Oj ty rzeko
Laboratorium Pieśni Lyrics

The song Oj ty rzeko by Laboratorium Pieśni is a traditional Polish lullaby that speaks to the natural world and the challenges that exist within it. The opening lines, "Oj ty rzeko oj rzeko, Czemuś ty niepełna" (Oh, you river, oh, river, why are you not full?), reflect on the fact that the river is not full, perhaps due to drought or other factors. The repetitive "oj luli luli luli" is a traditional lullaby refrain that communicates a sense of comfort and soothing.

The song then shifts to address the singer's own feelings of lack, with the lines "Oj jakżeż mnie pełną być, Ludzie chodzą wodę pić" (Oh, how can I be full, people are drinking water?). The singer is placing herself in the same position as the river - not quite full, not quite meeting the needs of those around her.

The final verses address other natural elements - the need to water a horse ("Jasieńko konia poić"), and the need to put out a fire ("Kasieńka ogień gasić"). In both cases, there is an acknowledgement of the challenges present in nature, and the need for individuals to rely on each other and work together to navigate those challenges. The song ends with another repetition of "oj luli luli luli," a reminder that even in the face of difficulty, there is still the possibility of comfort and rest.