In this comparative analysis of three kinds of traditional Swedish 3/4-measure music, three different tunes, representing three groups of tunes within the genre respectively (the groups bodapolska, slängpolska and finnskogspols), are analysed in two ways. First, a quantitative analysis of the song's beat, which is discussed in relation to the concept of asymmetrical beat, measure, tempo, and the subjective experience. Second, a listening analysis that takes point in the experience of the music, and the “musical landscape” it creates. This musical landscape is examined using the metaphor theory of musical forces described by Steve Larsson, combined with the three-dimensional model applicable to Swedish traditional music, developed by David Kaminsky. These two parts are then synthesised and the advantages of the use of metaphor theory for discussing phenomena in Swedish traditional music is presented.