6. Kristallen den fina (The crystal so fine)

Introduction:

The crystal so fine is a folk song from Skattungbyn in Dalarna, Sweden.

Researching the song, I learn that it is an example of popular piety and contains symbols of the Virgin Mary. For me it is an expression of longing and appreciation for beautiful love.

The Swedish blues singer Louise Hoffsten, recorded a different one off album with Swedish folk songs together with Lasse Englund Och Esbjörn Svensson Trio called “Kära Du”, Dear 1996.

The album is filled with heartfelt songs. The crystal so fine was a song I took to heart, and I sang it when by myself at the summer house, overlooking the bay. Louise was a neighbor at the summer house at the time and had just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I ended up leaving for the US, and my second job lasted for 8 years, with a medical company primarily managing the finances for the drug development and launch of the predicted block buster for treatment of… Multiple Sclerosis. I wish it was as good as the prediction. But Lousie is still a strong and much loved artist.

This song is often sung at weddings. /Johanna

“Kristallen den fina / “The crystal so fine” (Unknown) Lyrics in Swedish and English:

Kristallen den fina
som solen månd’ skina
som stjärnorna blänka i skyn.
Jag känner en flicka i dygden den fina
en flicka i denna här byn.Min vän, min vän och älskogsblomma!
Ack om vi kunde tillsammans komma
och jag vore vännen din.
och du allra kärestan min!
du ädela ros och förgyllande skrin.

Och om jag än fore till värdenes ände
så ropar mitt hjärta till dig.
Och om jag än fore till värdenes ände
så ropar mitt hjärta till dig.

Till dig, min vän och älskogsblomma!
Ack om vi kunde tillsammans komma
och jag vore vännen din.
och du allra kärestan min!
du ädela ros och förgyllande skrin.

As the crystal shines
in the light of the sun
and the stars twinkle in the sky.
So this girl, outstanding in virtue, shines,
this girl in our village.My friend, my friend and my flower of love!
Oh if only we could be together.
And you would be my love
and I your lover.
You most noble rose and golden chest of treasure.

And if I did travel to the end of the world
my heart would cry to you.
And if I did travel to the end of the world
my heart would cry to you.

To you my friend and my flower of love!
Oh if only we could be together.
And you would be my love and I your lover.
You most noble rose and golden chest of treasure.

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