Jokke & Valentinerne (English: Jokke and the Valentines) are concidered one… Read Full Bio ↴Jokke & Valentinerne (English: Jokke and the Valentines) are concidered one of the "four greats" of Norwegian rock and roll. Fronted by Joachim Nielsen (1964-2000) and his down-to-earth lyrics about everyday situations, this band was among the most beloved groups to emerge from the underground rock scene of the Norwegian capital.

The band was formed in 1982, with a lineup consisting of Nielsen on guitar and vocals, his long time partner May-Irene Aasen on drums and Håkon Torgersen on bass. Their debut album Alt kan repareres was released in 1986.

Much of the band's lyrics revolved around alcohol, and Jokke had a reputation of frequently getting drunk on stage. In 1992, he created a scandal when he received a Norwegian Grammy award whilst under the influence of drugs.

In the mid-90s, Jokke had developed a heroin addiction, and had several stays at rehabilitation clinics. By the turn of the millennium, many of his close friends believed that he had conquered his inner demons. In October 2000, while on leave from a rehabilitation clinic, Jokke died from a drug overdose.

In 2005, a double tribute album entitled "Det beste til meg og mine venner" (English: The best for me and my friends) was released, which featured some of Jokke's best known songs covered by Norwegian artists.

Hr. Smith
Jokke & Valentinerne Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Å stå opp tidlig er en selvfølge i det monotone livet ditt
Å spise frokost er en middelaldersk skikk
Du ha'kke tid til den slags dritt
Hei folkens her kommer Smith og gjett om han er tørst i dag
Hei folkens ikke bare litt, han spanderer sikkert hvis vi henger oss på
Alle står og ler av deg og prater bak din rygg
Alle står og ler av deg og venter på at du skal gå å utløse din trygd

Du blir sittende å lure på om man er dum fordi man er snill
Alle sitter i den samme båten, men du er den som alltid må ro
Hei folkens ta en titt på Smith, i stad var han kongen, men se på han nå
Nå er'n drita kan'kke gå et skritt og her er det tomt det er på tide å gå
Alle står og ler av deg og prater bak din rygg
Alle står og ler av deg og venter på at du skal gå å utløse din trygd

Når du ligger der 7 fot under, som en følge av kronisk kolikk
Trur du virkelig at noen der oppe vil komme til å huske deg Hr. Smith
Ikke prøv å snakk no' dritt om Smith, Smith var alltid god for en øl og en dram
Det er klart vi husker gamle Smith, vi har hatt mye moro med ham

Alle dem som lo av deg og prata bak din rygg
Alle dem som lo av deg har nå blitt dine beste venner, livet kan være stygt

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Hr Smith" by Jokke & Valentinerne tell the story of a man named Smith who lives a monotonous life, waking up early and not having time for breakfast. He is portrayed as someone who is kind and generous, always offering to buy drinks for his friends. However, his generosity is often taken advantage of by those around him, who talk behind his back and wait for him to collect his welfare check. Smith starts to feel like he is being laughed at and wonders if being kind is a sign of being dumb. The song ends with the realization that life can be cruel, but Smith's kindness made him many friends who will remember him fondly after he passes away.

The song's lyrics touch on themes of societal pressure, loneliness, and kindness. Smith represents those who are taken advantage of by society and feel like they don't fit in with the norm. The lyrics suggest that being kind and generous can have its drawbacks but ultimately lead to a fulfilling life.

Line by Line Meaning

Å stå opp tidlig er en selvfølge i det monotone livet ditt
Getting up early is a routine in your boring life

Å spise frokost er en middelaldersk skikk
Having breakfast is an outdated tradition

Du ha'kke tid til den slags dritt
You don't have time for such things

Hei folkens her kommer Smith og gjett om han er tørst i dag
Hey guys, here comes Smith and guess what, he's thirsty today

Hei folkens ikke bare litt, han spanderer sikkert hvis vi henger oss på
Hey guys, not just a little, he'll probably treat us if we join him

Alle står og ler av deg og prater bak din rygg
Everyone stands and laughs at you and talks behind your back

Alle står og ler av deg og venter på at du skal gå å utløse din trygd
Everyone laughs at you and waits for you to go cash your welfare check

Du blir sittende å lure på om man er dum fordi man er snill
You start to wonder if being nice makes you stupid

Alle sitter i den samme båten, men du er den som alltid må ro
Everyone is in the same boat, but you're the one always rowing

Hei folkens ta en titt på Smith, i stad var han kongen, men se på han nå
Hey guys, take a look at Smith, he was a king a moment ago, but look at him now

Nå er'n drita kan'kke gå et skritt og her er det tomt det er på tide å gå
Now he's wasted, can't even walk and it's empty here, it's time to go

Når du ligger der 7 fot under, som en følge av kronisk kolikk
When you lay 7 feet under, due to chronic colic

Trur du virkelig at noen der oppe vil komme til å huske deg Hr. Smith
Do you really think anyone up there will remember you, Mr. Smith?

Ikke prøv å snakk no' dritt om Smith, Smith var alltid god for en øl og en dram
Don't talk bad about Smith, he was always good for a beer and a dram

Det er klart vi husker gamle Smith, vi har hatt mye moro med ham
Of course we remember old Smith, we've had a lot of fun with him

Alle dem som lo av deg og prata bak din rygg
All those who laughed at you and talked behind your back

Alle dem som lo av deg har nå blitt dine beste venner, livet kan være stygt
All those who laughed at you have now become your best friends, life can be ugly

Contributed by Joshua L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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