veng
Allow the eagle to spread its wings high above the gray alders, the rocky shores and meadows.
Let varje få ferdas i vallmarkon fritt
Let each individual move freely in the wilderness, and roam wherever they believe is their land.
Let bjønnen få vakna og gange ut i hi, kvil seg på rabbom og kjenne seg fri.
Let the bear wake up and leave its den, rest on the heather and feel free.
Let blomsteren få vekse og falde seg ut, og somne i skogon når såmmår er slut.
Let the flowers grow and bloom, and drift away in the forest when summer is over.
Men menneskjebonna ska dei takast med?
But should humans also be taken along?
Ska kje dei og få låvå på jorda i fred?
Shouldn't they also have the right to live on the earth in peace?
Contributed by Bella I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.