Ballad of the Stzena

Lyrics by Yael, who plays Danika Alicja Dabrowska. This song is in Klezmer tune.

A recording is available here by Yael

A Stzena travelled far and wide to see what she could learn, And on the way she sang some songs so money she could earn; Through many days and many nights she travelled on the road She warded and she guarded, and through heavy snow she trod, Then came upon a merchant, quite wealthy, from the League, And in his hall she sang a tune that went a bit like this; Na na na na nay…

The wealthy merchant liked the tune and shouted out with glee- I’ll pay you very handsomely if you sell it to me, “Oh many days and many nights I travelled on the road I warded and I guarded, and through heavy snow I trod, The music of the Stzena- she answered loud and strong- Is not a simple music tune, it is a Warding Song!” Na na na na nay…

I’ll pay you well, just name your price, the merchant did insist, For he assumed there is no one his money would resist, “Oh many days and many nights I travelled on the road I warded and I guarded, and through heavy snow I trod, Oh my honoured merchant, it’s not a price of gold, For what you pay in money, the Varushkan pay in blood.” Na na na na nay…

So leave my hall at once! He shouted angrily, If you don’t wish to strike a bargain you’re no use to me, “Then many days and many nights I’ll travel on the road To cast a ward and be on guard, till through the snow I’ve trod.” The Stzena packed her things, and left before the dawn, For in life there are some things that are worth more than coin. Na na na na nay…(X2)