Carol
The Pacifics Lyrics
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Pryletila lastivochka
Stala sobi shchebetaty
Hospodarya vyklykaty
"Vyydy, vyydy, hospodaryu
Podyvysya na kosharu
Tam ovechky pokotylys’
A yahnychky narodylys’
Budesh’ maty mirku hroshey
V tebe tovar ves’ khoroshyy
Budesh’ maty mirku hroshey
Khoch ne hroshey, to polova
V tebe zhinka chornobrova"
Shchedryk shchedryk, shchedrivochka
Pryletila lastivochka
The lyrics of "Carol of the Bells" were originally written in Ukrainian by Mykola Leontovych in 1914, under the title "Shchedryk," which means "bountiful" or "generous." The song is about a swallow that flies into a household to sing of good fortunes that will come to the family, and to encourage the owner to come outside and see his new livestock. The lyrics also contain a message about the importance of having good merchandise in order to be wealthy.
The Pacifics's version of "Carol of the Bells" takes the classic Ukrainian folk song and gives it a more modern, jazzy twist. The group's interpretation of the song is slower and more mellow than other versions, and the harmonies and vocal arrangements give the song a slightly haunting quality. The use of finger snapping and percussion adds to the rhythm of the song, while the addition of English lyrics gives it a fresh, new meaning.
Overall, "Carol of the Bells" is a timeless holiday classic that has been interpreted by countless artists over the years. The Pacifics's version of the song pays homage to the original Ukrainian folk tune while also putting their own unique spin on it.
Line by Line Meaning
Shchedryk shchedryk, shchedrivochka
The song begins with the repeating of the traditional Ukrainian song 'Shchedryk,' which is often sung during the Christmas season and is usually associated with good fortune. The word 'shchedryk' is a Ukrainian word for 'bountiful,' which is being repeated thrice for emphasis.
Pryletila lastivochka
A swallow flew over the singer's head. In Ukraine, swallows have long been considered harbingers of good luck.
Stala sobi shchebetaty
Upon the arrival of the swallow, there was a commotion among the animals, and they started chirping among themselves in joy.
Hospodarya vyklykaty
The animals gathered and began calling for the master of the house to come witness the new arrivals in the barnyard.
"Vyydy, vyydy, hospodaryu
The animals urged the master of the household to come out and see what was happening in the barnyard
Podyvysya na kosharu
They asked the master to come and see the manger
Tam ovechky pokotylys’
Upon his arrival, the master of the household saw that the sheep had started to frolic with joy.
A yahnychky narodylys’
He also saw that the newborn lambs had just been born.
V tebe tovar ves’ khoroshyy
The master of the household was complimented by the animals, who said he had good animals and that he would soon be wealthy.
Budesh’ maty mirku hroshey
The animals predicted that the Master would have a prosperous year.
Khoch ne hroshey, to polova
Even if he didn't have the money, he would still have a bountiful harvest.
V tebe zhinka chornobrova"
The end of the song notes that the Master would also have a beautiful young wife.
Shchedryk shchedryk, shchedrivochka
The song concludes with the repeating of the traditional Ukrainian song 'Shchedryk,' which is often sung during the Christmas season and is usually associated with good fortune. The word 'shchedryk' is a Ukrainian word for 'bountiful,' which is being repeated thrice for emphasis.
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