Firkantfar

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Sogndal, a town in Sognefjord, cherished by the speaker. It's not a grand metropolis, but it's home, described as the "bere plass på jord" (best place on earth). The central focus quickly shifts to a peculiar local landmark: Stig Eikås's "Firkantfar" (Square Father). There's a playful tension between local pride and external perception. While the speaker clearly adores their hometown, they acknowledge that others, like "Helga," find the statue "stygge" (ugly). This isn't a point of shame, however; rather, it seems to fuel a defiant affection for the monument's unconventional nature. The craft here lies in celebrating the statue's very flaws. The lyrics suggest that while traditional art might be overlooked, "Firkantfar" actively stops people, prompting laughter and exclamations like "hi hi hi" and "ha ha ha." Its distinctiveness, including details like "seks fingra på kver hånd," makes it a memorable talking point, ironically achieving what many more conventionally beautiful artworks might not. Ultimately, these lyrics effectively capture a deep sense of community and identity rooted in the unique and perhaps even the peculiar. The repeated refrain of "Firkantfar!" reinforces its status as a beloved, if unconventional, symbol. It's a testament to finding value and pride not in grandiosity, but in what is authentically and uniquely "theirs," even if it's "bresen og store og kjempehard" (brawny, big, and super hard).