[5] The epistles, written and performed in different styles, from drinking songs and laments to pastorales, paint a complex picture of the life of the city during the 18th century.

A frequent theme is the demimonde, with Fredman's cheerfully drunk Order of Bacchus,[6] a loose company of ragged men who favour strong drink and prostitutes.

At the same time as depicting this realist side of life, Bellman creates a rococo picture, full of classical allusion, following the French post-Baroque poets.

The women, including the beautiful Ulla Winblad, are "nymphs", while Neptune's festive troop of followers and sea-creatures sport in Stockholm's waters.

Minsta kräk i kärr och syra, nyss av solens värma väckt, till en ny högtidlig yra eldas vid sefirens fläkt.

Ev'ry insect, long been sleeping, By the sun's new warmth now wakes; While the spring's bright flame comes sweeping, And the earth new beauty takes.

[24] Johanna Grüssner and Mika Pohjola recorded it in a medley with "Glimmande nymf" on their song album Nu blir sommar in 2006.

The song has been translated into English by Henry Grafton Chapman III,[17] Charles Wharton Stork,[18] Helen Asbury,[26] Noel Wirén,[27] and Paul Britten Austin.