Today, a friend shared a song that has become an anthem honoring a fallen Ukrainian hero and is frequently sung at funerals. She notes it is deeply embedded in Ukrainian culture and serves as a heartfelt tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. 

It is seen as a song of mourning and deep national sorrow. 

It is titled “Plyve Kacha,” and the English translation is “The Duckling Swims.”

The song functions as a metaphor for death and the soul's journey, with the duckling symbolizing a young, often reluctant soldier departing for war and confronting death.

The lyrics depict an emotional exchange between a son and his mother, focusing on his departure, the risk of death abroad, and the pain of saying goodbye.

The story of this folk song is reminiscent of a river, flowing and changing as it journeys to new locations. 

Here is the English translation -

Oh, duckling floats on Tisyna

Duckling floats on Tisyna.

My mother, don't swear me,

My mother, don't swear me.

Oh, if you will swear me at dark hour,

If you will swear me at dark hour.

I don't know where I'll die,

I don't know where I'll die.

Oh, I'll die on foreign lands

I will die on foreign lands.

Who will prepare a grave for me?

Who will prepare a grave for me?

Oh, another people will prepare,

Strangers will prepare.

Won't you regret, mother?

Won't you regret, mother?

Oh, my son, how could I not regret?

My son, how could I not regret?

You were laying on my heart,

You were laying on my heart.

Oh, duckling floats on Tisyna

Duckling floats on Tisyna.