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.
Mort
Shu-bi-dua Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Han traf et valg
Hans liv blev kort
Og nu' hans sko til salg.
Alle er lige
Alle kan blive
Stinkende rige
Mort fik et job
Med kugler i
Han ville helt derop
Hvor man er lykkelig.
En plads i solen
En brud i kjolen
Og børn i skolen
I Guds eget land.
Hvad gik der galt? - han skød forbi
Har retten talt? - ja, vi hørte dem si':
En plads i stolen
En præst i kjolen
Farvel til solen
Og Guds eget land.
Her hviler Mort
En halv succes
Hans liv blev kort
Og det var det.
The song "Mort" by Shu-bi-dua tells the story of a man named Mort who made a choice in life that led to his untimely death. The first verse speaks of Mort's death and how his shoes are now for sale, indicating that he is no longer alive to wear them. The next verse describes how everyone is equal and how anyone can become rich in God's own country. Mort, however, had a job involving bullets and wanted to reach the top where he could be happy. The third verse describes what he wanted in life: a place in the sun, a bride in a gown, and kids in school, all in God's own land. However, something went wrong, and he missed his target. The chorus questions what went wrong and if justice has been served, with the answer being that Mort's dream of achieving success in God's country has come to an end. The last verse concludes the story of Mort and how his life was cut short despite his half-success in achieving his goals.
Overall, the song serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of making bad choices and the fleeting nature of life. It also touches upon themes of equality, success, and justice, showcasing how they are not always attainable, especially when one's actions lead to their demise.
Line by Line Meaning
Her hviler Mort
Mort is resting here in peace after his death.
Han traf et valg
Mort made a decision at some point in his life.
Hans liv blev kort
Unfortunately, Mort's life was short-lived.
Og nu' hans sko til salg.
Now, Mort's shoes are being sold, perhaps as a reminder of his life.
Alle er lige
In God's own land, everyone is equal.
Alle kan blive
Everyone has the chance to become successful.
Stinkende rige
People can become very wealthy.
I Guds eget land.
All of this is possible in God's own land.
Mort fik et job
Mort found a job.
Med kugler i
The job seems to involve firearms or bullets.
Han ville helt derop
Mort had aspirations to reach the top or become successful.
Hvor man er lykkelig.
He hoped to reach a place where he would be happy.
En plads i solen
A comfortable or respected position in society.
En brud i kjolen
Getting married and finding a life partner.
Og børn i skolen
Starting a family and being able to provide for them.
I Guds eget land.
All of these things are possible in God's own land.
Hvad gik der galt? - han skød forbi
Something went wrong, perhaps with Mort's job involving firearms, and he missed his target.
Har retten talt? - ja, vi hørte dem si'
The legal system has delivered a verdict, as we heard them say.
En plads i stolen
Mort's aspirations have been shattered, and he may face legal punishment, such as being imprisoned.
En præst i kjolen
A priest, perhaps involved in conducting funeral rites for Mort.
Farvel til solen
Mort's dreams of success and happiness have come to an end.
Og Guds eget land.
None of his aspirations could become true in God's own land anymore.
Her hviler Mort
Mort is resting in peace after his death.
En halv succes
Mort's dreams were not fully realized, resulting in only partial success.
Hans liv blev kort
Unfortunately, Mort's life was short-lived.
Og det var det.
That was the end of Mort's story.
Writer(s): shu-bi-dua
Contributed by Leah D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jan
on Humbug
Super-mand = en mand der handler i et supermarked.
Jan
on Humbug
Måske skulle du nævne ordspillene, som måske går tabt for den kun engelskkyndige.
tournedos tornado
øl og vand ild og vand
Frellsens her Frellsens Hær
Der er sikkert flere.