My Date’s a Norwegian

As a surprise, I sang this to Els at a family meeting in May 2016 in Bozeman.

So I’ve never sung alone in public before, and I’m not much of a poet either, although I am a writer. My favorite board game growing up was The Farming Game. It was a bit like Monopoly, but the box stated: “Invented on the seat of a tractor.” So back in May I spent hours developing and practicing a song while driving one of my dad’s four-wheelers, handpicking rocks in a field.

I dedicate it to my beautiful, beloved bride Els. She is the mother of our precious kids, has faithfully put up with me for eight years of marriage, and walks alongside me in our faith in Jesus Christ. I love you, I try to pray for you daily, God bless you—and I hope you enjoy this as much as I liked planning it.

My song is four short verses. I intend it as a combination of light confession and light teasing. And since many of us are Norwegian, or married to one, I think you will appreciate the song.

Els and I befriended an Iranian-American couple in Qatar. The husband has an amazing voice, and more than once he serenaded his bride at parties. My godfather Norm was equally talented, and he sang to and with his family all the time. My voice is nothing like theirs, and my song is no serenade, but I think they partially inspired me. So—here is My Date’s a Norwegian.

My date’s a Norwegian, but at least he’s cute.           He calls this food, how can I eat?

My date’s an old Norske, oh what shall I do?            He loves his sugar, but he’s not that sweet.

My date’s a Norwegian, but at least he’s cute.           He said he loved me, but I wonder when

My date’s an old Norske, oh what shall I do?            He will ever open his mouth again.

My date’s a Norwegian, but at least he’s cute.           He works hard all week, then asks friends to ski.

My date’s an old Norske, oh what shall I do?            I often wish he would make more time for me.

My date’s a Norwegian, but at least he’s cute.           It’s hard for him to do things I like.

My date’s an old Norske, oh what shall I do?            But worst of all…we're married…so this is for life!

My husband’s Norwegian, but at least he’s cute!

My husband’s a Norske, oh what shall I do?