Based in Trøndelag, Norway, Gafseth, Johansen and Mylius were the principal songwriters of the freakbeat group Difference, which reached the height of its popularity in the late 1960's. In the early 1990's, the group wrote and performed in a stage show called Strawberry Fields Forever, a "rock fable" concerning The Beatles, Difference and John Lennon at Trøndelag Teater, which became a huge local success. In 1993, they began performing an abridged version of the show on tour, and from then on, the group became known as Travellin' Strawberries.
The band's success and talent was brought to the attention of entertainment industry executives, and they were hired to star in a Norwegian localization of the Danish Christmas series known as The Julekalender, which had become something of a national success in Denmark. The series was practically a carbon copy of the Danish original, down to the sets, costumes, and script. The songs for the original Danish version were written by De Nattergale; Travellin' Strawberries re-used the original instrument tracks recorded by the Danish band, and recorded their own vocals. In the show, the protagonists of the story, three nisser (a Norwegian equivalent to Santa's elves) spoke a language that was a blend of English and Norwegian, an element that was also written into the songs.
First shown in 1994, the television show itself became a huge success, as did the accompanying soundtrack: the song "The Støvel Dance" ("The Boot Dance") became an oft-requested radio single, and the soundtrack album Songs from THE JULEKALENDER eventually gained the #1 spot in the Norwegian album charts and eventually became a triple Platinum record, by Norwegian standards. The group would later tour Norway with a stage show based loosely on the series.
In 1997, the group's second television series, Prinsesse Gullhår og de tre omreisende trubadurer, an entirely original production, was released; however, it did not become the success that The Julekalender had been. Its accompanying soundtrack album spent one week on the official album charts before disappearing. Subsequent repeat airings of The Julekalender has resulted in the soundtrack album occasionally resurfacing on the album charts.
It's Good to Be a Nissemann
Travellin' Strawberries Lyrics
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And all the stjerner shining bright
Yes, it is jul and we have free
I think helt trygt that we can si
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann
Yeah it's good to be a nisse
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann
Scap dah bah doo, backa doo eh dowah
Badoo dedoo dedoo depooba doo deydah
Yes, it is jul and we have free!
I think helt trygt that we can si
Come on!
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann
Yeah it's good to be a nisse
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann
Yeah it's good to be a nisse
It is a deilig julenight
And all the stjerner shining bright
Yes, it is jul and we have free
I think helt trygt that we can si, yeah
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann (Merry jul!)
Yeah it's good to be a nisse
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann (Merry merry jul!)
Yeah it's good to be a nisse
Yeah, yeah, yeah
The song "It's Good to Be a Nissemann" by Travellin' Strawberries is a festive, upbeat song that celebrates the holiday season. The lyrics express joy and gratitude for the season, with references to stars shining and the freedom of the holiday. The repeated refrain of "yeah it's good to be a nissemann/nisse" anchors the song and adds a sense of playfulness.
The term "nissemann" is a Norwegian word that refers to a gnome or elf-like creature that is a common figure in Norwegian folklore. Nisse were believed to be mischievous yet caring creatures that helped with the work around farms and homes, especially during the holiday season. The song's lyrics suggest that it's good to be a nissemann because of the freedom and joy that come with the holiday season, as well as the sense of community and shared traditions that the nisses represent.
The song's bouncy, cheerful melody adds to the festive atmosphere and is complemented by the nonsense syllables in the bridge. The combination of Norwegian words and nonsense syllables gives the song a playful, lighthearted feel that makes it easy to sing along to.
Overall, "It's Good to Be a Nissemann" is a fun, festive song that celebrates the joy and community of the holiday season. Its energetic melody and playful lyrics make it a great addition to any holiday playlist.
Line by Line Meaning
It is a deilig julenight
The night of Christmas is wonderful and delightful
And all the stjerner shining bright
The stars are shining brightly
Yes, it is jul and we have free
Yes, it is Christmas and we have freedom
I think helt trygt that we can si
I feel completely safe in saying
Yeah it's good to be a nissemann
Being a nissemann (a gnome-like creature from Scandinavian folklore) is enjoyable
Yeah it's good to be a nisse
Being a nisse (a gnome-like creature from Scandinavian folklore) is enjoyable
Scap dah bah doo, backa doo eh dowah
Nonsensical lyrics with no discernible meaning
Badoo dedoo dedoo depooba doo deydah
Nonsensical lyrics with no discernible meaning
Yes, it is jul and we have free!
Yes, it is Christmas and we have freedom
Come on!
An invitation to join in the celebration
Merry jul!
A cheerful greeting wishing a merry Christmas
Merry merry jul!
A more enthusiastic greeting wishing a very merry Christmas
Yeah, yeah, yeah
An exclamation of agreement and excitement
Contributed by Chloe V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.