Krakowiaks[1]
I. That I might get to know a real Pollack VI. A How I’ll characterize for you
I will dance and sing about Krakowiaks for
you[2] Krakowiaks
[is] by [their] feet
II. I am a Krakowiak to you They go around with straw on
their boots
Of Krakowian nature And [making] crashes on the floor
Of Krakowian nature And [making] crashes on the floor
Whoever meets me on the street VII. You play a Krakowiak [song]
I’m all over him quickly Because it’s cool[3]
III. I’m a Krakowiak to you I love all the young ladies
[And] whoever doesn’t admit it And none of the married women
[There are] seventy punches VIII. Not only does he sing
In my fist [for him] Who
is happy
IV. I’m a Krakowiak to you He also hums to himself
It’s all money-belt[4] Who
is sad about something
Under[5]
my shirt IX. Come what may
A red pea-pod[6] He
calls himself a Krakowiak
V. I’m a Krakowiak to you Any gulp he drinks down
I was born in Krakow And already he’s lifeless
I was seven years old X. Maybe I must have
When I started chasing girls Not
been in Krakow
If I wasn’t able
To sing[7]
a Krakowiak [song]
[1] In a different handwriting. “Krakowiak” can mean: A
person from Krakow, or a dance from Krakow, or a song from Krakow.
[2] Or, “Perform a Krakowiak Dance/Song for you
[3] Literally nice
[4] Literally “Horseshoe-shaped change purse”
[5] Literally “at”
[6] Or, “cocoon”?
[7] Or, “Sing about a Krakowiak [person]”
This is my favorite one! Remember I was reading it at your dining table and doing it like a hip hop rap song? It worked! I loved it. I can almost see a rowdy group of guys from Krakow singing it with spirit and stomping their feet at the same time.
ReplyDeleteSeriously. Some are wearing hats. But all are smiling like in Fidler on the Roof.