Hvis Glomma var whisky
Oystein Sunde
A Whimsical Dive into Fantasies and Realities
Oystein Sunde's song "Hvis Glomma var whisky" is a playful and imaginative piece that blends humor with a touch of wistfulness. The lyrics take the listener on a journey through various hypothetical scenarios, each more whimsical than the last. The song opens with the singer contemplating where he would go if he were in Bergen, a city in Norway, and if he had money. This sets the stage for a series of 'what if' situations that highlight the singer's desires and dreams, albeit in a light-hearted manner.
The narrative then shifts to a more humorous anecdote about a boatload of rum that sank near Jomfruland, leading to an amusing image of drunken fish. This part of the song adds a layer of absurdity and showcases Sunde's knack for storytelling through vivid and comical imagery. The arrival of the lensmann (sheriff) who smells alcohol and the singer's cheeky response further enhance the song's playful tone, suggesting a carefree attitude towards authority and societal norms.
The most striking metaphor comes in the chorus, where the singer imagines the Glomma River as whisky and himself as a duck. This fantastical image of swimming underwater from Årnes to Sørumsand encapsulates the essence of escapism and the longing for a carefree existence. The song, with its blend of humor, fantasy, and a touch of rebellion, reflects Sunde's unique style and his ability to connect with listeners through relatable yet imaginative scenarios.