Tusen Tankar
Tusen Tankar is a traditional Scandinavian folk song, which recounts a timeless, mournful tale of unrequited love. The English translation of the lyrics reads:
A thousand thoughts oppress me
For love of one who can’t be mine.
As through the world I ramble,
All I can do is pine.
All I can feel is the pain I bear
And it’s all for you, my dear.
Mankind’s false heart betrayed me
And left me in despair.
If I had never seen you,
Your hands, your face, your clear blue eyes,
If I had never been there
The first time you walked by,
I might have spent my days in joy.
I might be content and free.
The day will never dawn now
When sorrow leaves me be.
The pretty flowers of summer
I see them everywhere I go,
But death is all I long for,
Since your love I’ll never know.
And if my fate’s to die for you,
To you I’ll leave my pain,
For never while I’m living
Will I be free again.
