“Hvis Din Far Gir Dig Lov” was written by Kim Larsen and Mogens Mogensen and first released by Kim Larsen in 1973. It is one of the best-known tracks on his first solo record, Værsgo, and it remains a fixture of his catalog.
Who wrote it
The credits are split. Larsen wrote the music. Mogens Mogensen wrote the words. The song is sung in Danish. Larsen is the original artist, and every later version is a cover.
| Artist | Kim Larsen |
|---|---|
| Released | July 1973 |
| Album | Værsgo |
| Length | 3:22 |
| Composer | Kim Larsen |
| Lyricist | Mogens Mogensen |
Source: MusicBrainz, as of October 2026.
The album it came from
Værsgo is Larsen’s debut album. It came out in 1973, while he was still a member of Gasolin’, and it gathered songs that did not suit that band. The original LP was issued in Denmark on CBS. It was recorded at Wifoss Studio in Copenhagen and produced by Poul Bruun.
The record’s sound differs from the band’s. Where Gasolin’ played hard, disciplined rock, the songs on Værsgo have a loose, cosy atmosphere. They carry a lot of romance and sentimentality and a childlike innocence. All the members of Gasolin’ played on it: Franz Beckerlee on Moog, Wili Jønsson on piano and organ, and Søren Berlev on percussion.
What the song is about
The song is a sweet, teasing invitation. It is built around a young couple, the permission of parents, and a trip out of the city to the woods and the water. The narrator is cheerful and a little cheeky. He knows the parents trust the girl, and he suggests they might be less sure about him. Its mood fits the album’s innocent romance, with a wink at the mischief it hints at.
Reception and legacy
Værsgo was a big surprise hit and is considered a classic of Danish popular music. The Local called it a milestone in Danish musical history, and named this song among its highlights, together with “Nanna”, “Joanna” and “Byens hotel”.
The song has lived on in several forms. It has been covered by Dr. Dante, Juncker, Jesper Sivebæk and Gasoline. Louise Mieritz recorded it for the 2006 album Live fra Østre Gasværk teaterkoncerten Gasolin’. In 2005 the album’s 17 songs were re-recorded by various Danish artists as Værsgo 2. That album also sold well, which confirmed the original’s iconic status.
Larsen later reissued the track on compilations. A remastered version appears on the 2015 compilation Kim I 70’erne, released by Sony Music Entertainment Denmark.
The artist
Kim Larsen was born on 23 October 1945 in Copenhagen and died on 30 September 2018 in Odense, aged 72. He began his musical career in 1968 after a brief period as a school teacher, and was known from 1969 as a member of Gasolin’. Gasolin’ broke up in 1978 but stayed hugely popular. In 1983 his film soundtrack Midt om Natten became the biggest-selling album in Danish history, according to Deezer’s artist biography.
Against that later success, “Hvis Din Far Gir Dig Lov” shows where his solo voice began. It is a warm, light-hearted song from the first record he made under his own name.
Frequently asked questions
– When was "Hvis din far gir dig lov" by Kim Larsen released?
"Hvis din far gir dig lov" was first released on July 1973.
– Who wrote "Hvis din far gir dig lov"?
"Hvis din far gir dig lov" was written by Kim Larsen and Mogens Mogensen.
– Which album is "Hvis din far gir dig lov" on?
"Hvis din far gir dig lov" appears on the album Værsgo.