Kyiv Song

Written and recorded in 1988 by the Canadian group Wax Apparatus, an archived copy was recently found. Though not the studio master tape, and having lost some of its original fidelity, this song resonates more than it ever has.

Alongside this, we felt compelled to revisit the song again this year through a simple and slightly contemporized version with just piano and voice, as our hearts break for all Ukrainians.

It’s haunting how much the lyrics and tone of this song speak to today. Originally written as a poem, Kyiv was then shaped into a song and ode to a grand city and its heroic people. For more than a millennium, Kyiv has been a crucial presence in the shaping of Eastern Europe. Throughout a history punctuated by invasion, conflict and destruction, it has risen again and again; each time finding new purpose.

To the noble city of Kyiv and the brave souls of Ukraine, we send our deepest love and pray that you will soon enough “Lift your eyes and let your voices speak”. The world is with you.

Kyiv 2022 (Song Lyrics)

Pictures at an exhibition,
Brilliant days of old,
Standing with near perfect posture
In the burning snow.
Draped in the wrath of ages,
Colours deep in tone.
Warmed by the breath of memory,
Your presence so well known.

Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight
Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s take your warning

Kyiv, Kyiv, your ground moves as the frost heaves
Kyiv, Kyiv, lift your eyes let your voices speak

From the steps of St. Sophia
Devotion takes its hold.
And, for those who come together,
They weave a common soul.
There they dance with holograms;
Warming to their glow.
Having come to mend dream’s fabric,
Every stitch fool’s gold.

Red sky at night, shepherd’s delight
Red sky in the morning, shepherd’s take your warning

Kyiv, Kyiv, a thousand years of souls grieve
Kyiv, Kyiv, but not one now will concede

Kyiv, Kyiv, when morning comes you will breathe
Kyiv, Kyiv, lift your eyes and let your voices speak

M.Vidalin

KYIV