Gjendine's lullaby
Norway's (arguably) most famous lullaby, sung by Gjendine Slålien. Edvard Grieg heard this lullaby at Skogadalsbøen, where Gjendine worked as a milkmaid, and found inspiration in it. Gjendine is also said to have played the bukkehorn for Grieg when he left Skogadalsbøen.
The child is laid down in the cradle,
sometimes crying, sometimes laughing.
Sleep now, sleep now, in Jesus’ name,
Jesus protect the child.
Mother takes me on her lap,
dances with me back and forth.
Dance like so, with the little ones,
dance like so, so the child will sleep.