Rob Sings....In Ukrainian!

I am not a singer. I know this. I have always known this. But I understand that songs and music are a great way to learn a new language. Therefore, when my Ukrainian language teacher, Natalya, taught me this song, I learned how to sing it. It's far from perfect but that's mainly because of my voice. So I hope you enjoy the song, 'Несе Галя Воду'. It is a typical Ukrainian folk song about a boy and a girl meeting in the village. The girl (Галя) is carrying the water buckets with a yolk. Along comes Іван, looking for a drink of water. She invites him to come over to the orchard where the well is located. Lots of flirting and misunderstanding but still sparks fly. If any Ukrainians need to correct my version of the story, please feel free.

Несе Галя воду,

Коромисло гнеться,

За нею Іванко,

Як барвінок, в"ється.

- Галю ж моя Галю,

Дай води напиться,

Ти така хороша – You’re so beautiful

Дай хоч подивиться!

- Вода у криниці,

Піди тай напийся,

Як буду в садочку – When I am in the garden

Прийди подивися.

- Прийшов у садочок,

Зозуля кувала,

А ти ж мене, Галю,

Та й не шанувала.

- Стелися, барвінку,

Буду поливати,

Вернися, Іванку,

Буду шанувати.

- Скільки не стелився,

Ти не поливала,

Скільки не вертався,

Ти не шанувала.

One Half of "Несе Галя воду"

Press to Play

 Dyed Easter Egg

Natalya and Rob and Wizard's Hat

Sweet Song

These young woman sang this song before the beginning of a symposium. As is the case in Ukraine, all official ceremonies, meeting, etc. are usually preceded by local talent singing and dancing. This symposium included a singing/dancing presentation by First Formers, a solemn remembrance of war dead, and this young woman. If I remember correctly, the song is about the cycle of love so there are mentions on seasons, harvests, etc. In any language, it is beautiful.

A Celebration of Learning

At the end of Winter School each group was required to create a skit or a song to demonstrate what they had learned. Ukrainians love to show off their theatrical skills and with good reason. Most events, educational or otherwise, will feature some sort of singing and dancing. In this case, participants did not sing traditional Ukrainian songs, rather they showcased their talents in English. The ideas were unique and clever. I only wish my knowledge of Ukrainian can be that sharp some day.

Getting Rocked!

Cadence Call

Marching Off

Bedtime Story

Imploring You to Listen

 Excellent Feedback

Old Style Soviet Teacher

Singing On the Streets of Lviv

I have not witnessed as much singing as in the streets of Lviv. Perhaps it was because of the holidays: New New Year, Old New Year, Epiphany, New Old New New Year, etc. Or perhaps it is because Lviv is such a vibrant city. One evening I was walking near the Taras Shevchenko Monument (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Z0nd_z3Qk) when I happened upon a group of older people singing. My Ukrainian is not that strong so I am unsure of the exact nature of the tune but it may be something patriotic as at the end everyone shouted "Слава Україна" (Glory to Ukraine!). Either way, I found it very moving standing in that square under the shadow of the great poet and patriot Shevchenko with the moon peeking through the clouds. Sorry for the lack of light in advance!

A few nights later I was walking with my friends when we came upon a group of young men busking in the chill of the night. They were singing a song from one of Ukraine's most famous rock groups Океан Ельзи (Ocean Elzy, http://www.okeanelzy.com/). Everyone seemed to know the song and many began to sing and to dance around. Of course there was the ubiquitous old dude singing loudly, trying to dance with the young girls. Happens in every country.  Either way, spirits were high despite the cold and everyone seemed to go home happy. Again, sorry for the video quality.