Astri mi Astri
Sveinung aa Astri (original title)
(Trad./Arr.: Kjetil Bjerkestrand)

Sveinung aa Astri is the most widely known song from the Vestfold region of Norway. The song, which today is better known by the name "Astri mi Astri," was written by Hans Hanson. He, together with Hans Allum, is known as one of the first "bygdemål" (regional dialect) composers in Norway. Hans Hanson was born 28. September 1777 and lived his first year in Larvik. About this song Hans Hanson said that it was a recompisition of Horat's odes to Lydia (Horats III-9), and that it was written in 1808. Hans Hanson died 30. April 1837 at Langesund.

The melody which is used with this song was composed by L.M. Lindemann on one of his travels before 1853.

In this version, Sissel sings only the 1st, 5th and 6th verses of the original song. Only the verses Sissel sings are listed below.

The original six verse sang is written as a dialogue between Sveinung and Astri, with them each taking turns in the verses singing to each other. The first two verses in this version Sissel sings then are by Sveinung and the final verse a reply from Astri.

Denti Du, Astri, saa mykje hæld ta mæg,
Da Du saa blilig ti Fangjet mit laag;
Denti Du græt, qvargang æg gjik ifraa Dæg,
Da du saa gla mæg qvar Lur'dagsqvæl saag:
Da var æg Bygdis den sælaste Guut,
Ingkje æg bytta mæ Præst eller Fuut.
Da var æg Bygdis den sælaste Guut,
Ingkje æg bytta mæ Præst eller Fuut.

Men om æg skulle Svanoug forlate,
Om æg naa kom ho 'kje meire ihuug:
Om æg te Dæg skulle naa komme atte,
Om æg te Astri igjen sku faa Huug;
Om æg no banna, at æg blei Dæg tru:
Astri, mi Astri! haat svara da Du?
Om æg no banna, at æg blei Dæg tru:
Astri, mi Astri! haat svara da Du?

Denre hel Soli, som klar bakom Fjølle,
De er en Torgrim, de seier æg Dæg;
Aa Du er argar en villaste Trølle,
Falskar hel Skomme paa Vatne mot mæg:
Men æg er likvæl' di trugnaste Møi,
Bara mæ Dæg vi æg liva aa døi.
Men æg er likvæl' di trugnaste Møi,
Bara mæ Dæg vi æg liva aa døi.