Ievan Polkka Lyrics in English Korpiklaani

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Below, I translated the lyrics of the song Ievan Polkka by Korpiklaani from Finnish to English.

These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!

Verse 1

From the neighbor's, the polka's rhythm was heard

It tickled the soles of my feet

Ieva's mother was watching her girl

But Ieva sure tricked her

'Cause prohibitions don't bother us

When we're dancing from side to side

Verse 2

Ieva's mouth was in a smile

When people wished them luck

Everyone's head was wet

The fiddle whined and wailed

This boy isn't bothered by wetness

When he's going from side to side

Verse 3

Ieva's mother in her chamber

Was humming hymns to herself

While this boy at the neighbor's

Was banging the old hag's daughter

Chorus 1

And this boy isn't bothered by old hags

When he's going from side to side

And this boy isn't bothered by old hags

When he's going from side to side

Verse 4

There was fun after the music

I got to hold her for a dance

When we went home the old hag quarreled

Ieva started to sob

Chorus 2

I tell Ieva, what does it matter

We'll still go from side to side

I tell Ieva, what does it matter

We'll still go from side to side

Verse 5

I tell the old lady to shut her mouth

I won't start messing up your health

You'll get away healthy if you gather your bones

And go lie down in your hovel

Chorus 3

This boy isn't bothered by tenderness

When chasing broads from side to side

This boy isn't bothered by tenderness

When chasing broads from side to side

Verse 6

I'll say this, you have to bite

I won't just be swallowed

You can go yourself from west to east

But I won't give up Ieva

'Cause this boy isn't bothered by shyness

When he's dancing from side to side

Salivili hipput tupput täppyt

Äppyt tipput slowly

Salivili hipput tupput täppyt

Äppyt tipput slowly

Did you like this lyrics translation?

nuijjuutti — pounded / thumped / clubbed

Nuijjuutti is a fascinating and somewhat aggressive-sounding word that literally means 'pounded', 'thumped', or 'clubbed'. It's not an everyday word you'd expect in a folk song, making it memorable.

In the context of "Ievan Polkka," the line "Ämmän tyttöä nuijjuutti" (pounded the old woman's daughter) is highly suggestive. While it could refer to vigorous dancing or playful roughhousing, its strong, physical connotation adds a layer of mischievousness and defiance to the song's narrative of young love sneaking around. This double meaning makes it particularly enticing.

Get ready to dance! "Ievan Polkka" tells the fun and rebellious story of a young man who hears a polka playing at a neighbor's house and can't resist the urge to join the party. There, he meets a girl named Ieva, who has cleverly snuck away from her strict mother to dance the night away with him. The song captures the wild energy of the party, where everyone is dancing so hard they're soaked in sweat, but nobody cares because they're having too much fun!

The story continues when the couple goes home and faces Ieva's angry mother. But our hero isn't scared! He boldly tells her to mind her own business and declares that he won't give up Ieva. It's a tale of young love, defiance, and the irresistible joy of dancing. The nonsensical scat singing part at the end just adds to the chaotic, carefree spirit of the song.

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Yes, including Ievan Polkka by Korpiklaani!

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Korpiklaani Ievan Polkka Lyrics