When I was 23 one of best friend died and this was his favourite song. "Without you I am a splinter on a dark and stormy sea" has ever been felt more accurate. Everytime I hear this song I still cry remembering him. It has been almost 15 years.
I played in the Gothenburg Opera Orchestra several of the performances of Kristina från Duvemåla. Helen Sjöholm perfomed every single performace at the best level possible!!!!!
As a fellow atheist, and also as a Swede who absolutely ADORES Helen, I can still really feel Kristinas (the characters) emotions of absolute turmoil in that this higher being, that she has spent her whole life relying on, might not be there. It has to be excrutiating to feel that, and Helen conveys that feeling, and what the character she's portraiting is going through soooo powerfully! 'Cause it's about a family who emigrates from Sweden to Minnesota in the mid 1800s, so religion wasn't really much of an option, they all believed in God, they'd been brought up believing.
I’m Mexican and I travel le to Sweden to watch this musical to Sweden , NYC, Royal Albert hall when there was an eruption that kept me 2 weeks there and to Finland . So that’s how it is good ! As someone wrote is based on “the novel “ of Sweden about emigrants to the US , running away from religious power. Bjorn of ABBA wrote those masterpiece lyrics although he’s agnostic . Even Meryl Streep cried when she attended the Carnegie Hall concert cos it exists in English translated by the lyricist who did the job for Les Miserables .
This is THE musical song to listen too! I love musicals, been listening to .. I dont know how many😂 and loved, loved, loved, so many BUT this one gives ne chills, tears in my eyes, happiness and despair at the same time, but in the end ONLY HAPPINESS because I have listened to a masterpiece performance by this gorgeous Helen Sjöholm
I love this performance. As a non believer, I see this song as an example of human strength, even when we are in such pain and despair that we force a god into existence through pure willpower. We all handle it differently, what we have in common is a great strength inside.
Great reaction! Fun fact: This was performed in Minnesota, where actually 10% of the population in the state is of Swedish heritage due to the Swedish emigration in the 1800's and early 1900's. As a Swede I got distant relatives in Chicago, and it's quite usual that Swedes got relatives in the US from the migration
Helen Sjöholm is a Swedish national treasure along with Björn & Benny of ABBA. Yes it was them in the clip. :) They translated the songs and did a couple of concerts called "Kristina" in NYC a some years back. The whole concert in english is available on spotify and here on youtube I think. When people ask me what my favorite musical is (I worked on stage for many years) I always ask "Broadway musical or just musical? Because there are different answers to those questions." Kristina från Duvemåla is my favorite musical period. "Wicked" is my favorite Broadway musical. I am not a religious person but I do believe there is something after we leave this physical world. Not sure what, but something. We are so much more than these meat sacks we walk around in. Anyway, this concert they did in Minnesota was pure magic and the lady in the choir behind Helen is having her little mind blown. Love her, love Helen.
I have watched several reactors that dont speak swedish. But i must say how impressive i was with your intro when you introducing the song in swedish. Im so impressed, it sounded like you actually can speak swedish.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I did try my best and felt bad that I probably wasn't even close, so I am happy to hear I didn't botch it too badly. All best wishes from Ontario, Canada. 🙂
The musical was fantastic to watch! The story is based on a time in Swedish history when a lot of Swedes emigrated to America due to poverty. It is very touching and the music really good. I am very glad I got to see it 🙂
She’s absolutely amazing! From the musical Kristina från Duvemåla by the guys in ABBA. The musical made a huge success in Sweden and also in Minnesota where a lot of SwedeAmericans live. This clip is from Minnesota where the Swedish artists came over and performed a short version of the musical. The popular musical is about the 1,5 million Swedes who emigrated to the US. in the 1800’s. That’s one 1/5 of the population at that time.
Actually it was 1.4 million people - from a population in total of about 5 million, so it’s around 1/3. Still a large part of a poor and starving nation…
Many thanks for the reaction. Ut was certainly sooner than I had expected, knowing you have many requests. It was Björn in the intro and then both Björn and Benny in the audience. I thought you might find the topic and the lyrics interesting, as it's not what many would expect from ABBA, compared to their pop music. The translation was very good. There were plans for a while on a Broadway set, it has been very successful in both Sweden and Finland. It ended though with a concertversion on tour in the US and performance in Carnegie Hall. Subject is illustrating the Swedish emigration and settlement in US in the 1800eds. Reasons mainly economical and for some also religious freedom from a staunch Lutheran society. Kristina was a devout person, her husband less so. All her life she longed back and her very beloved husband looked forward to a more successful life materially. She felt very lost, for her homeland, her lost child and the doctors forbidding further intimacy with her husband as a new pregnancy would kill her. In the end it does. Helen is portraying her thoughts and doubts very well. Next song, from her younger brother in law, a dreamer and weakling compared to the husband/big brother portrays him seeking his fortune in the Californian goldrush, taking his best friend with him. Coming back through great danger and sacrifice with his savings in what turned out to be worthless paper money, wildcat money. All dreams crushed for nothing. Especially hard to admit to his elder brother, so he tells his story to a more sympathetic Kristina.
You're welcome, Carina. Yes, it isn't what one would necessarily expect from members of ABBA. I'm looking forward to doing the next song you suggested. I will read some of the information you sent for the viewers as well. I can't always get to requests as quickly, but I do my best. Thank you very much, and have an amazing day! 🙂
Thanks a lot Ron, for listening and sharing this wonderful masterpiece from Björn and Benny from ABBA. I absolutely love Helen Sjöholm’s voices. Thank you!☺️
This musical is based on a book series written by Willhelm Moberg. It tells the story of Karl-Oskar, his wife Kristina and their family as they starve in Sweden and decide to emigrate to America in search of a better life. It follows them from their courtship as teenages until Karl-Oskar dies as an old man in Minnesota. A neighbor writes the last letter to Sweden telling of his death because none of Karl Oskar's children or grand children knows Swedish any more. It's 4 books The Emigrants, The Imigrants, The homesteaders and The last letter to Sweden. The story is very famous in Sweden and has been depicted in movies, musical and theater. 20% of the Swedish population left Sweden for America so almost all Swedes have long lost relatives in America. This story resonates with people in a very personal way because of this. I have had the privelige of meeting relatives both from my morhters and my fathers side whos parents emigrated to America. In the book they have a child in Sweden called Anna, she's so hungry that she eats grains newly put away to swell and eats so much that when the grains swell in her instead, they burst her instines and she dies. Karl-Oskar saves her shoes and bring them with him to Amerca as a reminder. I was born shorlty after the first movie came out and I'm named Anna after that little girl. Kristina never takes to America like her husband does, she refuses to learn the language and is extremely home sick and the death of this child push her to the brink. Desperate for her husbands affections she gets pregnant again but this preganacy kills her. Before she dies the apple tree they brought from Sweden gives fruit for the first time and in her delirious state, when she taste the first apple, she dies happily because she thinks she's back home in Sweden again. Her last words are "Karl-Oskar, I'm home"
Thank you for your comments and added information. That's very good. There are so many stories that we will never hear of people having to move from their home country and experience the trauma of a new land. (Of course, it is different if you move because you want to.) It's true, too, that some people have a stronger connection to countries or even inanimate objects (like a house) than others, so they would have a tougher time adapting. It sounds like the stories are quite dark but interesting. 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh In the books there are also the story of Karl-Oscars younger brother Robert. Kristina sees him almost as her eldest son while Karl-Oskar sees him as the eternal screw-up. Robert brings his best friend Arvid with him to America. Avcid never really wanted to leave, but Robert convinces him in the end. The family arrive in the mid 1800s and the two friends leave the family and set out west with the gold rush. They are gone for 4 years. In the desert Arvid drinks water from a posoned lake. and dies in agony. Robert finds gold , exchanges it for money and brings all the money home to his brother in the hope of finally making Karl-Oskar proud of him. It turns out that Robert was tricked and the money is fake. Karl-Oskar want to kick him out but Kristina pleads with him to let Robert stay. Robert,, sick from TB, quilt ridden about Arvids death and feeling like a failure, dies a broken man aged 22. There is another famous song from this musical sung by Robert, In it he tells Kristina about all the horrible things that happened to him and Arvid out west. It's called Guldet blev till sand (The gold turned to sand). It's sung by Peter Jöback, famous Swedish broadway singer. Before the song Björn gives the backstory of the song, but that part is not translate, that's why I wrote it down for you. The song itself has subtitles. th-cam.com/video/jzsUxUhBCtE/w-d-xo.html
@@nocturne7371 Thank you so much. I had already posted my reaction to the song by Peter Jöback before I saw your message. I appreciate the comments and information. Have an amazing day. 🙂
As much as we celebrate the musical genius of Benny Andersson: It is testament to Bjorn Ulveaus’ empathy that he was able to write these heart-wrenching lyrics although he is a convinced atheist himself, and much like Helen Sjoholm here inhabits the pain and horror of the character - a true believer. This is a contributing reason why ABBA’s music still endures the test of time: Writing convincing art of any kind - literature, poetry, songs - is all about empathy, and the ability to imagine walking in someone else’s shoes.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. All my family are disbelievers, my son thinks G.. is pretty sick to allow all the misery on earth. I talk to Mother Nature and tell her I am angry when she makes it rain day after day. Good reaction. thanks
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comments. Nature is both beautiful and cruel - and yet we are part of it, so I try to find the nicest way to live and accept that there will be difficulties along the way. C'est la vie! 🙂
What people dont realize is that the two bearded guys at 2:34 and 5:06 is the main guys behind this musical ! Björn and Benny. Also the guys behind ABBA!
You have to see it in the context of the 1800 swedenwhen everyone was religious. Today is a different story. We need to remember those people and their reality in which they were living.
I've been blessed to see her in other performances live, but I will for ever be sad I was too young to see her and Peter live in this musical. She was a performer before this, but this was truly her breakout role. I'm an atheist (and Sweden is general is a very securalised country) but this still hurts to listen to.. her pain is so real. I also read the books so I guess that adds another layer.
Thank you for watching and commenting. You must have had a wonderful time seeing her in other performances at least. Yes, we can all empathize with other people and the plight that so many people face every day. 🙂
If anything... An atheist could possibly have felt the same desperation. Not all atheist are raised as atheists, or make the choice to leave religion easily.
The musical is based on the epic novel series "Utvandrarna" (The Emigrants) which is among swedens most beloved literature of all times. Written by Wilhelm Moberg who was a 100% atheist. And the lyrics to the musical is made of another non believer in a god, Björn Ulveaus. So RJJ, You are in good company. Thanks for Your reaction to this lovely song! From me (another non-believer) 🙂
The background is that she followed her husband in emigration to Minnesota USA, where they settled and got around materially quite well. Before the emigration she lost one child to starvation, and almost died on the ship over the Atlantic from Scorbut. In US a doctor told her she could not have any more children because she would die if she got pregnant again. So she is now also “taken from her husband” She also feels she doesn’t connect to God, which really was central for her, and she has thoughts this is because she broke the fourth commandment about staying in your country. She feels overgiven by God and that is what the song is about. And YES she is fantastic and your should see this with subtitles. And your reaction is really honest and good! This comment is published once before to another reactor
You Have To Be There - Kristina från Duvemåla. The swedish version is most powerful but check out Helen Sjöholm singing the original english lyrics with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra. You have banished me From the land where I was born Here upon a foreign shore, forsaken I have followed you and done Thy will Should I kneel to you? When I rise You strike me down Once again a little one you’ve taken Everywhere I turn it’s darker still What is it, Lord, that you want And that I am not seeing? What, in my innocent prayers, Am I failing to say? Never before have I questioned The truth of your being Never once have I dared Never until today All of a tremble I stand On the edge of confusion Who is to save me If into the darkness I fall? Now that I need more than ever My God to be near me Do you here when I call? Are you there, after all? You have to be there, you have to My life I have placed in thy keep And without you I am drifting On a dark and rising sea You have to be there, you have to Without you I drown in the deep Too far, too far from land The waters drag me down I reach for your hand Who, when I die, will throw open His arms to receive me? Who will believe me and take me into his embrace? When I have gone to my rest Will you watch me and wake me? When my time comes at last Will you grant me your grace? I am so small on this earth I am nothing without you Daring to doubt you at all Turns a knife in my heart Little by little I’m losing my way In the shadows I am losing my hold And the world falls apart You have to be there, you have to My life I have placed in thy keep And without you I am drifting On a dark and rising sea You have to be there, you have to Without you I drown in the deep Too far, too far from land The waters drag me down I reach for your hand And without you I am drifting On a vast and rising sea You have to be there, you have to Without you I drown in the deep Too far, too far from land The waters drag me down I reach for your hand Written by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus 2:35 Great reaction & Greetings from Sweden👋👍🏻.
I have missed you SO Much Ron.😊 My health and family situation (sickness), have for a long time and still given me problems to watch, read, listen on anything. I have missed your reactions videos a lot. Hope I can see more of them now for a while. Thanks so very much for listening and sharing this Ron.❤️ I love Helen Sjöholm by myself, and this is about when Sweden has lost’s of people who emigrated from our land, as you maybe know. And we have been a christian country since long time ago and we still are. Even if we have different religions here now, so are Sweden from the beginning a christian country. I’m Christian by myself, but I think everyone must choose their own religions and we all have to respect each other’s beliefs. I don’t know if “Erik Grönwall”❤️🔥🎶has wrote to you? But if not, he was happy that you did reacting videos and wrote, that I should thank you and greet you.🙏🏼 Hugs from Jeanette/Sweden 🇸🇪
Hi Jeanette. It is very nice to hear from you. I am sorry to hear about your health situation(s). That's always difficult. Erik hasn't written, but he has clicked a few likes on the video reactions I've done, and I'm very pleased with that. I'm sure he is a very busy guy. I hope you continue to feel better and that life treats you well. 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh I can see that we both have some problems with each other’s comments. I have not seen your comment before either…🥺😟 Thanks for your words.❤ I try to keep my mind positive, but it’s hard sometimes, when I know my body problems will be with me rest of my life. It’s was it is, and I have to deal with it at the best possible way I can. I’m glad that Erik takes some time to look at your channel. He is a busy man, but he always try to interact with others as much as possible. Hugs to you from me and Sweden🤗
After she loses her child, she is told by a doctor that she will die if she gets pregnant again. So when she sings that God took her away from her husband, that's about it. After a long time, she wants to share bed again with Karl-Oscar. She becomes pregnant again and dies at the age of 37. She was very homesick for her homeland Sweden.
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh Swedes are generally a bit tight on shedding tears, warm nostalgia and patriotism. Letting all that out usually takes a bit of alcohol and that in combination with someone outside of Sweden recognizing some of our truly national jems just lets the emotions take stage.
Great musical, BTW. Based on The Emigrants/The Immigrants/The Final Letter to Sweden cycle by Vilhelm Moberg, considered canonical literature in Sweden. And made by the B:s in ABBA, just like Chess, another good musical.
It's fantastic to see Americans reacting to this. But i think it isn't stated enough that this is your history as much as us Swedes. We had 1.2 million people emigrating to the US - a fifth of our whole population in the 19th century, and this story is depicting one of the many dark and horrible stories that laid ground to the amazing place that is USA today.
Yes, these stories play out on all sides and in most countries one way or another. 🙂 I'm in Canada which has seen many waves of immigrants, including my own ancestors. Many of them helped build the country and give it the varied flavours it has today.
I have evidence on a daily basis that God is active in our lives. He gives direction after prayer and puts people and situations on my path to learn and love and make free choices and gives internal peace. This song is a musical confirmation and I love it.
She has another song that is amazing called “Gabriella’s sång”. It’s from a movie called “så som I himmelen”. Something to note about that movie, the character she plays is a victim of domestic abuse. The grumpy guy in the audience leaning against the wall is her abuser and husband, to begin with she doesn’t want to sing this song because she knows what consequences she will face from him, but in the end she does. In the beginning of the clip that I will link she starts laughing because of a traumatic ish thing where the dude crying stands up for himself, after who knows how many years and that’s when she decides that she will sing it. th-cam.com/video/ZxmgkxRrpZE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_RlDK7ohMxIKJBU1 the video does have English subtitles.
I can't speak specifically to the translation; however, for many people these wouldn't be vastly different. I would agree that one could argue differences philosophically though, particularly about the meanings of "exist" and "real" or "reality." 🙂
That is why i am not religious, go back in time and count how may times horrors have been made in the name of religion, ALOT. And trying yo justify it, is another horror in its self.
The character is a poor person from rural 19th-centrury Sweden moving to a strugglig life in Minnesota; of course she believes in the Christian god. It was what people did back then. Modern Swedes however... Not so much.
Thank you. Yes, many people were entrenched in one religion or another, although it sounds from other comments that her husband was not so much. Still, I'm glad things have changed in Sweden. Now, if there is some way to stop America from becoming a Theocracy!! (Fortunately, I'm in Canada - but we are so close - lol) 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh In Sweden, we just don't get religious bigotry... Not even my extremely devout grandfather who was born in 1929 did. To him, God had a plan for everyone and some were just born different. Grandpa didn't always understand people who deviated from the norm, but he tried to once someone made the effort to explain things. Also, he judged people by their attitude towards animals first and foremost.
In the choice between Jesus or satan, most of the swedes has chosen the evil. In their acts, thoughts and talks. My God has seen EVERYTHING and now comes the judgement. At least one third of the Swedish people will decrease in the coming War, says my Lord. God has abandoned you, as you have abandoned Him. But it's one difference: God's move is firm and.. for the whole Eternity. Amen. BEN, I'm the Prophet in my country Sweden
☕Here is my "Buy me a coffee" link: www.buymeacoffee.com/rjjs
(No obligation of course!) Check the description to see how to bump up your requests. 🙂
As a swede, I have heard this song so many times. Still get chills every time. I'm an atheist but I can still feel her pain.
Yes! I agree with you there. Greetings from Canada. 🙂
My personal atheist interpretation of the song is that she know there's no god but choose to believe because the reality is to cruel to handle.
@@uncommonman That could be, too. It is very hard to shake for those who have been entrenched in it since birth. 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh The lyrics is written by an atheist :-) Björn Ulvaeus, and you can see both him and Benny Andersson (music) in the audience.
@@birrextio6544yes, and just to clarify in case it was not understood. Björn and Benny are the B's from ABBA.
When I was 23 one of best friend died and this was his favourite song. "Without you I am a splinter on a dark and stormy sea" has ever been felt more accurate. Everytime I hear this song I still cry remembering him. It has been almost 15 years.
I am sorry to hear that. It's true that time does not heal all wounds. We do the best we can and try to move forward in a positive way. Best wishes. 🙂
I played in the Gothenburg Opera Orchestra several of the performances of Kristina från Duvemåla. Helen Sjöholm perfomed every single performace at the best level possible!!!!!
That is awesome, Maria! Thank you for commenting. I can believe that Helen's performances were extraordinary. 🙂
As a fellow atheist, and also as a Swede who absolutely ADORES Helen, I can still really feel Kristinas (the characters) emotions of absolute turmoil in that this higher being, that she has spent her whole life relying on, might not be there.
It has to be excrutiating to feel that, and Helen conveys that feeling, and what the character she's portraiting is going through soooo powerfully!
'Cause it's about a family who emigrates from Sweden to Minnesota in the mid 1800s, so religion wasn't really much of an option, they all believed in God, they'd been brought up believing.
Thank you for commenting. Yes, you can definitely feel the emotion. On a more positive note - Happy New Year! 🙂
Wow, shes amazing.. rarely cry but damn she has such a raw tone to her. Just cuts all the way to the bone
Yes! 🙂
I’m Mexican and I travel le to Sweden to watch this musical to Sweden , NYC, Royal Albert hall when there was an eruption that kept me 2 weeks there and to Finland . So that’s how it is good ! As someone wrote is based on “the novel “ of Sweden about emigrants to the US , running away from religious power. Bjorn of ABBA wrote those masterpiece lyrics although he’s agnostic . Even Meryl Streep cried when she attended the Carnegie Hall concert cos it exists in English translated by the lyricist who did the job for Les Miserables .
Thank you for commenting and adding information. 🙂
This is THE musical song to listen too! I love musicals, been listening to .. I dont know how many😂 and loved, loved, loved, so many BUT this one gives ne chills, tears in my eyes, happiness and despair at the same time, but in the end ONLY HAPPINESS because I have listened to a masterpiece performance by this gorgeous Helen Sjöholm
I can hear what you are saying in her beautiful voice. 🙂
I love this performance. As a non believer, I see this song as an example of human strength, even when we are in such pain and despair that we force a god into existence through pure willpower. We all handle it differently, what we have in common is a great strength inside.
That's a good way to look at it. Thank you for watching and commenting. 🙂
The two men in the audience in the beginning was Björn and Benny from ABBA, they wrote the song
Thank you. I thought so but wasn't sure. 🙂
Great reaction!
Fun fact: This was performed in Minnesota, where actually 10% of the population in the state is of Swedish heritage due to the Swedish emigration in the 1800's and early 1900's.
As a Swede I got distant relatives in Chicago, and it's quite usual that Swedes got relatives in the US from the migration
Thank you! 🙂
Helen Sjöholm is a Swedish national treasure along with Björn & Benny of ABBA. Yes it was them in the clip. :) They translated the songs and did a couple of concerts called "Kristina" in NYC a some years back. The whole concert in english is available on spotify and here on youtube I think.
When people ask me what my favorite musical is (I worked on stage for many years) I always ask "Broadway musical or just musical? Because there are different answers to those questions." Kristina från Duvemåla is my favorite musical period. "Wicked" is my favorite Broadway musical.
I am not a religious person but I do believe there is something after we leave this physical world. Not sure what, but something. We are so much more than these meat sacks we walk around in. Anyway, this concert they did in Minnesota was pure magic and the lady in the choir behind Helen is having her little mind blown. Love her, love Helen.
I have watched several reactors that dont speak swedish. But i must say how impressive i was with your intro when you introducing the song in swedish. Im so impressed, it sounded like you actually can speak swedish.
Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I did try my best and felt bad that I probably wasn't even close, so I am happy to hear I didn't botch it too badly. All best wishes from Ontario, Canada. 🙂
The musical was fantastic to watch! The story is based on a time in Swedish history when a lot of Swedes emigrated to America due to poverty. It is very touching and the music really good. I am very glad I got to see it 🙂
Thanx for a nice reaction sir.
My pleasure! Thank you for watching. 🙂
You are so on point, "bless you" ;)
Thank you so much. Happy New Year! 🙂
She’s absolutely amazing! From the musical Kristina från Duvemåla by the guys in ABBA. The musical made a huge success in Sweden and also in Minnesota where a lot of SwedeAmericans live.
This clip is from Minnesota where the Swedish artists came over and performed a short version of the musical.
The popular musical is about the 1,5 million Swedes who emigrated to the US. in the 1800’s.
That’s one 1/5 of the population at that time.
She is amazing. That is a huge percentage of the population. Thank you for commenting. 🙂
Actually it was 1.4 million people - from a population in total of about 5 million, so it’s around 1/3. Still a large part of a poor and starving nation…
Many thanks for the reaction. Ut was certainly sooner than I had expected, knowing you have many requests.
It was Björn in the intro and then both Björn and Benny in the audience.
I thought you might find the topic and the lyrics interesting, as it's not what many would expect from ABBA, compared to their pop music.
The translation was very good.
There were plans for a while on a Broadway set, it has been very successful in both Sweden and Finland. It ended though with a concertversion on tour in the US and performance in Carnegie Hall.
Subject is illustrating the Swedish emigration and settlement in US in the 1800eds.
Reasons mainly economical and for some also religious freedom from a staunch Lutheran society.
Kristina was a devout person, her husband less so. All her life she longed back and her very beloved husband looked forward to a more successful life materially.
She felt very lost, for her homeland, her lost child and the doctors forbidding further intimacy with her husband as a new pregnancy would kill her. In the end it does.
Helen is portraying her thoughts and doubts very well.
Next song, from her younger brother in law, a dreamer and weakling compared to the husband/big brother portrays him seeking his fortune in the Californian goldrush, taking his best friend with him. Coming back through great danger and sacrifice with his savings in what turned out to be worthless paper money, wildcat money. All dreams crushed for nothing. Especially hard to admit to his elder brother, so he tells his story to a more sympathetic Kristina.
You're welcome, Carina. Yes, it isn't what one would necessarily expect from members of ABBA. I'm looking forward to doing the next song you suggested. I will read some of the information you sent for the viewers as well. I can't always get to requests as quickly, but I do my best. Thank you very much, and have an amazing day! 🙂
Thanks a lot Ron, for listening and sharing this wonderful masterpiece from Björn and Benny from ABBA. I absolutely love Helen Sjöholm’s voices.
Thank you!☺️
@@jeanette7160 It was my pleasure. Thank you for commenting. At this moment, I am uploading Peter Jöback and Guldet blev till sand. 🙂
Great song and singer. I was there back in around 1998. :)
🙂
This musical is based on a book series written by Willhelm Moberg. It tells the story of Karl-Oskar, his wife Kristina and their family as they starve in Sweden and decide to emigrate to America in search of a better life. It follows them from their courtship as teenages until Karl-Oskar dies as an old man in Minnesota. A neighbor writes the last letter to Sweden telling of his death because none of Karl
Oskar's children or grand children knows Swedish any more. It's 4 books The Emigrants, The Imigrants, The homesteaders and The last letter to Sweden. The story is very famous in Sweden and has been depicted in movies, musical and theater.
20% of the Swedish population left Sweden for America so almost all Swedes have long lost relatives in America. This story resonates with people in a very personal way because of this. I have had the privelige of meeting relatives both from my morhters and my fathers side whos parents emigrated to America.
In the book they have a child in Sweden called Anna, she's so hungry that she eats grains newly put away to swell and eats so much that when the grains swell in her instead, they burst her instines and she dies. Karl-Oskar saves her shoes and bring them with him to Amerca as a reminder. I was born shorlty after the first movie came out and I'm named Anna after that little girl.
Kristina never takes to America like her husband does, she refuses to learn the language and is extremely home sick and the death of this child push her to the brink. Desperate for her husbands affections she gets pregnant again but this preganacy kills her. Before she dies the apple tree they brought from Sweden gives fruit for the first time and in her delirious state, when she taste the first apple, she dies happily because she thinks she's back home in Sweden again. Her last words are "Karl-Oskar, I'm home"
Thank you for your comments and added information. That's very good. There are so many stories that we will never hear of people having to move from their home country and experience the trauma of a new land. (Of course, it is different if you move because you want to.) It's true, too, that some people have a stronger connection to countries or even inanimate objects (like a house) than others, so they would have a tougher time adapting. It sounds like the stories are quite dark but interesting. 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh In the books there are also the story of Karl-Oscars younger brother Robert. Kristina sees him almost as her eldest son while Karl-Oskar sees him as the eternal screw-up. Robert brings his best friend Arvid with him to America. Avcid never really wanted to leave, but Robert convinces him in the end. The family arrive in the mid 1800s and the two friends leave the family and set out west with the gold rush. They are gone for 4 years. In the desert Arvid drinks water from a posoned lake. and dies in agony. Robert finds gold , exchanges it for money and brings all the money home to his brother in the hope of finally making Karl-Oskar proud of him. It turns out that Robert was tricked and the money is fake. Karl-Oskar want to kick him out but Kristina pleads with him to let Robert stay. Robert,, sick from TB, quilt ridden about Arvids death and feeling like a failure, dies a broken man aged 22.
There is another famous song from this musical sung by Robert, In it he tells Kristina about all the horrible things that happened to him and Arvid out west. It's called Guldet blev till sand (The gold turned to sand). It's sung by Peter Jöback, famous Swedish broadway singer. Before the song Björn gives the backstory of the song, but that part is not translate, that's why I wrote it down for you. The song itself has subtitles. th-cam.com/video/jzsUxUhBCtE/w-d-xo.html
@@nocturne7371 Thank you so much. I had already posted my reaction to the song by Peter Jöback before I saw your message. I appreciate the comments and information. Have an amazing day. 🙂
Vilhelm Moberg*
I saw the original ensemble many years ago at the new premiere in Gothenburg. It still gets me every time, it is so good
That must have been amazing! 🙂
As much as we celebrate the musical genius of Benny Andersson: It is testament to Bjorn Ulveaus’ empathy that he was able to write these heart-wrenching lyrics although he is a convinced atheist himself, and much like Helen Sjoholm here inhabits the pain and horror of the character - a true believer. This is a contributing reason why ABBA’s music still endures the test of time: Writing convincing art of any kind - literature, poetry, songs - is all about empathy, and the ability to imagine walking in someone else’s shoes.
Yes, empathy and the ability to see things from others' perspectives is essential for great art. 🙂 Thank you for commenting.
Very true! It’s interesting that this is such a classic when Swedes in general aren’t that religious.
Thoroughly enjoyed this. All my family are disbelievers, my son thinks G.. is pretty sick to allow all the misery on earth. I talk to Mother Nature and tell her I am angry when she makes it rain day after day. Good reaction. thanks
Thank you so much. I appreciate your comments. Nature is both beautiful and cruel - and yet we are part of it, so I try to find the nicest way to live and accept that there will be difficulties along the way. C'est la vie! 🙂
The lyrics is about pepole who traveled from Sweden 150 years ago. Most people back then where religious.
🙂
What people dont realize is that the two bearded guys at 2:34 and 5:06 is the main guys behind this musical ! Björn and Benny. Also the guys behind ABBA!
Thank you. 🙂
The time in this musical is in 1800 something.
🙂
Yes, it is Benny and Björn from ABBA in that shot 🙂
You have to see it in the context of the 1800 swedenwhen everyone was religious. Today is a different story. We need to remember those people and their reality in which they were living.
Of course. Most people were back in the day - but not all even then. I do understand the context. 🙂
I've been blessed to see her in other performances live, but I will for ever be sad I was too young to see her and Peter live in this musical.
She was a performer before this, but this was truly her breakout role.
I'm an atheist (and Sweden is general is a very securalised country) but this still hurts to listen to.. her pain is so real. I also read the books so I guess that adds another layer.
Thank you for watching and commenting. You must have had a wonderful time seeing her in other performances at least. Yes, we can all empathize with other people and the plight that so many people face every day. 🙂
You can be an atheist and still completely understand the absolute desperation she is feeling.
Absolutely. Her emotions are in her face and voice - and so well done. 🙂
If anything... An atheist could possibly have felt the same desperation. Not all atheist are raised as atheists, or make the choice to leave religion easily.
The musical is based on the epic novel series "Utvandrarna" (The Emigrants) which is among swedens most beloved literature of all times.
Written by Wilhelm Moberg who was a 100% atheist.
And the lyrics to the musical is made of another non believer in a god, Björn Ulveaus.
So RJJ, You are in good company.
Thanks for Your reaction to this lovely song! From me (another non-believer) 🙂
Thank you for the added information. I appreciate it. It is a lovely song - no doubt. I have just uploaded Peter Jöback and Guldet blev till sand. 🙂
I agree with your thoughts about religion 😊
Thank you! 🙂
The background is that she followed her husband in emigration to Minnesota USA, where they settled and got around materially quite well. Before the emigration she lost one child to starvation, and almost died on the ship over the Atlantic from Scorbut. In US a doctor told her she could not have any more children because she would die if she got pregnant again. So she is now also “taken from her husband”
She also feels she doesn’t connect to God, which really was central for her, and she has thoughts this is because she broke the fourth commandment about staying in your country. She feels overgiven by God and that is what the song is about. And YES she is fantastic and your should see this with subtitles. And your reaction is really honest and good! This comment is published once before to another reactor
Thank you for the added context. 🙂 Also, thank you for your comments.
You Have To Be There - Kristina från Duvemåla.
The swedish version is most powerful but check out Helen Sjöholm singing the original english lyrics with the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra.
You have banished me
From the land where I was born
Here upon a foreign shore, forsaken
I have followed you and done Thy will
Should I kneel to you?
When I rise You strike me down
Once again a little one you’ve taken
Everywhere I turn it’s darker still
What is it, Lord, that you want
And that I am not seeing?
What, in my innocent prayers,
Am I failing to say?
Never before have I questioned
The truth of your being
Never once have I dared
Never until today
All of a tremble I stand
On the edge of confusion
Who is to save me
If into the darkness I fall?
Now that I need more than ever
My God to be near me
Do you here when I call?
Are you there, after all?
You have to be there, you have to
My life I have placed in thy keep
And without you I am drifting
On a dark and rising sea
You have to be there, you have to
Without you I drown in the deep
Too far, too far from land
The waters drag me down
I reach for your hand
Who, when I die, will throw open
His arms to receive me?
Who will believe me and take me
into his embrace?
When I have gone to my rest
Will you watch me and wake me?
When my time comes at last
Will you grant me your grace?
I am so small on this earth
I am nothing without you
Daring to doubt you at all
Turns a knife in my heart
Little by little I’m losing my way
In the shadows
I am losing my hold
And the world falls apart
You have to be there, you have to
My life I have placed in thy keep
And without you I am drifting
On a dark and rising sea
You have to be there, you have to
Without you I drown in the deep
Too far, too far from land
The waters drag me down
I reach for your hand
And without you I am drifting
On a vast and rising sea
You have to be there, you have to
Without you I drown in the deep
Too far, too far from land
The waters drag me down
I reach for your hand
Written by Benny Andersson & Björn Ulvaeus 2:35
Great reaction &
Greetings from Sweden👋👍🏻.
Thank you. 🙂
I have missed you SO Much Ron.😊
My health and family situation (sickness), have for a long time and still given me problems to watch, read, listen on anything.
I have missed your reactions videos a lot.
Hope I can see more of them now for a while.
Thanks so very much for listening and sharing this Ron.❤️ I love Helen Sjöholm by myself, and this is about when Sweden has lost’s of people who emigrated from our land, as you maybe know. And we have been a christian country since long time ago and we still are. Even if we have different religions here now, so are Sweden from the beginning a christian country.
I’m Christian by myself, but I think everyone must choose their own religions and we all have to respect each other’s beliefs.
I don’t know if “Erik Grönwall”❤️🔥🎶has wrote to you? But if not, he was happy that you did reacting videos and wrote, that I should thank you and greet you.🙏🏼
Hugs from Jeanette/Sweden 🇸🇪
Hi Jeanette. It is very nice to hear from you. I am sorry to hear about your health situation(s). That's always difficult. Erik hasn't written, but he has clicked a few likes on the video reactions I've done, and I'm very pleased with that. I'm sure he is a very busy guy. I hope you continue to feel better and that life treats you well. 🙂
Actually in the beginning we(Swedes) worshiped the Norse Gods. :D
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh I can see that we both have some problems with each other’s comments. I have not seen your comment before either…🥺😟
Thanks for your words.❤ I try to keep my mind positive, but it’s hard sometimes, when I know my body problems will be with me rest of my life.
It’s was it is, and I have to deal with it at the best possible way I can.
I’m glad that Erik takes some time to look at your channel. He is a busy man, but he always try to interact with others as much as possible.
Hugs to you from me and Sweden🤗
@@jeanette7160 All best wishes.
After she loses her child, she is told by a doctor that she will die if she gets pregnant again. So when she sings that God took her away from her husband, that's about it. After a long time, she wants to share bed again with Karl-Oscar. She becomes pregnant again and dies at the age of 37. She was very homesick for her homeland Sweden.
Thank you. 🙂
Have you listen to the new ABBA song's?
No, I haven't. 🙂
Being a little drunk and just watching foreigners react to this song have somewhat become an obscure national sport for some of us Swedes.
Why? 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh Swedes are generally a bit tight on shedding tears, warm nostalgia and patriotism. Letting all that out usually takes a bit of alcohol and that in combination with someone outside of Sweden recognizing some of our truly national jems just lets the emotions take stage.
@@stelbent Ah, I see. That makes sense. 🙂
Great musical, BTW. Based on The Emigrants/The Immigrants/The Final Letter to Sweden cycle by Vilhelm Moberg, considered canonical literature in Sweden. And made by the B:s in ABBA, just like Chess, another good musical.
🙂
For your background information: Björn Ulvaeus, who wrote the lyrics, is actually one of the most prominent atheists in Sweden.
Thank you, Ivan. That's good to know. 🙂Thank you for commenting.
Nice one RJJ! Check out Tommy Körberg - Bro över mörka vatten live with symphony orchestra. Which is a Swedish version of Bridge over troubled water.
Thank you! I've noted it. 🙂
It's fantastic to see Americans reacting to this. But i think it isn't stated enough that this is your history as much as us Swedes. We had 1.2 million people emigrating to the US - a fifth of our whole population in the 19th century, and this story is depicting one of the many dark and horrible stories that laid ground to the amazing place that is USA today.
Yes, these stories play out on all sides and in most countries one way or another. 🙂 I'm in Canada which has seen many waves of immigrants, including my own ancestors. Many of them helped build the country and give it the varied flavours it has today.
I have evidence on a daily basis that God is active in our lives. He gives direction after prayer and puts people and situations on my path to learn and love and make free choices and gives internal peace. This song is a musical confirmation and I love it.
This song definitely does not confirm anything of the sort! (Not to mention that a song could not possibly confirm anything. It is not evidence.)
She has another song that is amazing called “Gabriella’s sång”. It’s from a movie called “så som I himmelen”. Something to note about that movie, the character she plays is a victim of domestic abuse. The grumpy guy in the audience leaning against the wall is her abuser and husband, to begin with she doesn’t want to sing this song because she knows what consequences she will face from him, but in the end she does. In the beginning of the clip that I will link she starts laughing because of a traumatic ish thing where the dude crying stands up for himself, after who knows how many years and that’s when she decides that she will sing it. th-cam.com/video/ZxmgkxRrpZE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_RlDK7ohMxIKJBU1 the video does have English subtitles.
Thank you, Daniella. I have noted the song and link on my list. 🙂
Björn Ulveaus (Abba) wrote the lyrics. He is an athehist. There is no god. It´s about her pain
🙂
Du måste finnas/ you must exist! not "be real" so its a wrong translation there!
I can't speak specifically to the translation; however, for many people these wouldn't be vastly different. I would agree that one could argue differences philosophically though, particularly about the meanings of "exist" and "real" or "reality." 🙂
That is why i am not religious, go back in time and count how may times horrors have been made in the name of religion, ALOT.
And trying yo justify it, is another horror in its self.
I agree with you - and, I don't see the need to add complexity where there is no evidence. Thank you for commenting. 🙂
The character is a poor person from rural 19th-centrury Sweden moving to a strugglig life in Minnesota; of course she believes in the Christian god. It was what people did back then.
Modern Swedes however... Not so much.
Thank you. Yes, many people were entrenched in one religion or another, although it sounds from other comments that her husband was not so much. Still, I'm glad things have changed in Sweden. Now, if there is some way to stop America from becoming a Theocracy!! (Fortunately, I'm in Canada - but we are so close - lol) 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh In Sweden, we just don't get religious bigotry...
Not even my extremely devout grandfather who was born in 1929 did. To him, God had a plan for everyone and some were just born different.
Grandpa didn't always understand people who deviated from the norm, but he tried to once someone made the effort to explain things.
Also, he judged people by their attitude towards animals first and foremost.
There is no god
I don't see any evidence that there is at least. 🙂
In the choice between Jesus or satan, most of the swedes has chosen the evil.
In their acts, thoughts and talks.
My God has seen EVERYTHING and now comes the judgement.
At least one third of the Swedish people will decrease in the coming War, says my Lord. God has abandoned you, as you have abandoned Him.
But it's one difference: God's move is firm and.. for the whole Eternity.
Amen.
BEN, I'm the Prophet in my country Sweden
Funny! 🙂
@@rjjsreactions-rk7zh no, serious.
Why lie