OUR SONGS FROM EASTERN EUROPE
AMARI SZI AMARI
COUNTRY: Many (Romani)
“Amari Szi Amari” is a song that is a favorite in Romani communities around Europe, especially during weddings. In it the family welcomes a new daughter-in-law and implores the patriarch to do a dance to get the party started. (More.)
Az DER REBBE
COUNTRY: Ukraine
"Az Der Rebbe" takes us back the "old world" village and gives us a chance to show our beloved Rabbi) how great we think he is by mimicking every silly thing he does. (More.)
DARIDA
DILMANO DILBERO
COUNTRY: Bulgaria
“Dilmano Dilbero” is a playful pepper harvest song from Bulgaria (More.)
Kad Ja Podjoh
COUNTRY: Bosnia Herzegovina
“Kad Ja Podjoh” is a beautiful old Bosnian song about a boy who goes into town ostensibly to collect water, but really to see the girl he loves. (More.)
KETRI KETRI
COUNTRY: Hungary
“Ketri Ketri” is a Hungarian Romani love song sung by a man who has lost his love and is desperate for her to return. (More.)
KISA PADA
LITTLE RABBIT
COUNTRY: Hungary
“Little Rabbit” is a catchy Hungarian children's song that follows an ambitious rabbit into the forest on his mission to build a garden for his mom. (More.)
MAY YOU ALL PROSPER
COUNTRY: Russia
"May You All Prosper" is a strong Russian song you should absolutely learn to sing to your hosts to express gratitude as you leave their wonderful party. (More.)
MELA BABKA
COUNTRY: Czechia
“Mela Babka” is a Czech song based upon the 1-2-3 rhythm of a type of song and social dance called the mazurka. In class we sing, but let beanbags do the dancing. (More.)
NIGUN SIMCHO
COUNTRY: Ukraine
“Nigun Simcho” is an exuberant melody we learned from Chasidic Jews who maintain traditional religious and cultural practices from 18th century Eastern Europe. (More.)
SHEPHERD’S LIFE AZ ELET
COUNTRY: Hungary
“Shepherd's Life Az Elet” confidently reminds us what we all already know to be true – there is nothing better than the life of a Hungarian shepherd. (More.)
STO MI E MILO
COUNTRY: Macedonia
“Sto Mi E Milo” is an iconic Balkan folk song about the many benefits of owning a shop in the Macedonian town of Struga. (More.)
TANCUJ TANCUJ
COUNTRY: Czechia
“Tancuj Tancuj” is a Czech/Slovakian polka that implores us to spin, fly and jump around the room. (More.)
TULJAK
TUREJA LIEPA
COUNTRY: Lithuania
“Tureja Liepa” is an ancient Lithuanian song – a “sutartine,” most often sung in a round – about the mystical lime tree. (More.)
VESNO KRASNA
COUNTRY: Ukraine
“Vesno Krasna” is a Ukrainian song that celebrates the coming of spring and the triumph over a long, hard winter. (More.)