Lapin Kesä Lyrics in English Robin , Vesku Loiri

Below, I translated the lyrics of the song Lapin Kesä by Robin from Finnish to English.
These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!
Verse 1
In Lapland everything blooms quickly
The earth, grass, barley, even the dwarf birches
I've often felt that heavily
When I look into the fate of this nation
Verse 2
Why does everything beautiful among us want to die
The great to wither into the lowly
Why do we have so many madmen
Why so few players of the kantele
Verse 3
Elsewhere the grey-haired sparkle with fire
In the old glows the sun of the spirit
Among us, babes are born as old men
A young man is already ready for the grave
Verse 4
Why do I myself ponder these things?
It's a sign of early old age
Why don't I follow the call of my blood
But sigh over the fates of nations
Verse 5
There's only one answer: the Lapland summer
Thinking of it, the mood turns bleak
Short is Lapland's birdsong, its pleasure
The blooming of flowers, all other joy
Chorus 1
Oh white birds, guests of the Lapland summer
You great ideals, I greet you
Oh, stay here, make your nest here
Even if you move to the southern lands
Bridge
Oh, learn from the swans
They leave in autumns, return in springs
It's peaceful on our shores
Safe is the slope of the fell
Outro
Fly rustling through the air
Create deeds, enlighten lands
But when you see winter has gone from here
I pray, I beg, return
Did you like this lyrics translation?

vaivaiskoivutkineven the dwarf birches

Vaivaiskoivutkin is a long, poetic compound word: vaivais (stunted/poor) + koivu (birch) + -t (plural) + -kin (even/also). It refers to the small, tough birch trees that survive in the harsh northern climate.

In the song, it appears in the line "Maa, ruoho, ohra, vaivaiskoivutkin" to paint a vivid picture of Lapland, where even these tiny, resilient birches bloom quickly in the short summer. It is unusual, visual, and very Finnish, making it a memorable word to learn.

Have you ever felt like summer is just too short? This beautiful and thoughtful song, "Lapin Kesä" (Lapland's Summer), uses the famously brief but intense summer of Finnish Lapland as a powerful metaphor. Just like the flowers that bloom and fade in a flash, the singer feels that beauty, greatness, and even youth are fleeting for his people. He looks around and wonders why inspiration and tradition seem to fade so quickly, leaving a feeling of melancholy.

But it's not all sad! The song ends with a hopeful plea. The singer calls out to the "white birds of summer"—a symbol for great ideas, talented people, and inspiration. He begs them not to leave forever. Like migrating birds that fly south for the winter but always return in the spring, he asks these bright ideas and creative spirits to come back and bring light and hope to the land. It's a beautiful call to cherish inspiration and ensure it always has a home to return to.

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