The only known manuscript by Per Sivle of "The first song" was originally titled "Mor (Mother)".
Listen to performances of The first song.
Norwegian version of "The first song".
The first song
(Per Sivle, tr. Finn Tømmerberg)
when in my cradle lying,
was mother’s heartfelt lullaby
which ended all my crying.
It gently lulled me into sleep,
her words could soothe me only.
They pointed out a way so grand,
far from our cottage lonely.
Oft when I rest my weary eyes,
I see that road so clearly.
A smiling angel standing there,
and none can smile so dearly.
When I am worn by pain and strife,
and dark seem my tomorrows,
I hear faint sounds from Mother’s grave,
the song that heals my sorrows.
