After the release of Yat-Kha, Kuvezin and Sokolovsky parted creative ways and Kuvezin went on to release five other albums under the name Yat-Kha with other musicians (and less of an emphasis on electronics), beginning with Yenisei Punk in 1995, with morin khuur player Alexei Saaia (produced by Lu Edmonds). Sokolovsky issued a remastered version of the Yat-Kha album, with additional tracks, under the title Tundra's Ghosts in 1996/97.
Since 2001, they have been performing a live soundtrack to Vsevolod Pudovkin's 1928 silent film Storm over Asia. They may release a DVD of this version of the film with Reality Film.
In 2005 the band released the album "Re-covers", featuring covers of tracks by Joy Division, Captain Beefheart, Motorhead, Santana, Kraftwerk and Hank Williams.
Irik Chuduk
Yat-Kha Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kazhaa xöree tutkaj ertik
Ijem küzhür ölbeen bolza
Iji karak bolgaj ertik
Khadyn chuduk synmaan bolza
Kazhaa xöree tutkaj ertik
Khajyraan avam ölbeen bolza
The lyrics to Yat-Kha's song "Irik Chuduk" convey a message of endurance and resilience, using metaphorical imagery to describe the struggles of life. The song starts off with the phrase "Irik chuduk synmaan bolza," which translates to "If you become a blade of grass." Grass, in this context, represents a state of vulnerability and humility. The next line, "Kazhaa xöree tutkaj ertik," or "You'll be grazed by livestock," symbolizes the hardships and challenges that will come your way. However, the song emphasizes that even in a weakened state, one can still stand strong: "Ijem küzhür ölbeen bolza, Iji karak bolgaj ertik" - "If you become dry and withered, you'll still be black and strong."
The second verse of the song continues with the theme of resilience: "Khadyn chuduk synmaan bolza, Kazhaa xöree tutkaj ertik" - "If you become a thorn, you'll be grazed by livestock." The imagery of the thorn represents a sense of prickliness and defensiveness - even if others try to take advantage or harm us, we can still stand firm. The final line of the song, "Khajyraan avam ölbeen bolza, Karak, kulak bolgaj ertik," means "If you become a willow tree, you'll still be black and your ears will stand tall." The willow tree, known for its flexibility and ability to bend in the winds, represents a sense of adaptability and strength in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
Irik chuduk synmaan bolza
If the rodent stops moving
Kazhaa xöree tutkaj ertik
It will become easy prey for the eagle
Ijem küzhür ölbeen bolza
If the wind stops blowing
Iji karak bolgaj ertik
The snow will settle and become hard
Khadyn chuduk synmaan bolza
If the horse stops moving
Kazhaa xöree tutkaj ertik
It will be easy for the enemy to capture
Khajyraan avam ölbeen bolza
If the warrior stops fighting
Karak, kulak bolgaj ertik
He will become deaf and lose his bravery
Contributed by Jasmine E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.