"Wszyscy Polacy" : Most Beautiful Polish Song
jrodg
The link above is to the modern Polish hit, "Wszyscy Polacy To
Jedna Rodzina" ( All Polish People Are One Family ) , a beautiful
number by the popular Polish band Bayer Full, which unites Poles
around the world in a spirit of celebration, love and peace like no
other song these days. It conveys a beautiful message, unique, I
think , to a small nation like Poland, which has had to defend
itself , its freedom , its faith, and even its language, against
powerful, aggressive neighbors , as well as economic woes, for
centuries until this very day. Many other countries have not had this
experience ---have not had to pray, endure and struggle together as
the Polish people have , and have not had to experience oppression or
work together in Solidarity ( Solidarnos'c' , whose struggles are
evocatively depicted on the video accompanying this song )--- and so
most can probably not feel this "family" tie as the Polish people
do.... The words to this song tell the story ( For the Polish text,
click on "Show more" on the video link above : I've added a "free"
English translation of the text below ).
I've only seen this song performed live twice ( Each time by John
Go'ra/Go'rale, and both times at the Riverhead , LI Polish Town
festival, where the melody , and the band's excellent performance ,
brought the enraptured crowd to its feet, cheering, clapping, swaying
and singing along, each time ). Each time I witnessed this, the song
and its message of love and inclusiveness --- in the spirit of a
valiant people who, despite all their struggles and sufferings,
persist in being loving , joyful and happy , brought tears to my eyes.
This is a tune whose mood can be appreciated by anyone , and anyone
can sway along to the music-- No particular dance skills are required.
It's really an ode to life , and to the human spirit---Polish style.
Kudos to John Go'ra and the Go'rale for reaching out beyond the
standard polka repertoire ( in which they of course also excel) to
share with their audiences such gems of Polish culture as this number
and many others, which unite Americans and native Poles of all ages
( or, as the song puts it , "starsi i mlodsi, chlopak i dziewczyna" ---
The old and the young, guys and girls ) in a feeling of celebration
and togetherness --- a feeling that , after all, they are all one
family.
Wszysczy Polacy To Jedna Rodzina---All Polish People Are One
Family
1) In the evening, in the evening, when all the stars are fast asleep
In the evening, in the evening, together we will sing this song:
(CHORUS) Because all Polish people are one family--The older, the
younger, the guys and the girls. (2x)
2) At night, after work when you're asleep
Everyone of us has beautiful dreams
( Chorus) Because all Polish people are one family...
3) And in the morning, when the sun's still sleeping
Then we'll all sing, you and I ... ( CHORUS)
4) And whenever you may have left Poland
Years later, wherever you may now be
We will still recognize you--and you'll still be one of us
(CHORUS) : Because all Polish people are one family --- The older, the
younger, the guys and the girls.
.
jrodg
Whoops : I almost left out the catchy "second chorus" , which in
Polish is "Hej hej, bawmy sie -- Hej, hej s'miejmy sie" ( Emglish
translation : Hey, Hey, let's celebrate -- Hey, hey, let's laugh!")