Menuets is often regarded as one of the most influential rock bands in Latv… Read Full Bio ↴Menuets is often regarded as one of the most influential rock bands in Latvia. They gained popularity by performing songs provided by legendary Latvian composer Imants Kalniņš. The band was formed in 1968 when six students from Jūrmala, Latvia started performing together, being largely inspired by The Beatles. Often playing with home-made instruments and using elaborate rock music compositions, the band has generally been dubbed the first Latvian art rock and progressive rock ensemble.

The original lineup consisted of Andris Kronbergs, Adrians Kukuvass, Juris Sējāns, Leons Sējāns, Raimonds Bartašēvics and Alberts Bartašēvics. In the early 70's the band was joined by flautist Baiba Jēgere and vocalist Inese Pabērza. This classic lineup in the coming years was augmented by various other musicians.

Menuets ended active recording and touring in 1987. They have played some shows between 1992 and 2008.

In 2014, the band announced Menuets 45th anniversary tour.

Alvas zaldatini
Menuets Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Spožums Tā Kā Zivij Zelta Zvīņas
Slava Tā Kā Zvaigznes Krīt Un Dziest
Paņem Savus Alvas Zaldātiņus
Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties
Kur Ir Tavi Ģenerāļi
Kur Ir Viņi
Ja Vēl Dzīvi
Kādus Ceļus Iet?

Paņem Savus Alvas Zaldātiņus
Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties
Es Tikai Zinu Ka Beigtu Napaleonu Aprok Zemē Lai Tas Nesmirdētu
Bet Dzīvu Kaķēnu Baro Ar Siltu Pienu
Apraks Tevi Apraks Mani
Kaķēniņi Tā Kā Cilvēkbērni Pienu Padzersies
Paņem Savus Alvas Zaldātiņus
Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties
Es Tikai Zinu Ka Beigtu Napaleonu Aprok Zemē Lai Tas Nesmirdētu
Bet Dzīvu Kaķēnu Baro Ar Siltu Pienu
Spožums Tā Kā Zivij Zelta Zvīņas
Slava Tā Kā Zvaigznes Krīt Un Dziest
Paņem Savus Alvas Zaldātiņus
Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties(2×)

Bet Tu Neskumsti Ņem Zaldātiņus
Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties

Overall Meaning

The song "Alvas zaldātiņi" by Menuets is an upbeat and rhythmic track that calls for the soldiers to join the singer on the stairs to play. The lyrics reflect a sense of power and glory, as the singer references the brightness and beauty of gold fish and falling stars, comparing them to the splendor of soldiers. The singer invites the soldiers to join in the play, questioning the location of their generals and the paths they take. The lyrics also mention Napoleon, stating that the singer knows how to end his reign without him smelling bad, and refers to feeding kittens warm milk.

The overall message of the song seems to be one of conquering and celebration, encouraging the soldiers to join in the joyous occasion. The lyrics present a sense of confidence and pride, depicting the beauty and strength of the soldiers. The reference to Napoleon, as well as the mention of kittens, adds a touch of humor and lightheartedness to the song, making it an enjoyable listening experience.

Line by Line Meaning

Spožums Tā Kā Zivij Zelta Zvīņas
Brilliance like that of golden fish

Slava Tā Kā Zvaigznes Krīt Un Dziest
Glory like that of falling and fading stars

Paņem Savus Alvas Zaldātiņus
Take your army soldiers

Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties
Come play on my stairs

Kur Ir Tavi Ģenerāļi
Where are your generals?

Kur Ir Viņi
Where are they?

Ja Vēl Dzīvi
If they are still alive

Kādus Ceļus Iet?
What paths are they walking?

Es Tikai Zinu Ka Beigtu Napaleonu Aprok Zemē Lai Tas Nesmirdētu
I only know that Napoleon would have ended up surrounded in the earth so he wouldn't stink

Bet Dzīvu Kaķēnu Baro Ar Siltu Pienu
But a live kitten is fed with warm milk

Apraks Tevi Apraks Mani
Skin you, skin me

Kaķēniņi Tā Kā Cilvēkbērni Pienu Padzersies
Kittens, just like human babies, will drink milk

Bet Tu Neskumsti Ņem Zaldātiņus
But don't be sad, take your little soldiers

Nāc Uz Manām Trepēm Spēlēties
Come play on my stairs

Writer(s): māris čaklais, imants kalniņš

Contributed by Muhammad B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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