Deeply rooted in Swedish cultural heritage, the Snaps Song tradition holds a special place in celebratory gatherings. Almost always they are based on very familiar traditional melodies or, in this case, on a children’s song.
Bä, Bä Vita Lamm, which translates to Baa, Baa white lamb, is known by every swede. In the snaps song version the melody remains the same but the words are changed. Sometimes there is a completely new text, but very often the new text rhymes with the original and has several common elements or phrases, but ends up being a humorous travesty of the original.
At parties the song would usually be printed up on song sheets and sung in unison, but when it is covered by an organized choir, such as the Atlanta choir Vasa Drängar, there is often a very elaborate arrangement with multiple harmonies. In men’s choirs it would typically be sung in four harmonies, but certain notes may have as many as six or seven parts.
The Swedish text is below with translation next to it.
För att mänskan skall (In order for people to)
trivas på vår jord, (enjoy themselves on our planet)
Fordras att hon har (It is required she has)
på sitt smörgåsbord: (on her smörgåsbord)
en stor stor sup åt far (A big, big shot for dad)
en liten sup åt mor (a smaller shot for mom)
och två små droppar (And two small drops)
åt lille, lille bror. (for little brother)
Click below for an audio sample of “För att mänskan skall” which is representative of one of many styles of music performed by Vasa Drängar