123
Poli Genova Lyrics


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The big wheel keeps on turning
On a simple line, day by day
The earth spins on its axis
One man struggle while another relaxes

There's a hole in my soul like a cavity
Seems the world is out to gather just by gravity
The wheel keeps turning, the sky's rearranging
Look, my son, the weather is changing

I'd like to feel that you could be free
Look up at the blue skies beneath a new tree
Sometime again, you'll turn green, and the sea turns red
My son, I said, the power of reflections over my head

The big wheel keeps on turning
On a simple line, day by day
The earth spins on its axis
One man struggle while another relaxes

We sang about the sun and danced among the trees
And we listened to the whisper of the city on the breeze
Will you cry in the most in a lead-free zone
Down within the shadows where the factories drone
On the surface of the wheel they build another town
And so the green come tumbling down
Yes, close your eyes and hold me tight
And I'll show you sunset sometime again

The big wheel keeps on turning
On a simple line, day by day
The earth spins on its axis
One man struggle while another relaxes

As a child solemn pray, my hope hides in disguise
While satellites and cameras watch from the skies
An acid drop of rain recycled from the sea
It washed away my shadow, burnt a hole in me
And all the king's men cannot put it back again
But the ghetto sun will nurture life
And mend my soul sometime again

The big wheel keeps on turning
On a simple line, day by day




The earth spins on its axis
One man struggle while another relaxes

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "123" bring into focus the cyclical nature of life, as the titular "big wheel" keeps on turning on a "simple line". The earth continues to spin on its own axis, indifferent to the struggles and triumphs of human life. The second verse introduces a personal element to this cyclical nature, with the singer lamenting a "hole in my soul like a cavity" that seems to be caused by the weight of the world bearing down upon her. Despite this, there remains hope for a better future for her son, one in which he can experience freedom and the beauty of the natural world.


The chorus returns to the universal level, contrasting the everyday struggles of one person with the moments of relaxation of another. The third verse introduces a note of environmental concern, with the singer describing the destruction of greenery and the drones of factories. Yet even in this difficult world, there remains a sense that life will go on, and that the sun will eventually emerge to nurture new growth and soothe old wounds.


One interesting aspect of "123" is that it was Bulgaria's entry in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2016, where it finished fourth overall. The song was written by Boris Milanov and Sebastian Arman, who had also written the previous year's Bulgarian entry.


Poli Genova herself had previously represented Bulgaria in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011, where she had finished 12th in the final.


The song's music video features a mix of live-action footage and animation, with Genova depicted as a cartoon character in some scenes.


"123" has been praised for its positive and hopeful message, with many listeners interpreting it as a call for unity and compassion in the face of adversity.


The song's lyrics have been translated into multiple languages, including Russian and Turkish.


The chords for "123" are D, G, Bm, and A.


The song has been covered by various artists, including Bulgarian singer Dara and Israeli band Balkan Beat Box.


Critics have noted the song's blend of traditional Balkan folk elements with contemporary pop production, creating a unique sound that is both modern and timeless.


"123" was one of the biggest hits of 2016 in Bulgaria, reaching the top of the national charts and becoming a staple of radio playlists throughout the year.


Line by Line Meaning

The big wheel keeps on turning
Life goes on in a cyclical manner, no matter the circumstances.


On a simple line, day by day
Life can be monotonous and lack excitement but it is crucial to keep moving forward.


The earth spins on its axis
The world keeps turning, regardless of our individual problems and struggles.


One man struggle while another relaxes
Life is unfair, some people have to work harder than others for the same rewards.


There's a hole in my soul like a cavity
There is something missing in my life, something that causes me a great deal of pain.


Seems the world is out to gather just by gravity
The world operates on greed and those who have more pull others in, like a gravitational force.


The wheel keeps turning, the sky's rearranging
Life keeps moving and changing, regardless of our individual experiences and emotions.


Look, my son, the weather is changing
The future is unpredictable and things can change rapidly, it's important to be prepared for whatever comes.


I'd like to feel that you could be free
I hope for a future where my loved ones can live their lives without fear, judgement, or limitations.


Look up at the blue skies beneath a new tree
Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and simplicity of nature.


Sometime again, you'll turn green, and the sea turns red
Things can change quickly and drastically, what once was peaceful can become violent.


My son, I said, the power of reflections over my head
I reflect on my experiences and emotions, it helps me make sense of the world around me.


We sang about the sun and danced among the trees
In the past, we were free to express ourselves and embrace nature without fear or judgement.


And we listened to the whisper of the city on the breeze
Even in the city and its chaos, there can be moments of beauty and peace.


Will you cry in the most in a lead-free zone
Do we still have the capacity to truly feel and empathize with others, even in a world that is increasingly insensitive and dangerous?


Down within the shadows where the factories drone
In the working-class world, it can be difficult to see the beauty in life and stay hopeful.


On the surface of the wheel they build another town
People are always working towards future endeavors, but sometimes it comes at a cost to the environment and natural beauty.


And so the green come tumbling down
The environment is often sacrificed for human progress and growth.


Yes, close your eyes and hold me tight
Sometimes all we need is comfort and support from our loved ones.


And I'll show you sunset sometime again
There is still beauty to be found in life, even in moments of hardship and chaos.


As a child solemn pray, my hope hides in disguise
As a child, I had hope and a belief in the future that has since been obscured by the harsh realities of life.


While satellites and cameras watch from the skies
Our society is constantly monitored and under surveillance, with little privacy.


An acid drop of rain recycled from the sea
Even the natural elements can be harmful and altered by human activity.


It washed away my shadow, burnt a hole in me
The consequences of societal and environmental damage can have a lasting impact on individuals and their well-being.


And all the king's men cannot put it back again
Sometimes the damage done is irreversible, no matter how much effort is put into fixing it.


But the ghetto sun will nurture life
Despite the hardships of life, there is still hope and the potential for growth and nourishment.


And mend my soul sometime again
There is still the possibility of healing and recovery from the damage done by life's hardships.




Contributed by Grayson W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

@priestmitko

Една от най-лъчезарните песни, която съм чувал от много време насам. Зарибяваща и свежа! Евала, Поли!!! :))

@SongLifeDream

такава лесна песен да я изпее толкова трудно - браво! евалата и за клипа - много много различен от всички тайпо-боклуци.

@TheMiras89

I love Poli Genova!! :D greetings from Czech republic :)

@MyEleto

Супер слънчева и яка песничка,която ме кара да се усмихвам когато я чуя.1.. 2.. 3...4 обичам само теб-толкова е просто!:))

@IavoidReality

wow много е сладко всичко и песента е много много сладурска... страхотни вокали от Поли ~ супер е !

@tombabg

Супер свежо, Браво!

@desislava333

Аууу страхотна песен, мега е сладурска просто нямам думи ... изключително сланчева песен :) :) :)

@twixyylovemusic

The Center are the best!!!!!! <3

@slaveya12

yeeesss!!! strahotna pesen!

@homie1042

Greetings from Bosnia

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