Björnen sover
This song is used for circle dances on Midsummer's Eve and Christmas. It's also a kids circle game.
Björnen sover
The Bear is Sleeping
Circle Game
Circle Game
(Swedish)
(English)
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!
The bear is sleeping,
The bear is sleeping
In his quiet den.
He is not dangerous
As long as we go carefully
But you can still,
But you can still
Never trust him!
Notes
Barbara Walton wrote:
"I'm a children's librarian and I've been using your site for a while to add non-English songs to the mix in storytime. It's a godsend!
I've also tried to come up with English versions that have the rhyme and rhythm and general sense of the song so the kids who don't speak the language can still get an idea of what it's about as well as getting the language.
So, just for your consideration:
Bjornen Sover (Bear Is Sleeping)
Bear is sleeping, bear is sleeping
In his bed of snow
If we can just spy him
We can get right by him
Tiptoe softly, tiptoe softly
But you never KNOW!
I hope it's okay to take some liberties with the English to fit the music."
Game Instructions
Everyone stands in a circle. One person, the "bear" goes in the middle pretending to sleep. The kids go around the "bear" in a circle while singing this song. On the last word the "bear" jumps up and the kids scatter. The "bear" tags one of the kids. That person will be the "bear" in the next round of the game.
Comments
This song is Swedish, but is also sung in Norway.
Thanks!
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Thanks to Barbara Walton for sending an English translation!
