How would you like to be able to understand Swedish midsommar songs this year? There are dozens of midsommar songs to choose from but we’ve chosen the 3 most commonly sung midsommar songs around the midsommarstång (midsommar pole).
Quick guide to Midsommar songs in English in Sweden (updated for 2025).
Midsommar songs in English
The popularity of these midsommar songs also lie in the dances that go along with the songs. Understanding the lyrics makes it much easier to understand the dance moves! In this article you will find english translations of three Swedish midsommar songs, links to listen to them and some fantastic youtube tutorials on how to do the dances.
Song 1 – Björnen sover (the bear sleeps)
Swedish version
Björnen sover, björnen sover
I sitt lugna bo
Han är inte farlig
Bara man är varlig
Men man kan dock, men man kan dock
Honom aldrig tro
Björnen sover, björnen sover
I sitt lugna bo
Han är inte farlig
Bara man är varlig
Men man kan dock, men man kan dock
Honom aldrig tro (vrål)
English version
The bear sleeps, the bear sleeps
In his quiet nest;
He is not dangerous
Just be careful
But you can, but you can
Never believe him
The bear sleeps, the bear sleeps
In his quiet nest
He is not dangerous
Just be careful
But you can, but you can
Never believe him (shout)
Get ahead by train
Song 2 – Små grodarna (the small frogs)
Swedish versions
Små grodorna,
små grodorna
är lustiga att se.
Små grodorna,
små grodorna
är lustiga att se.
Ej öron, ej öron,
ej svansar hava de.
Ej öron, ej öron,
ej svansar hava de.
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack, ack, aa.
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack
Koack, ack, ack, ack, aa.
English version
Little frogs,
little frogs
are fun to watch.
little frogs,
little frogs
are fun to watch.
No ears, no ears,
they don’t have tails.
No ears, no ears,
they don’t have tails.
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Ribbit, ribbit, ribbit
Song 3 – Prästens lilla kråka (the priests little crow)
Swedish version
Prästens lilla kråka
skulle ut och åka,
ingen hade hon som körde.
Prästens lilla kråka
skulle ut och åka,
ingen hade hon som körde.
Än slank hon hit och
än slank hon dit,
och än slank hon ner i diket.
Än slank hon hit och
än slank hon dit,
och än slank hon ner i diket.
English version
The priest’s little crow
would go out,
She had no driver.
The priest’s little crow
would go out,
she had no driver.
Then she slid here and
then she slid there,
and then she slipped into the ditch.
Then she slid here and
then she slid there,
and then she slipped into the ditch.
Further reading
FAQs
What law sets working hours in Sweden?
The Working Hours Act (Arbetstidslagen) sets the framework. Collective agreements can adjust specifics.
Are klämdagar (squeeze days) a legal right?
No. They depend on your employer’s policy or your collective agreement.
Where can I see this year’s public holidays?
Use authoritative calendars and official cultural pages (e.g., Sweden.se).
Need more on Midsommar songs in English? See the resources below.
Friday, December 5 | 2025
