Odd Børretzen

Odd Lunde Børretzen (Fister, 21 November 1926 – Oslo, 3 November 2012) was a Norwegian author, illustrator, translator and one of the most significant writers of lyrics for folk singers and performers in his country. Although he is mainly associated with song and humour, his career began with illustration and children's literature, and his written and visual work remains an essential part of his legacy.

Børretzen was born in Fister, in what is now Hjelmeland Municipality, the son of a preacher. When he was three, his family moved to Grorud in Oslo, a period of his childhood he later recounted in the autobiographical film Min barndoms verden (1997). Between 1946 and 1952 he worked, among other jobs, as a telegrapher. He debuted as an author in 1959 with the children's book Byen som laget brannbil (The City That Made a Fire Truck), which he illustrated himself.

His musical career took shape with his first record album, released in 1974, the product of years of collaboration with the folk singer and lyricist Alf Cranner. In 1981 he began a broad partnership with Lars Martin Myhre, also a folk singer and lyricist, which would have a lasting impact on Norwegian musical life. He wrote the play Synd og skam (Pity and Shame), staged at Teater Ibsen in 1994. His texts were noted for their sharpness, wit and attention to current affairs and everyday life.

He is also remembered for his performances with Julius Hougen on radio and television, in which he played Braathen, a pensioner, and he narrated the animated series Kalles klatretre on NRK. He lived in Holmestrand and for more than thirty years shared his life with the sculptor Eva Bødtker-Næss.