johnirons: 'Den odödliga hästen' - a third song from Ruben Nilson

the immortal horse

Stone-blaster Kalle Valgren has got an ancient horse,

once handed down to him soon after birth.

But it was far too ancient, and so the only course

was let the critter end his time on earth.

And though poor Valgren tried so to help him on his way

to some far better world than this, the horse preferred to stay.

Quite stupid since this one’s of little worth.

One morning bright and early came Valgren nervously

and from the stall he led the critter out,

and when the old man bound him to some adjacent tree

the horse guessed what the whole thing was about.

And that he wasn’t sober was also very clear:

I wonder, thought the horse, if it’s exactly as I fear:

Just take things easy’s best without a doubt.

But old man Valgren downed now another swig or two,

to strengthen both his body and his mind,

then told the ancient critter: Stand still now till I’m through,

you understand, it’s only to be kind.

He grabbed him by the forelock, and then he in a flash

picked up his heavy hammer and gave his skull a bash.

Down sank the horse and died before he knew.

The old man grew so sad then and fetched a little hay

to place beneath the head of his dear friend.

He went inside and said: Now he’s dead, unhappy day –

and supped until his booze was at an end.

He sought to drown his grief and to make his tears abate,

but when he then went out again the horse stood there and ate

and lazily as usual munched away.