Nane Cocha is an old Roma folk song that’s taken on new life in recent years. It’s a simple ballad about a young girl who’s getting married, leaving everything behind for her new life.
No one is sure where the song originally came from or how old it is. Sung by Roma for generations, many people around the world first heard it in the successful 1975 Soviet film, “Gypsies Are Found Near Heaven.” Since then, it has remained popular, recorded and performed by many musicians – both Roma and non-Roma.
It’s almost universally known among Roma here in Slovakia. If you wander into a group of children and sing the first few notes, the kids will automatically start singing along!
Search for the song on YouTube, and you’ll find it recorded with different lyrics and in many different musical styles. In this recording, the group Romano Hangos (Roma Voice) decided on a traditional version. The style is very typical for Roma folk music – it begins slowly and soulfully, getting faster and more intense as the song repeats.
Nane Cocha (I Have Nothing)
Roma folk song (author unknown)
Nane cocha nane gad
Mi kinel mange o dad!
Sarme džava pal o drom,
Mi kinel mange o rom!
Sarme džava pal o drom,
Mi kinel mange o rom!
I have no skirt, not even a dress.
Let my father buy them for me!
When I go, along the way,
Let my husband buy them!
When I go, along the way,
Let my husband buy them!
Piano, keyboard and guitar: Alex Rybár
Cajon: Rene Fráter
Lead Vocal: Ondrej Gaži Background Vocals: Ján Fráter, René Fráter, Monika Guľášová, Alex Rybár, Roman Šana, Dominik Slepčík
