Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a small community observing and commenting on the life of a man named Even, who is consistently labeled a "raring" or oddball. Initially, the narrator expresses concern that Even isn't married, framing marriage as a "cristenfolksplikt" or Christian duty, and questioning his solitary existence. There's an undercurrent of social pressure and expectation, with the narrator wondering when Even will "find a girl" and settle down, implying a judgment on his unconventional path. The narrative then shifts to Even's married life and the arrival of children, yet the judgment persists. The narrator notes the "bleie ved bleie" (diaper by diaper) hanging on the line, suggesting a multitude of offspring, and expresses surprise that it "didn't come too soon." This implies a continued skepticism about Even's choices, even as he conforms to societal norms of family building. The repeated phrase "Å, nei det var godt da, å nå vart je gla" (Oh, no, that was good then, and now I became happy) seems to be a sarcastic or resigned commentary on the unfolding events, perhaps a grudging acceptance or a way to save face. As Even ages, the focus shifts again to his children, who are now grown and expected to leave, while the youngest remains at home. The narrator questions if the "old ones" are alone, and again, the refrain "Å, nei det var godt da, å nå vart je gla" appears. This repetition, especially in the context of aging and potential loneliness, takes on a more complex tone. It might suggest a weary resignation to the cycle of life, or perhaps a subtle critique of the community's constant scrutiny of Even's choices, which now extends to his offspring. Finally, the lyrics bring Even's life to a close, with the narrator hearing he has died. The response, "Å nei, det var godt da, så slepp dom det strevet" (Oh, no, that was good then, so they escape the struggle), is stark. It frames Even's life, and perhaps the lives of those around him who worried about him, as a "struggle." The concluding lines, "Hæin Even var flink hæin mæ - strevsom og bra" (Even was good with it - hardworking and good), feel like a final, almost perfunctory, acknowledgment of his life, delivered after the fact. The consistent labeling of Even as a "raring" throughout his life, juxtaposed with these final, somewhat hollow, praises, highlights a community that observes, judges, and ultimately offers little genuine warmth or understanding until it's too late.