In MMD 97.07.08, there was an item about 'Beer Barrel Polka' written by the
Czech composer Vejvoda. This was said to have been called 'Skoda Lasky' in the
original Czech. This is true as far as the song is concerned, but the tune was
originally written without words and was titled 'Modrany Polka', (Modrany being
a geographical location). The title 'Skoda Lasky' for the song is, as is often
the case with another language, not exactly translatable. A literal translation
is 'Pity Love' but 'Hurt Love' might be a nearer meaning.
A free translation of the original Czech lyric of Skoda Lasky is:
Pity the love which I gave to you
Today these eyes of mine would cry
My youth fled like a dream
All that remains to me is only a memory in my heart.
I think that 'Roll out the Barrel' is a much more suitable verse for such a
jolly tune. And thanks to Karl, my brother in law for the information.
Keith Reedman
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