About the song
Donna, Donna is a traditional Yiddish folk song that has been covered by many artists over the years, but perhaps the most well-known version is the one by Joan Baez. Baez’s version of the song was released on her 1960 debut album, Joan Baez, and it quickly became a popular folk anthem. The song is about a young calf that is being led to the slaughterhouse. The calf laments its fate, but a swallow flying overhead tells it to stop complaining and be grateful for the freedom it has while it still has it. The song’s message of hope and resilience has resonated with listeners for generations, and it continues to be a popular choice for folk singers and activists alike.
Donna, Donna was written by Sholom Secunda and Aaron Zeitlin in 1939. The song was originally written in Yiddish, and it was first performed in a play called The World of Sholom Aleichem. The song was quickly adopted by American folk singers, and it has been translated into many languages.
Baez’s version of Donna, Donna is one of the most popular folk songs of all time. The song has been covered by many other artists, including Bob Dylan, Pete Seeger, and Judy Collins. It has also been featured in a number of films and television shows.
Donna, Donna is a beautiful and moving song that has a timeless message. The song’s message of hope and resilience is as relevant today as it ever was, and it is sure to continue to be enjoyed by listeners for many years to come.
Video
Lyrics
On a wagon bound for market
There’s a calf with a mournful eye
High above him there’s a swallow
Winging swiftly through the skyHow the winds are laughing
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And half the summer’s nightDonna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna, Donna, Donna, Don
Donna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna, Donna, Donna, Don“Stop complaining!” said the farmer
“Who told you a calf to be?
Why don’t you have wings to fly with
Like the swallow so proud and free?”How the winds are laughing
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And half the summer’s nightDonna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna, Donna, Donna, Don
Donna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna, Donna, Donna, DonCalves are easily bound and slaughtered
Never knowing the reason why
But whoever treasures freedom
Like the swallow has learned to flyHow the winds are laughing
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And half the summer’s nightDonna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna, Donna, Donna, Don
Donna, Donna, Donna, Donna
Donna, Donna, Donna, Don