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
Snåle mi jente
Gåte Lyrics
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Så ska no eg vera guten din,
Det kan du helse heimat til pappa din
Hikta, fikta,
Fer ikkje gale,
Kasta du bort en skarvuttu vane,
Nei så men om eg vil ha deg,
men no har eg funne meg ein som stannar meg bi,
så no kan du reise heimat med råva di.
The song "Snåle mi jente" by Gåte is a traditional Norwegian folk song about a man who proposes to a woman, telling her that if she wants to get married, he will be her man. He tells her to go home and tell her father that he will be her husband. The song is sung in a cheerful, upbeat manner, with the man presenting himself as the ideal candidate for the woman's hand in marriage. He has found a faithful partner who will stand by him, unlike the woman who had betrayed him the previous year. The chorus urges the woman not to hesitate, but to accept the offer while there is still time.
The title of the song, "Snåle mi jente," translates to "My cunning girl" in English. The song is believed to have originated in the northern part of Norway, where it was a popular song at local festivals and celebrations. The lyrics reflect the cultural values of the region, with the emphasis on marriage and family relations. The man offers himself as a protector and provider for the woman, with the expectation that she will honor his commitment and stay loyal to him.
The theme of the song is reminiscent of many traditional folk songs from around the world, which often feature courtship and marriage as central themes. However, the lyrics of "Snåle mi jente" also incorporate a sense of caution, warning the woman not to repeat the mistakes of the past. The song is a reminder that love and commitment require trust, respect, and mutual understanding to thrive.
Line by Line Meaning
Snåle mi jente, vil du deg gifte, Så ska no eg vera guten din, Det kan du helse heimat til pappa din
My dear thrifty girl, if you want to marry, then I'll be your man, you can tell your father about it
Hikta, fikta, Fer ikkje gale, Kasta du bort en skarvuttu vane,
Hurry, hurry, Don't go wrong, You threw away a stupid habit
Nei så men om eg vil ha deg, for i fjor ville du bedra meg,
But if I want you, because last year you wanted to betray me,
men no har eg funne meg ein som stannar meg bi, så no kan du reise heimat med råva di.
But now I have found someone who stands by me, so now you can go home with your mess
Contributed by Sophia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.