Composer

:

Sholom Secunda

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

6:07

"Dona, Dona" is a Yiddish folk song composed by Sholom Secunda in 1940. The song was originally titled "Dos Kelbl" (The Calf) and was written for a Yiddish play called "Esterke." The song became popular in the Jewish community and was later translated into English by Arthur Kevess and Teddi Schwartz in 1956. The song premiered in the United States in 1941 and quickly became a popular folk song. It has been covered by numerous artists, including Joan Baez, Donovan, and Chet Atkins. The song has a simple melody and is typically performed with guitar accompaniment. It is written in a minor key, which gives it a melancholic and haunting quality. The song is composed of three verses and a chorus. The first verse tells the story of a calf being led to slaughter, while the second verse describes a bird flying freely in the sky. The third verse tells the story of a young woman named Dona who is being forced to marry against her will. The chorus repeats the phrase "Dona, Dona, Dona, Dona" and asks why she must suffer. The song is often interpreted as a commentary on the Jewish experience during World War II. The calf and the bird represent the Jewish people, who were being led to slaughter and forced to flee their homes. Dona represents the individual who is powerless in the face of larger forces. Overall, "Dona, Dona" is a powerful and emotional song that has resonated with audiences for decades. Its simple melody and poignant lyrics have made it a classic in the folk music canon.

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