Songs in Act Three
“Ja, vi elsker ennå landet» (Yes, we still love our country)
A pastiche on Norway’s national anthem, “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (Yes, we love this country). The folks still love the country they left, even though the soil was full of stones, not very fruitful, and the land was mountainous and steep. They think about the parents they left behind, but the new country brings hope and dreams that can be fulfilled.
“Fra en kjempe til en klippe, From a Giant to a Rock»
A song about the main characters in the students’ play: Nils Olsen Kjos, The Kjos Giant, and his daughter-in-law Julia B. Nelson, The Rock. The family saga is about going from a sorrow to a struggle: Nils’s life ended tragically, while Julia dedicated her life to improving conditions for freedmen and women.
“The Kjos Giant in Ringsaker”
1. The Kjos Giant Nils Olsen longed to see the world and find better conditions for his family. He sailed to America and kept records of everything he saw. But he longed for home, and when he saw Lake Mjøsa and Ringsaker Church again, he knew he did not want to leave home.
2. The Kjos Giant published a pamphlet on his journey with the publisher A.L. Prehn in Lillehammer. They sealed the deal with a “skål!” – or three.
3. The Kjos Giant’s pamphlet was spread far and wide. Suddenly, everyone was smitten with America fever. Let’s sell our farm, our cow, calf and horse! We’ve got to buy tickets! We’re off to America! Nils and family decide to go, too, so they say farewell to friends and family, Ringsaker Church, and the beautiful countryside, and leave for America.
“Ole and Julia Ann”
1. A song about Ole Nelson Kjos, Hamline College in Red Wing, MN, and Ole’s love for Julia Ann Bullard. They meet at school and have eyes only for each other. Ole learns English and Julia learns Norwegian, so they fully understand everything the other one says. Fellow students at Hamline call out: “Ole and Julia Ann, come and dance with us!” They join in the ring but only want to be together. The dance formations separate the two, and when they are reunited, they run off together to dance by themselves.
“Soldier Song”
1. A song about F Company, the Minnesota volunteer infantry founded at Hamline College, and Ole and John’s experiences in the Civil War. The student soldiers are eager to do their part to abolish slavery. There are lots of Norwegians in the company, so they feel a common cause and can use their native language. Some are from the town, some from the prairie, and some have just gotten off the boat to America.
2. F Company was sent to fight in the Dakota War, but now they are finally headed south to fight the Rebels. They sing about fighting for freedom for all. They feel brave and ready for combat, even though some have been wounded and others are tired and depressed. They feel assured of a righteous victory in the end.
“Ole and Julia Ann”, verses 2 and 3
2. Ole was away from Julia for several years, but now he is home, and they are reunited. They are overjoyed that the Union won the war, peace is in sight, and that they can plan a life together.
3. Ole and Julia marry in Red Wing and settle down on Ole’s farm. Life is good: fertile soil, enough sun and rain for their crops and animals. Their son Cyrus is born, and they are a happy family.
“The Women in Wyoming”
This song about Wyoming being the first place to give women the vote is in English.
“Fra en kjempe til en klippe, From a Giant to a Rock». Refrain from first song.
«Søttende mai og Fourth of July”
The Belmond community is now well established. The folks see their children thriving and their crops maturing and multiplying. Belmond has become home, but home is also Norway, and they will always carry with them the memory of the dear land of their birth. They celebrate 17th of May and Fourth of July and will always identify as both Norwegians and Americans.