The most distinguished writer of Latvian popular music and pianist Raimonds… Read Full Bio ↴The most distinguished writer of Latvian popular music and pianist Raimonds Pauls (born January 12, 1936) is a renowned composer of popular music. His music has been performed in countless countries and in the most prestigious concert halls, and all of this was possible thanks to his unique flair of melody. The fertile creative imagination of Maestro Raimonds Pauls has brought together the intonations of Latvian folk music, jazz, blues, rock’n’roll, French chanson, German schlager and the intonations and elements of national popular songs with the arising trends and always manages to create contemporary and generally attractive music that is at the same time thoroughly democratic.

It is characterized by modern rhythms and arrangements, but a fine feeling of harmony allows the composer to avoid the monotony that plagues many modern pieces of pop music. Unlike many other songwriters, Raimonds Pauls himself is often the interpreter of his own compositions or the concert master of performers. A hallmark of his sound is a very individual, short and accentuately curted stroke that is a distinct characteristic of his style. But he is not afraid to entrust his melodies for the interpretation of other creative groups or to form special bands of performers and produce the sound of his music by himself.

After the brilliant career as a jazz pianist and composer in the 60s, Raimonds Pauls has chosen the medium of song as his major form of expression and at the same time has managed to act out his fantasies as a composer in large staged spectacles - musicals and musical comedies. He always picks the most talented singers and musicians to perform his work and this way he increases the quality of his art to heights unreachable by others. In addition, the bright intuition of Raimonds Pauls continues to surprise with new and unexpected projects, and his creations have been an integral part of Latvian popular music for 50 years, some of them even enjoy the status of folklore. Songs of Raimonds Pauls are popular among listeners of any age not only in Latvia, because many residents of the former Soviet Union took the love towards the excellent music of Raimonds Pauls with them, when they emigrated and Maestro still receives invitations to perform in many countries all over the world.

Lana
Raimonds Pauls Lyrics

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Lana, Lana,
Pīlādzī sarkans deg rudens,
Lana, Lana,
Dzimtenē manā drīz snigs.
Lana, Lana,
Baltezers sasals un aizmigs,
Lana, Lana,
Ziemelis griezīgi kauks.

Lai rītos, tais rītos saltos
Tev rokas ir gaismā baltas
Un mieru man dod,
Mieru man dod.

Lana, Lana,
Neatstāj rokas zem sniega.
Lana, Lana,
Ziemelis griezīgi kauks.

Lai rītos, tais rītos saltos
Tev rokas ir gaismā baltas
Un mieru man dod,
Mieru man dod.

Lana, sniegā
Lūdzu man uguni sakur,
Lana, Lana,
Pīlādžu uguni kur.
Lana, Lana,
Pīlādzī sarkans deg rudens,
Lana, Lana,
Dzimtenē manā drīz snigs.
Lana, Lana,

La, la, la, ...
Lana, Lana, ...

Overall Meaning

In Raimonds Pauls's song "Lana," the lyrics speak to a person named Lana in a picturesque landscape where the changing of seasons is imminent. Throughout the song, the lyrics repeat Lana's name and describe the changes in nature around her. The color red is mentioned repeatedly, signaling the arrival of fall, which is always a time of change, and the white of snow that will soon blanket the environment.

The singer's plea to Lana to remain close to him is highlighted in the repeated line "Neatstāj rokas zem sniega," or "Do not leave your hands under the snow." The mention of fire, or uguni, showcases a desire for warmth during the cold winter months. The song ends with the repetition of Lana's name and a nonsensical "la, la, la," perhaps signifying the peacefulness that he wishes for her.

Overall, the song "Lana" is a beautiful tribute to a person, capturing the beauty of the changing of seasons and the importance of staying close to loved ones during difficult times.

Line by Line Meaning

Lana, Lana,
The singer calls out to Lana, repeatedly.

Pīlādzī sarkans deg rudens,
As the fall progresses, the maple leaves change into a bright red hue.

Dzimtenē manā drīz snigs.
Soon it will start snowing in the singer's homeland.

Baltezers sasals un aizmigs,
As winter approaches, the nearby lake will freeze over and fall asleep.

Ziemelis griezīgi kauks.
The harsh winds from the north howl.

Lai rītos, tais rītos saltos
In the cold, crisp mornings,

Tev rokas ir gaismā baltas
may your hands be illuminated with bright light

Un mieru man dod,
and bring peace to the singer's heart,

Mieru man dod.
granting them solace from the stress and chaos around them.

Neatstāj rokas zem sniega.
In the snow, make sure not to leave your hands behind.

Ziemelis griezīgi kauks.
The fierce north wind howls once again.