Not only the fjords, reindeer fields and northen light are the drive forces for Mari Boine’s compositions. As a Sami activist singing in her mother tongue, Mari Boine always dares to go beyond the cliches. In her 9th solo album, Sterna Paradisea, she embarked to South Africa for inspiration and collaborations. Recorded in Cape Town, the album features guest appearances by legendary South African stars: singer Madosini Latozi Mpahleni, and the a-cappella ensemble Abaqondisi Brothers. The album is a blend of classic folk guitar, choir sounds, pop, TripHop and a twist of jazz by trumpeter Ole Jørn Myklebust who co-produced the album with bass player Svein Schultz.
- Lene Májjá – Lene Májjá
- Conversation with God – Ipmiliin hálešteapmi
- Courting Jewellery – Soagŋosilbbat
- Soria Moria Palace – Soria Moria Palássa
- Sterna Paradisea – Čuovgga áirras
- Claudine’s Song – Claudiinna lávlla
- The Mischievous – Skealbma
- Dawn – Iđitveiggodettin
- For My Daughter – De mana, ráhkásan
- Entranced – Lihkahusat
- When Night Is Almost Done – Go idja nuossala
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LENE MÁJJÁ
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira, Mari Boine,
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine, Svein Schultz, Ole Jørn Myklebust
Lene Majja keeps on swirling
Spawned at the river’s source
Lene Majja knows she was born to move
The great waterfall challenges her
The rapids summon her
As she hears a new humming
Lene Majja keeps on twirling
Gets past the weir in the river
Lene Majja sees others confused
There is no danger
She knows deep inside
She has never heard the voice that calls her now
What is it that drives her?
Who is it that keeps her moving?
What is it that always compels her
To go further and further right to the limits?
Who inspires her to continue and never to
settle for less?
Lene Majja keeps on whirling
Not giving up but dreaming
Lene Majja knows that time passes swiftly
The others try to stop her
And keep her silent
She hears that enchanting voice and moves on
What is it that drives her?
Who is it that keeps her moving?
What is it that always compels her
To go further and further right to the limits?
Who inspires her to continue and never to
settle for less?
Lene Majja keeps swirling
Disobedient and cunning
She leaves others to wriggle into the weir net
She passes the mouth of the river
Hears the roaring of the sea
She reaches that magical sound
And their voices become one
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LENE MÁJJÁ
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine, Svein Schultz, Ole Jørn Myklebust
Lene Májjá jorada
johkagierragis riegádan
Lene Májjá diehtá sus ii leat go jođašit
Guoikkaniski geasuha
stuorra geavgŋá hástala
go gullá amas jiena doppe huradeame
Lene Májjá jorada
buođđosajis beasada
Lene Májjá oaidná movt dál earát jorbbodit
Ii leat mihkkege váralaš
Son gal dovdá gamus dan
Su čuorvu amas jietna, ii leat ovdal gullan dan
Gii su spihčče
Gii su vuOle Jørn Myklebustet
Álu mannat olgolii
Gii su spihčče
Gii su vuOle Jørn Myklebustet
Álu mannat iige bissánit
Lene Májjá jorada
Nággárušša, niegada
Lene Májjá diehtá áigi hurgá johtilit
Earát sihtet orustit
Lene Májjá jaskkodit!
Go gullá amas jiena, son bidjala fas
Lene Májjá jorada
jeagoheapmi
juonalaš
Diktá
atn’al earát joddofierpmis gišvvardit
Joga njálmmi meattilda
Gullá mearra máraida
Son juksá amas jiena
ja suinna juoiggasta
Gii su spihčče
Gii su vuojet
Álu mannat mannat fal
Gii su spihčče
Gii su vuojet
Álu mannat iige bissánit
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CONVERSATION WITH GOD
Lyrics/sánit: Kerttu Vuolab, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Georg Buljo, Mari Boine
Our Father
they say You are in heaven
Could You please tell me
Why things are as they are?
Our Father,
Through Your name
they hallow and maintain
injustice in the world
Why do You allow this?
Our Father
In Thy kingdom, they trample with their wars
On the human rights of children
Why do they wage war?
[Madosini]
Whose problem is this
When I’m throwing my leg?
I’m trying
I’m working for my kids
Our Father
Thy will is done
And yet poor children suffer
Is that what You want?
Our Father
In this world we daily pray
Each in our own way
For bread to ease our hunger
Our Father,
You preach forgiveness for our trespasses
Why then do You let the innocent
Be punished?
Our Father
They say You are in heaven …
Our Father
Why do You not deliver us from evil?
Are You not the almighty?
[Madosini]
Whose problem is this
When I’m throwing my leg?
I’m trying
I’m working for my kids
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IPMILIIN HÁLEŠTEAPMI
Lyrics/sánit: Kerttu Vuolab, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Georg Buljo, Mari Boine
Áhčči min
du gean lohket almmis leat
itgo muitalivččii munnje
manne lea ná?
Áhččámet
Du namain basuhat ja nannet
máilmmi vuoigatmeahttunvuođa
Don bat sállet?
Áhčči min
Du riika diktet sođiin duolbmat
mánnáriebuid olmmošvuođa.
Manne sohtet?
Ndiɀamela wena ndilahlu mlenɀe
Áhččámet
Du dáhtu ollašuhttet dainna
geafes mánáid heajut osiin
dáhtogo nu?
Áhčči min
máilmmis beaivválaččat
átnut nealgái láibbi buohkat
láhkáseamet
Áhččámet
Sárdnidat suttuid ándagassii
manne attát ráŋggáštit ain
vigihemiid?
Áhčči min
du lohket
almmis leat
Áhčči min
beasttašit olbmuid bahás eret
go jou leat buotveagalaš ipmil
Ndiɀamela wena ndilahlu mlenɀe
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COURTING JEWELLERY
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine
I found silver treasures in your eyes
Silk in your tender hands
Sparrows sang at our courting party
And tiny bells pealed for my commitment
I found silver treasures in your eyes
Silk in your tender hands
Falcons joined our wedding party
And my commitment was sprinkled
with tiny stars
As the snow buntings danced with joy
In the blue night of spring
Around the neck of the playful bear
I was glowing
I was glowing
I found silver treasures in your eyes
Silk in your tender hands
Golden plovers sang at our courting party
And I answered with glistering tears
Like our matchmaker the moon escorts us
I open my chest of gifts in your embrace
The eagles loosen my silver belt
Your silken scarf is blessed by the sun
With the joyful dance of snow buntings
In the blue spring night
With the joyful dance of snow buntings
Higher and higher.
I found silver treasures in your eyes
Silk in your tender hands
Sparrows sang at our courting party
And tiny bells pealed for my commitment
With the joyful dance of snow buntings
In the blue spring night
With the joyful dance of snow buntings
Higher and higher
Around the neck of the playful bear
I was glowing
I was glowing
Into the sacred
Into the sacred
My beloved
You bring me fortune
You offer protection
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SOAGŊOSILBBAT
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine
Soagŋosilbbaid gávdnen čalmmiinat
soagŋosilkkiid litna gieđainat
Soagŋofárus lávlo cizážat
Soagŋolohpái – šerres divggážat
Soagŋosilbbaid gávdnen čalmmiinat
soagŋosilkkiid litna gieđainat
Soagŋofárus girde boaimmážat
Soagŋolohpáin – širre nástážat
Állátdoahkki ávvodánssain
alit giđđaijažis
gieris guovžaniskki nalde
goardilin de
doardilin de
Soagŋosilbbaid gávden čalmmiinat
soagŋosilkkiid litna gieđainat
Soagŋofárus lávlo bižusat
Soagŋolohpáin – šelges gatnjalat
Soagŋogában mánnu mieđušta
Soagŋogiisán raban salastat
Šoalkaliidnát beaivváš sivdnida
Goaskin čoavdá násteboahkana
Állátdoahkki ávvodánssain
alit giđđaijažis
Állátdoahkki ávvodánssain
alleli ain alleli
Soagŋosilbbaid gávdnen čalmmiinat
soagŋosilkkiid litna gieđainat
Soagŋofárus lávlo cizážat
Soagŋolohpain – šerres divggažat
Állátdoahkki ávvudánssain
alit giđđaijažis
Állátdoahkki ávvudánssain
alleli ain alleli
Gieris guovžanisski nalde
goardilin de
goardilin de
Gieris guovžanisski nalde
áilegassi
áilegassi
Šiellažan mu ráhkkásan
Šiellažan mu ráhkkásan
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SORIA MORIA PALACE
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine, Ole Jørn Myklebust
We sell the fairest dreams here
We promise you a fresh tomorrow
Come and experience
our Soria Moria Palace!
If you want to live
we will give you a new life
If you seek riches we will encourage your goal
If you are looking for answers
what we sell will surely help you
Naked I came to this world
And naked I will leave it
The woman of stone entertains us
As she shows her sculpted breasts
She looks at us from her cold wall
Ensnaring the shivering guests
The girl of glass in this place
have no hands and cannot embrace
Watch the boy of iron
all tangled in rusted rope
Naked I came to this world
And naked I will leave it
No matter what I’ve gathered
I cannot take it with me
Why are there so many shadows here?
Why is it so hard to breathe in here?
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SORIA MORIA PÁLÁSSA
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine, Ole Jørn Myklebust
Čábbámus nieguid vuovdit dás
Mii fállat ihttábeaivváža
Boađ’ áinnas deike vásihit
min Soria Moria Pálássa
Jus áiggut eallit
ealáskit
Jus áiggut riggut
roahkásmit
Jus vástádusaid váillahat
min gálvvut du de veahkehit
Álás bohten máilbmái go riegádin
Álás manan dan beaivve go vuolggán mun
Gea geađgenisson guoimmuha
son geađgečiččid čájeha
go galbma seainnis guovllada
ja goadnán gussiid gealaša
Dappe lea glássanieddažat
sis eai leat gieđatm salat ge
Dappe lea ruovdebártnášmaid
lea sorron ruston báttiid sis’
Álás bohten máilbmái go riegadin
Álás manan dan beaivve go vuolggán mun
In ge fitne in maidege mielde
vaikk’ál man olu de leažžan čohkken mun
Manne leat dáppe suoivanat?
Manne lea lossat vuoigŋat dás?
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STERNA PARADISEA
Lyrics/sánit: Kerttu Vuolab, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Georg Buljo, Mari Boine
To the southernmost coast
You fly
my dear Arctic tern
You soar in the starry sky
The darling of the sun
You miss the north
I crave to go south
You long to head north
I dream of the south
To the midnight sunshine you fly
To the wedding of Njávešan
The spirit of the sunlit time
Below the Plough
I wait
My sleep guarded by Háhtežan
The spirit of the sunless time
You fly in the light
I huddle in the dark
You’re nourished by the south
I gorge myself in the north
Your wings
my dearest tern
Carry me to the light
I guide you like the starry sky
I escort you like the night
You flee the night
The dark embraces me
You are carried by the air
I am cradled by the earth.
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ČUOVGGA ÁIRRAS
Lyrics/sánit: Kerttu Vuolab, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Georg Buljo, Mari Boine
Máttimus meara riddui
čearrehan luoittihar.
Nástealmmi miel´ girddát
beaivváža jiellahin.
Don áibbašat davás
Mun huvvidan máttás
Don háliidat davás
Mun niegadan máttás
Gaskaija beaivvadahkii
Njávežan heajaide
Dávggáid vuol´ vuorddašan
Háhtežan oađiha
Don girddašat čouvgan
Mun seavdnjadin náđđán
Du biebmada máddi
Mun leaicidan davvin
Čearrehan du soaját
mu čuvgii sáhtostit
Nástealbmin du oahpistan
idjan du mieđuštan
Don báhtarat ija
seadnjat mu saloda
Du áibmu guottaša
eana mu vuhtoda
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CLAUDINE’S SONG
Lyrics/sánit: Karen Anna Buljo, Kirsti Paltto, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Svein Schultz, Ole Jørn Myklebust, Mari Boine
Remember your friends
Remember your child
Be strong my girl
Everything will be fine, Claudine
See the daybreak beyond the hills
See the daybreak beyond the hills
I love you as the sea loves the shore
As it embraces rocks and sand
I love you as the clouds love the sky
As they travel slowly over the blue sea
See the silver bands of streams on the hills
See the silver bands of streams on the hills
I love you as the sea loves the shore
I love you as the clouds love the sky
For so long I wept silver threads
Remember your friends
Remember your child
Be strong my girl
It will all we fine
Claudine
You came over the blue sea.
You crossed the blue sea.
I love you as the sea loves the shore
As it embraces rocks and sand
I love you as the fell loves the valley
As it raises its head against the wind
I love you as birth loves life
Urged onwards by the pain between
A mother’s hips.
You came over the blue sea
You crossed the blue sea
See the daybreak beyond the hills
See the silver bands of streams on the hills
I love you as the sea loves the shore
I love you as the clouds love the sky
For so long I wept silver threads
I love you as the sea loves the shore
As it embraces rocks and sand
I love you as birth loves life
Urged onwards by the pain between
A mother’s hips
For so long I wept silver threads
Before your door opened
Remember your friends
Remember your child
Be strong my girl
It will all we fine
Claudine
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CLAUDIINNA LÁVLLA
Lyrics/sánit: Karen Anna Buljo, Kirsti Paltto, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Svein Schultz, Ole Jørn Myklebust, Mari Boine
Khumbula iɀihlobo ɀakho
Khumbula umntwana wakho wena
Ntombi yam Yomelela
Kuɀolunga ntombi yam
Gea mo čuvggodii váriid duohkin
Gea mo čuvggodi váriid duohkin
Ráhkistan du nugo mearra gátti
geđgiid ja sádduid go’ at fátmastallá
Ráhkistan du nugo balvvat almmi
Hilljánit go’at johtet alit ábi badjil
Gea mo jogažat golget váriin silban
Gea mo jogažat golget váriin silban
Ráhkistan du nugo mearra gátti
Ráhkistan du nugo balvvat almmi
Guhkká jo čirron silbasuonaid
Khumbula iɀihlobo ɀakho
Khumbula umntwana wakho wena
Ntombi yam Yomelela
Kuɀolunga Claudine
Bohtet alit ábi badjil
Johtet alit ábi badjil
Bohtet alit ábi badjil
Johtet ábi badjil
Ráhkistan du nugo mearra gátti
geđgiid ja sádduid go’at fátmastallá
Ráhkistan du nugo duottar leagi
biekka buosttá oaivvis go’at lokte
Ráhkistan du nuogo riegadeapme eallima
bávččasin go’at darvan eatni álimiidda
Johtet alit ábi badjil
Bohtet alit ábi badjil
Gea mo čuvggodii váriid duohkin
Ja gea mo jogažat golget váriin silban
Ráhkistan du nugo mearra gátti
Ráhkistan du nugo balvvat almmi
Guhkká jo čirron silbasuonaid
Ráhkistan du nugo mearra gátti
geđgiid ja sádduid go’at fátmastallá
Ráhkistan du nugo riegádeapme eallima
bávččasin go’at darvan eatni álimiidda
Guhkká jo čirron silbasuonaid
uvssot go rahpasii
Khumbula iɀihlobo ɀakho
Khumbula umntwana wakho wena
Ntombi yam Yomelela
Kuɀolunga Claudine
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THE MISCHIEVOUS
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine, Ole Jørn Myklebust, Svein Schultz
As the king
Tends the herd
With his son
While gold
So quietly jingles
I crouch
Delighted
A smile upon my face
The fawn doesn’t even notice
My narrowed eyes
As the king
Leaves
His son behind
While the warm breeze
Sways his youngest and dearest
I crouch
Delighted
A smile upon my face
While the little fawn
Falls asleep
While the king
Awaits
His treasured son
As clouds
Gently stroke
The sun
I crouch
Delighted
A smile upon my face,
Stretching my claws
In expectation
When the king
Begins to track
His son
The wind has already
Covered my trail
With drifts
I am lying
In delight
A smile upon my face
The poor fawn
Was dreaming of
Tomorrow
What is it with this bird
Why is it aimlessly
Flying around
It’s the “bird of the rain”
Here it is
Flying
flying
flying
this bird
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SKEALBMA
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine, Ole Jørn Myklebust, Svein Schultz
Go gonagas
de bártniinis
guođoha
Go golli nu
siivožit
skilaida
Lean goarjume
návddašeame
mOle Jørn Myklebustonjálmmiid mun
Unnamiesáš ii áiccá ge
mu čalmmážiid
Go gonagas fas
bártnistis de
guođaha
Go liehmu nu
vuhtoda
váhkara
Lean goarjume
návddašeame
mOle Jørn Myklebustonjálmmiid mun
Miesážis ribaha vel
nahkára
Go gonagas de
váhkaris fas
guorada
lea biegga juo
jovgohan
luottaidan
Lean goarjume
návddašeame
mOle Jørn Myklebustonjálmmiid mun
Unnamiesaš vel niegadii juo
Ihttáža
Ntsingis ‘etheni
Efuna ntoni
Kutheni izula kangaka
Yintsingisi
Nantsi iman ‘izula
izula, izula lentaka
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IN THE DAWN
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine
When the morning sun asked
Where you were going
Were you really ready
to follow her
You took her by the hand
With no regret
I asked the morning sun
To call for me
too
I asked her why she took you
And left me behind
She wouldn’t even answer
She just turned her back to me
And you
You cut all your ties to the earth
I have smiled so bravely
In front of all those watching
I have fumbled full of fear
In the midst of cobweb pearls
As the neon lights captured me
And left me churning once again
Now I take off my copper leggings
And my iron shoes
I unwind the leaden shoe bands
And rusty shoe strings too
Bewitched
invisible
I’ve whirled and I’ve churned
Now it’s time to go greet the sun again
One ray reaches the ground
The other dies out
And the morning sun says:
“I am no longer anyone’s god.”
If the children of the night
Keep longing for the gloom
It’s not up to me to bring them light
It’s not up to me to hold them back
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IĐITVEIGGODETTIN
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Mari Boine
Go iđitbeaivváš jearai gosa
ledjet manname
ledjet go don duođaid gearggus
suinna vuolgit de
Su gihtti dohppejit
gáhtameahttumin
Mun jerren iđitbeaivvážis
jus mu ge vieččašii
Mun jerren manin dušše
válddi du ja guđii mu
Ii vástidan ge
sealggi jorgalii
Don botkejit visot báttiid eatnamii
Lean áiccardeaddjiid čalmmiid ovdii
čábbát čirssuhan.
Lean heavdnefierpmi helmmuid siste
balus rávjjastan
go neončuovggain
gokčujin girdnui fas.
Dál veaikebittuid nuoladan ja
ruovdečázehiid
Dál čoavddan ladjovuoddagiid ja
rustton bárggežiid
Lean geaidohuvvon
girdnus fieradan
Lea áigi beaivvážiin fas gávnnadit
Nubbi sounjar olle botnái
nubbi jáddada
Ja iđitbeaivváš lohká
In leat geange Ipmil šat
Jus ijamánát
moskui beaidadit
Ii leat mu duohkin sin de čuvgehit
Ii leat mu duohkin sin de bissehit
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FOR MY DAUGHTER
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira
Music/nuohtta: Ole Jørn Myklebust, Svein Schultz
I trim your hat
With the joyful song of the horned lark
I trim your hat
With the joyful song of the horned lark
So the warm summer breeze
will guide your thoughts
I decorate the hem of your dress
With the joyous dance of the mother swallow
So you will shine forever
Like the morning star
On your shoulder pieces I sew
The sacred power of eagle feathers
So you will travel safely
Just above the ground
Should the breeze challenge you..
Caressing your cheek…
You are fully dressed now
And ready to go
my dear
To your silk scarf I tie pearls
The tearful cry of the red-throated diver
So you will remember:
A living sorrow clears the head.
By your heart I hide a pouch
Of eiderdown to protect you
So you will light up
The freezing night
So you will travel safely
Just above the ground
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DE MANA, RÁHKÁSAN
Lyrics/sánit: Rawdna Carita Eira
Music/nuohtta: Ole Jørn Myklebust, Svein Schultz
Gahperravdii gearddadalan
ruoššaállát illucivkas
Gahperravdii gearddadalan
ruoššaállát illucivkas
Geasseliehmu
jorahivččii jurdagiiddát
Holberavdda hervedalan
spálfoeatni illudánssáin
Holberavdda hervedalan
spálfoeatni illudánssáin
Guovssonástin
agibeaivái áitálasttat
Oalgebihttáin sákkastalan
goaskindolggiid áilegasaid
Eatnan lábis
jođašit de oadjebasat
Jus hiebma hástala..
du muođuid njávkkada..
leat ollásit gárvodan
De mana – ráhkkásan
Silkeliidnái čuolmman helmmuid
gáhkkoreatni ganjalčuorvvuid
Muittášit de
ealas moraš čielggusmahttá
Váimmu lahka čiegan lávkka
Hávdda uvjjaid suodjalussan
Buolašijas
bisošit de beaivečuovgan
Buolašijas
bisošit de beaivečuovgan
Eatnan lábis
jođašit de oadjebasat
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LIHKAHUSAT/ ENTRANCED
Music/ nuohtta: Mari Boine
No lyrics
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WHEN NIGHT IS ALMOST DONE
Lyrics/sánit: Emily Dickinson, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Ole Jørn Myklebust
When the night is almost done –
And Sunrise grows so near
That we can touch the Spaces –
It’s time to smooth the Hair –
And get the Dimples ready –
And wonder we could care
For that old-faded Midnight –
That frightened-but an Hour–
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GO IDJA NUOSSALA
Lyrics/sánit: Emily Dickinson, Mari Boine
Music/nuohtta: Ole Jørn Myklebust
Go idja nuossala
ja iđitbeaivváš lahkun
Buot čuvggodahttá fas
ja lea áigi gárvodit
Čohkkut vuovttaid
moddját
Beroškeahttá daid
vássán balddonasaid
ija suoivaniid
Go idja lea vássán
ja iđit lea fas dás
Beroštatgo son šat
dieid ija suoivaniin
Beroštatgo šat
Báddejuvvon / Recorded at Sunset Recording Studios (Stellenbosch, South Africa) by Jürgen von Wechmar from November 25th to December 11th 2008.
Muđui báddejuvvon / Additional recordings in Ulyd Studio (Oslo, Norway) by Svein Schultz.
Áitterdeaddjit / Produced by Svein Schultz, co-produced by Ole Jørn Myklebust.
