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.

Dziesma Ar Ko Tu Sāksies
Menuets Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Dziesma, ar ko tu sāksies?
Ar ko tu sāksies?
Sācies ar klusu vārdu,
Klusu vārdu.
Sācies ar klusu vārdu,
Sācies ar klusu zilbi -
Tavējie sapratīs,
Tavējie sapratīs.

Ka dziesma ir kliedziens.

Dziedi par zemu zāli.
Par zemu zāli,
Dziedi par gaišu staru,
Par gaišu staru.
Dziedi par gaišu staru,
Iepin pa lētam jokam -
Tavējie sapratīs
Tavējie sapratīs
Tavējie sapratīs,
Ka dziesma ir kliedziens.

Dziedi par rozā sapņiem,
Par rozā sapņiem;
Ja jau tev pavēl dziedāt,
Ja jau tev pavēl dziedāt.
Ja jau tev pavēl dziedāt,
Dziedi, kaut vai ai bailēm -
Tavējie sapratīs,
Tavējie sapratīs,
Ka dziesma ir kliedziens.

Pasmejies, ja tu gribi,
Paraudi ja tev vajag,
Tikai pavisam klusu,
Tikai pa visam klusu -

Tu jau zini, kas būs,
Ja tu kliegsi!

Overall Meaning

The song "Dziesma, ar ko tu sāksies?" by Menuets is a call to action to express oneself through music, even if it may seem daunting or intimidating. The lyrics encourage the listener to start with quiet words and gentle notes, with those closest to them being the ones who will understand the message behind the song being sung. The song then suggests singing about seemingly mundane subjects such as low grass and bright stars, but with a hint of humor and self-awareness. The final verse urges the singer to laugh if they want, cry if they need to, but to do so quietly. The song's message is that self-expression through music is not only important but cathartic and therapeutic.

The song "Dziesma, ar ko tu sāksies?" drew inspiration from the Latvian singer Ieva Akurātere's poem "Despite Everything, Let's Sing," which encouraged singing about everyday and even trivial things. The song was released in 2013 as part of Menuets' album "Vēl vienreiz," which was awarded Best Alternative Music Album at the Latvian Music Awards in 2014. The music video for the song shows people of varying ages and backgrounds singing the lyrics in different locations. The simplistic and subtle nature of the song and video are believed to reflect the singer's minimalist approach to music-making.

Line by Line Meaning

Dziesma, ar ko tu sāksies?
What will your song begin with?

Ar ko tu sāksies?
With what will you begin?

Sācies ar klusu vārdu,
Start with a quiet word,

Klusu vārdu.
A quiet word.

Sācies ar klusu vārdu,
Start with a quiet word,

Sācies ar klusu zilbi -
Start with a soft melody -

Tavējie sapratīs,
Yours will understand,

Tavējie sapratīs.
Yours will understand.

Ka dziesma ir kliedziens.
That the song is a shout.

Dziedi par zemu zāli.
Sing about the low grass.

Par zemu zāli,
About the low grass,