Monica Zetterlund (born Monica Nilsson on September 20, 1937 in Hagfors, Vä… Read Full Bio ↴Monica Zetterlund (born Monica Nilsson on September 20, 1937 in Hagfors, Värmlands län, Sweden, died May 12, 2005 in Stockholm, Sweden) was a Swedish singer and actress.

She appeared in more than 20 films and television series, including The Emigrants (1971) with Liv Ullman and Max von Sydow.

She was above all an outstanding singer, particularly noted for her jazz songs. In 1964 she recorded the jazz album Waltz for Debby with Bill Evans. She was regarded as a role model by many younger Swedish singers. Her long career also included En gång i Stockholm (Once Upon a Time in Stockholm) with which she represented Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1963. She finished last and scored the infamous null points, but still managed to remain successful in Sweden.

She was known to suffer from scoliosis, and as a result was forced to retire from performing in 1999.

On May 12, 2005, she died in an accidental fire in her apartment in Stockholm.

Jag Vet En Deglig Rosa
Monica Zetterlund Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Jag vet en dejlig rosa
Och vit som liljeblad
När jag på henne tänker
Så görs mitt hjärta glad

Dess stämma ger en hjärtans tröst
Lik näktergalens blida röst
Så hövisk och så ljuv

Som solen fagert skiner

Är hon som purpur klar
Gud låt dig aldrig sörja
Men alltid vara glad
Må de få komma samman

Med hjärtans fröjd och gamman
Som längta till varann'

Overall Meaning

Monica Zetterlund's song "Jag Vet En Deglig Rosa" is a beautiful piece that captures the essence of true love. The song tells the story of a person admiring a rose, which is both lovely and white, like the leaves of a lily. The mere thought of the rose brings a glowing feeling to the heart of the singer, indicating the song's romantic undertones. The rose's voice is gentle, similar to the soothing lullaby of a nightingale, and brings comfort to the singer's heart.

The song goes on to highlight the charisma and beauty of the rose. She is noble, gracious, and vibrant like the sun's warmth. Her clarity is overwhelming, and the singer desires that she never grieves but instead finds happiness with her love. The last verse wraps up the song in a harmonious tone, evoking a sense of joy and satisfaction. The singer longs for the rose's heart to unite with her lover in pure delight and happiness.

Line by Line Meaning

Jag vet en dejlig rosa
I know of a lovely rose

Och vit som liljeblad
And as white as a lily

När jag på henne tänker
When I think of her

Så görs mitt hjärta glad
My heart becomes happy

Dess stämma ger en hjärtans tröst
Her voice gives heartfelt comfort

Lik näktergalens blida röst
Like the soft voice of a nightingale

Så hövisk och så ljuv
So courteous and sweet

Som solen fagert skiner
As beautifully as the sun shines

Är hon som purpur klar
She is as bright as clear purple

Gud låt dig aldrig sörja
God, don't let you ever sorrow

Men alltid vara glad
But always be happy