livsfasvisa

Livsfasvisa, literally "life-phase song," is a label used in Swedish-language musicology and folklore to describe songs that focus on the stages of a human life. The term refers to a cultural category rather than a strict musical form. A livsfasvisa typically traces a progression—from childhood and schooling to young adulthood, love and family, work and aging, and finally reflection in old age—and uses narrative lyric to reflect on the experiences and values associated with each phase.

Musical and lyrical characteristics vary, but common features include a straightforward melodic line, clear storytelling, and an emphasis on personal or communal memory. The songs often employ a first-person perspective or observational voice and may use symbolism to mark transitions between life stages.

Context and use: Livsfasvisor appear in traditional Swedish folk repertoire as well as in contemporary singer-songwriter repertoires and in educational settings. They are used to convey cultural norms about growth, responsibility, and mortality, and to facilitate discussion of life events among audiences and students.

See also: Visa, Swedish folk music, Song lyric.