Konstverk Flickorna i Småland

“The Girls in Småland”

Artist: Lena Lervik (1940 - )

Location: Ljungby, Järnvägsparken (Railway Park)

Year: 1992

Karl Williams (1881 - 1947), born in Hamneda, was a prolific writer under the pseudonym “Kalle i Dalen.” He is best known for the lyrics of “Flickorna i Småland” (The Girls in Småland), which he wrote for his fiancée in 1912. Over time, Karl’s lyrics were set to music in various arrangements, but today, Fridolf Lundberg’s composition remains the most famous melody.

"On lingonberry-red hillocks and in the enchanting pine forest, there you can see them one by one, and sometimes two by two, dancing on tiptoe.

They are the girls in Småland, the girls from the moor, the girls who resemble poppies, lilies, and peonies. They are the girls in Småland, swaying and singing as they tend to the moor.

This song spread and became popular, still sung today by both old and young Smålanders. Its enduring presence has given it a kind of cultural heritage status for Småland. In 1988, the Ljungby municipal council proposed to somehow commemorate Karl Williams’ famous creation, “The Girls in Småland.” The result was the sculpture of two girls, dancing arm in arm on a map of Småland, surrounded by Småland stones and plantings in Järnvägsparken in Ljungby."