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.
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.
Darida
COUNTRY: Ingushetia
“Darida” is a song from Ingushetia, a Russian Republic in the Caucasus Mountains, about someone who is so in love that he'll follow the the person he loves anywhere.
Dilmano Dilbero
COUNTRY: Bulgaria
“Dilmano Dilbero” is a playful pepper harvest song from Bulgaria.
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.
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.
Kisa Pada
COUNTRY: Serbia? Croatia?
"Kisa Pada” is a sweet song from either Serbia or Croatia, depending on how you roll, about enjoying a day with your sister as you welcome the spring.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tancuj Tancuj
COUNTRY: Czechia
“Tancuj Tancuj” is a Czech/Slovakian polka that implores us to spin, fly and jump around the room.
Tuljak
COUNTRY: Estonia
"Tuljak" is a festive wedding song from Estonia. "Everybody come together, everyone in town's invited, we are going to have a wedding, it will be today...!"
Tureja Liepa
COUNTRY: Lithuania
“Tureja Liepa” is an ancient Lithuanian song – a “sutartine,” most often sung in a round – about the mystical lime tree.
Vesno Krasna
COUNTRY: Ukraine
“Vesno Krasna” is a Ukrainian song that celebrates the coming of spring and the triumph over a long, hard winter.