Det norske spøkelse
John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen Lyrics

The lyrics of John Olav Nilsen & Gjengen's song "Det norske spøkelse" depict a nostalgic reflection on past memories and a sense of longing for freedom. The opening lines reminisce about dancing after sharing a bottle of wine and the things they needed to feel liberated. The mention of the "Norske spøkelset" (Norwegian ghost) taking the singer at the age of nine adds an eerie element to the narrative. The following lines describe waiting on a street corner for a brand-new used car, possibly symbolizing the desire for something new and exciting.

The chorus reveals a sense of impending self-destruction, comparing it to the destruction that has already befallen someone else. It suggests that the singer's actions or circumstances will lead to their own downfall, perhaps paralleling the negative consequences that the other person has already experienced.

As the song progresses, the lyrics convey a shift in time and situation. The nostalgia for dancing is replaced by a statement that it has been a long time since they last danced. The mention of a boat gone and the singer living on the other side implies a change in location or circumstances. The line "knekker en liter, prøver å samle biter" translates to "breaking a liter, trying to collect pieces," which may metaphorically symbolize attempting to gather broken fragments of oneself. The final line, "søler blod på blanke sider" (spilling blood on blank pages), suggests a sense of pain, struggle, and vulnerability.

Overall, the song captures a sense of longing for the past, a recognition of potential self-destruction, and a reflection on the passage of time and changing circumstances.