Hummerteiner og krabbefelt

Oystein Sunde's song "Hummerteiner og krabbefelt" paints a vivid and humorous picture of the Norwegian summer holiday experience. The lyrics describe a nation seemingly on sick leave, with everyone hitting the road, equipped with camping gear, sailboards, and cooking utensils. The imagery of people traveling by car, bike, foot, and even hitchhiking, highlights the diverse and bustling nature of summer travel in Norway. The comparison of traffic to a handball game, with its rushing, blocking, and fouls, adds a layer of chaotic energy to the scene.

The song also touches on the challenges of traveling during this busy season. The route from Halden to Kristiansand is described as nearly impassable, and the Bastø ferry is always packed with tourists from Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The mention of children playing on the ferry's railings and a man sneaking around with stolen camera equipment adds a touch of humor and realism to the depiction of crowded and hectic travel conditions. Sunde's lyrics suggest that modern vacations are far from relaxing, filled with noise and activity rather than peace and quiet.

In contrast, the song nostalgically praises the simplicity and tranquility of traditional scouting. The idealized image of a scout avoiding highways and trekking through the mountains in the spirit of Baden-Powell, the founder of the scouting movement, offers a stark contrast to the chaotic holiday scenes. The humorous twist at the end, noting that old scouts never die but just smell that way, adds a light-hearted and whimsical touch to the song. Through its witty and detailed lyrics, "Hummerteiner og krabbefelt" captures the essence of Norwegian summer holidays, blending humor with a touch of nostalgia for simpler times.