Marching band music coming around the corner, crowds singing “Ja, vi elsker” together, and a little voice suddenly joining in on “Norway in red, white and blue.” Music is the glue in Norway's 17 May celebration. It ties generations together, gives goosebumps, and helps children feel that this is a special day.
For small children, the music is often what they remember best. They do not need to understand every word of “Ja, vi elsker” to sense that it matters. Here are the most important songs and marches, full lyrics for the best-known ones, background history, and practical tips for singing with babies and toddlers. This is one of several articles in our complete 17 May guide.
“Ja, vi elsker dette landet” — first verse
“Ja, vi elsker” is considered Norway's national anthem, although it has never been formally adopted as the official national anthem by law. It still has such a strong place in public consciousness that it functions as one in practice. The lyrics were written by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson between 1859 and 1864, and the melody was composed by Rikard Nordraak in 1863–1864. The song was first performed publicly in 1864.
First verse (the one most often sung):
Ja, vi elsker dette landet, som det stiger frem, furet, værbitt over vannet, med de tusen hjem. Elsker, elsker det og tenker på vår far og mor og den saganatt som senker drømmer på vår jord.
Source: snl.no (17.04.2026) — Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson wrote the lyrics, Rikard Nordraak composed the melody. First public performance in 1864.
Child-friendly rhythm: The tempo is calm and ceremonial. For toddlers, it is enough to sing along with the first two lines, and maybe the whole first verse. Many children pick up “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” quite quickly because it is repeated clearly. Do not worry if your child does not understand every word. Most adults do not either. The point is the feeling.
Classic children's songs for 17 May
These are the songs most Norwegian children meet in kindergarten, school and at home around 17 May.
