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Audiology - an unexpected update

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Swedish Midsummer & the little frogs

This weekend it's midsummer. In Sweden it's a long day and night full of laughter, games, songs, eating and drinking - in many parts of the country the sun doesn't set at all, and where it does it's not for very long. Midsummer's Eve is a huge celebration for Swedes and also the time for lots of traditions. Many of them which are incredibly bizarre. Top two are: our midsummer pole and singing and dancing a song about frogs (små grodorna - the little frogs).

I was approached by my eldest's beaver leader to teach the kids a game in Swedish, online of course as we are still in lockdown here in Scotland. But with midsummer looming I asked if it was ok to do a dance instead. This really is one of the most quintessentially Swedish traditions we have along with schnapps songs and smörgåsbords. The song talks about how funny frogs look and then sees children and adults alike imitate frog sounds and jump around. We have a lot of other songs for everyone to get involved with during our (often huge) midsummer celebration, but this one is basically compulsory. 

The kids and I made our own mini midsummer pole from sticks and flowers in our garden and then filmed ourselves doing this ridiculous dance for you all to join in with - and very possibly laugh at how ridiculous we look. You'll find the lyrics to the song in both Swedish and English in the video.

I've added both a short version with just the song and dance as well as the full version of me explaining a bit about midsummer for the kids in the scout group. You'll also find the lyrics in Swedish and English at the bottom of the page (I'll also attach a link to YouTube if you want to play the music at home).

Enjoy and have a great midsummer's. 

Short version


Long version

YouTube clip with Swedish nursery songs


Små grodorna, små grodorna är lustiga att se.

The little frogs, the little frogs are funny to observe.

Små grodorna, små grodorna är lustiga att se.

The little frogs, the little frogs are funny to observe.

Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de.

No ears, no ears, no tails do they possess.

Ej öron, ej öron, ej svansar hava de.

No ears, no ears, no tails do they possess.

Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack,
kou ack ack ack ack kaa.
Kou ack ack ack, kou ack ack ack,
kou ack ack ack ack kaa.

This is the sound frogs make in Swedish





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