Shu-bi-duas formation was as a tongue-in-cheek act, rewriting beat and in particular rock´n´roll classics with danish lyrics using college humour and satire. Already on the first album - they combined this with original material - often writing in pastiche. Their sound developed from rock in the early 70s - to pop in the 80s and into entertainment (or dansktop) in later years - but often using and intermixing styles from bossanova and reggae over rockabilly to synthpop to underline their humour. Their lyrics have kept up the satirical tone throughout the years and although they have shied away from the direct political blurbs and kept up a fun and games attitude - they have nevertheless described danish middle class society, its beliefs and desires - often to devastating effects. As such they have been a noteworthy inspiration for danish lyrics in pop rock and also for the wit and satire of later bands like MC Einar, Ibens and Det Brune Punktum.
To date Shubidua's discography is getting close to 30 albums (18 studioalbums). They have had many hits in Denmark like Vuffeli-vov, Hvalborg, Står på en Alpetop, Stærk Tobak (to the music from The Beatles song Twist and Shout), Familien kom til Kaffe, Sex Chikane, We wanna be free, and many more -all of whom have classical status as golden oldies. They reached maximum sales and accolade with the albums between 1978-1982.
The group formed in 1973 in Copenhagen by vocalist Bundesen, Jens Tage Nielsen and members of the rock group Passport : (guitarists Michael Hardinger and Poul Meyendorff, the drummer Bosse Hall Christensen, and bass guitarist Niels Grønbech). Passport, released the single Tomorrow/Everything's Wrong in early 1973. Shu-bi-dua released the single Fed Rock/Tynd Blues which became a hit single. After the release of one more Passport single with new members Bundesen and Nielsen, called Change of the Guard/Highway of Living, the serious english project was dropped, and the band continued as Shu-bi-dua,
In 1974 they released their first self-titled album Shu-bi-dua. After the first album, Poul Meyendorf left the group and was replaced by Claus Asmussen, who was technician on the first.
Since then the group has had numerous changes in its lineup. Kim Daugaard replaced Niels Grønbech in 1977, Willy Pedersen replaced Jens Tage Nielsen, and Kasper Winding replaced Bosse Hall Christensen in 1981. In 1984 Michael Bundesen left the group to lead the Copenhagen TV network "Kanal 2", and simultaneously Kasper Winding left to be replaced by Paul Callaby. In 1987 Jørgen Thorup was made a permanent member in the group when Willy Pedersen left. Thorup had been singing backup vocals since Shu-bi-dua 11 in 1985. In 1987 Michael Bundesen returned as lead singer, while Søren Jacobsen also joined the band. In 1988 Peter Andersen replaced Paul Callaby as drummer, and shortly thereafter Søren Jacobsen left the band again. After having made the film Den røde tråd in 1989, they went on a sabbatical until their return in 1992 with the hit single Sexchikane. In the intervening years their back catalog was rereleased on CD in 1990, and in 1991 a Best Of album by the name Stærk Tobak was released. In connection to this they played live in front of 50,000 people on Bellevue Strand. In 1997 Michael Hardinger left the band after 24 years. He was replaced by Ole Kibsgaard, and in 2001 Jørgen Thorup left the band to be replaced by Jacob Christoffersen. In 2003 their 30th anniversary was celebrated with a 10-CD set called Shu-bi-dua 200 (each CD had 20 songs). In 2005 Claus Asmussen left Shu-bi-dua having been the only original continuous member in the group's 30-year history.
Den lille mands sang
Shu-bi-dua Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
et af oldtidens regulativer
at skære et stykke af barnets pik
før man ved hvor lang den bliver
Eksperter hævder mod al sund fornuft
at længde er ej lig med lykke
vi siger til manden med saksen: forduft
Og elskovsnatten kan blive til gru
hvis klokkerne slet ikke ringer
ofte man hører: er den inde nu,
eller bruger du stadig din finger?
Så op alle mand - så' det helt op at stå
kæmp for den hud I fortjener
lad kraverne dække de kongeblå
så bli'r de osse lidt pænere
The song Den lille mands sang by Shu-bi-dua is a satirical take on the ancient practice of circumcision. The lyrics critique the traditional notion that a small piece of a child's penis should be cut off before knowing how long it will eventually become. The opening lines call for an end to this outdated custom, and suggest that it is time to challenge the old regulations that require it.
The second verse touches on the idea that longer isn't necessarily better, referring to the reasoning of "experts" who claim otherwise. The song rejects this notion, calling on those with scissors to stay away and leave every piece in its place. The final verse brings up the idea that a lack of knowledge or experience can lead to confusion and disappointment, suggesting that it's time for men to stand up and fight for what they deserve.
Through its satirical lyrics, Den lille mands sang highlights the absurdity of cultural practices that hold no logical or medical basis in today's world. By mocking the blind adherence to tradition, the song promotes a critical approach to customs that do more harm than good.
Line by Line Meaning
Vi må og skal gøre op med en skik
We must put an end to a custom
et af oldtidens regulativer
one of the ancient regulations
at skære et stykke af barnets pik
to cut a piece off a child's penis
før man ved hvor lang den bliver
before knowing how long it will be
Eksperter hævder mod al sund fornuft
Experts claim, against all common sense
at længde er ej lig med lykke
that length does not equal happiness
vi siger til manden med saksen: forduft
we tell the man with the scissors to go away
vi behøver hvert eneste stykke
we need every piece intact
Og elskovsnatten kan blive til gru
And the night of love can turn into horror
hvis klokkerne slet ikke ringer
if the bells don't ring at all
ofte man hører: er den inde nu,
often one hears: is it in yet,
eller bruger du stadig din finger?
or are you still using your finger?
Så op alle mand - så' det helt op at stå
So everyone get up on your feet
kæmp for den hud I fortjener
fight for the skin you deserve
lad kraverne dække de kongeblå
let the collars cover the royal blue
så bli'r de osse lidt pænere
so they too will look a bit nicer
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
skylineXpert
Har stadig båndet hvor min bedstemor optog Det vil jeg sku se på. Men det er slidt som bare og jeg kom også til at optage over sidste del af 10? tina.
Kim Vibæk
Den findes på opsamlingsboksen Shu-Bi-Dua 200.