It’s what symbolizes Ukraine: the white stork. A symbol of kindness, love, family, peace, and prosperity. Ukraine’s national bird. A sign that even during the darkest of times, there are brighter days to come.
For anyone who doesn’t know the expression: Being washed by the sun, or sun-washed, means being bright and positive. Being “filled with sunshine” as some would say as well. It is not commonly used in the English language, although the use of this expression does exist.
This translation is part of a series of translated Ukrainian songs by me. Keep an eye on this blog for more releases. And many thanks to the sponsors for backing my activities. The reason behind their choice of support will be explained soon. For now, I hope you will enjoy this translation.
Information
Artist: Zlata Ognevich (Злата Огнєвіч)
Artist’s social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok
Country: Ukraine
Original language: Ukrainian
Copyright owner: Best Music
Licensed through: Best Music
Translation by: Aleksander Krym
This translation is made possible by Best Music, Amazon Poland, Sony Ukraine, and Universal Music Group
Music video with English subtitles
Official Ukrainian lyrics
Так буває: не світає,
Темна й холодна путь…
Та в мої краї білії зграї
Мир і тепло принесуть
Синіми горами, златими полями.
Лети, лелеко, птахо вільная!
Залишись, де мій дім!
Мені так легко, Земле рідная,
Дихати небом твоїм!
Сонцем вмита, розмаїта,
Мудра і сильна будь.
Хай твої діти, мов диво-квіти,
Всі у любові ростуть
Синіми гаями, златими житами.
Лети, лелеко, птахо вільная!
Залишись, де мій дім!
Мені так легко, Земле рідная
Дихати небом твоїм!
Нас терзали злі вітри,
Кулі обпікали нам борти,
Але крила не ховали ми!
Наша свічка не згаса!
Найтемніші небеса,
Коли сонце воскресає!
Лети, лелеко, птахо вільная!
Залишись, де мій дім!
Мені так легко, Земле рідная,
Дихати небом твоїм…
Твоїм…
Our English translation
That’s how it is:
it does not dawn.
The road is dark and cold…
But in my land the white flocks
bring peace and warmth.
Blue mountains,
golden fields.
Fly, stork, free bird!
Stay where my home is.
It’s so easy for me, dear Earth,
to breathe your air.
Be washed by the sun, diverse,
wise, and strong.
Let your children be like miracle flowers,
all growing with love.
Blue groves,
golden rye.
Fly, stork, free bird!
Stay where my home is.
It’s so easy for me, dear Earth,
to breathe your air.
We were tormented by evil winds.
Bullets burned our sides.
But we didn’t hide our wings!
Our candle never went out!
The skies are darkest
when the sun rises!
Fly, stork, free bird!
Stay where my home is.
It’s so easy for me, dear Earth,
to breathe your air.
Yours…
