History:Glorious Sea, Sacred Baikal

"Glorious Sea, Sacred Baikal" (Russian: Славное море — священный Байкал) is a folk song of Siberia, Russia , which has been sung since the 19th century. Its words are by Dmitriy Davidov (Дмитрий Павлович Давыдов), but its composer is unknown.

Words

During the first half of the 19th century, many Russians were exiled to Siberia as the results of the Decembrist revolt (1825) etc. In 1848, Dmitriy Davidov, after visiting Ulan-Ude, wrote a poem entitled "Thoughts of a Fugitive in Baikal" in eleven stanzas, of which five were put into this song.

The song's first stanza:

Davidov's Original Славное море — привольный Байкал, Славный корабль — омулёвая бочка. Ну, баргузин, пошевеливай вал, Плыть молодцу недалeчко!

As It Is Sung Now Славное море — священный Байкал, Славный корабль — омулёвая бочка. Эй, баргузин, пошевеливай вал, Молодцу плыть недалeчко!

English Translation (GFDL) Glorious sea, sacred Baikal, My glorious boat is a barrel to contain omul fish. Hey, Barguzin wind, create your waves, And carry this lad on his way!

See also

• "The Wanderer"