Pink Floyd's 'Hey Hey Rise Up': Ukraine Song Lyrics Explained

Hey guys, let's dive into something really powerful and important today: the song "Hey Hey Rise Up" by Pink Floyd, featuring the incredible Andriy Khlyvnyuk of the Ukrainian band BoomBox. This isn't just another song; it's a direct response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a heartfelt plea for peace, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people. When Pink Floyd, a band known for their groundbreaking, often philosophical, and sometimes politically charged music, releases a song like this, it carries a lot of weight. They haven't put out new music in years, so for them to come together for this cause is something truly special. The song itself is built around Khlyvnyuk's a cappella performance of a Ukrainian patriotic song, "Chervona Kalyna" (The Red Viburnum), which became an anthem during the early days of the full-scale invasion. He sang it in Kyiv's Sofiyska Square, a moment that went viral and deeply moved David Gilmour, one of Pink Floyd's legendary guitarists. This collaboration, born from a viral video and a shared sense of outrage and empathy, is a powerful example of how music can transcend borders and connect people across the globe. It's a story of artistic solidarity and a musical middle finger to aggression. We're going to break down the lyrics, explore the meaning behind them, and understand why this song resonates so deeply with so many people. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let's get into it.

The Genesis of "Hey Hey Rise Up": From Viral Moment to Musical Anthem

Alright, let's talk about how this whole thing even came about. The genesis of Pink Floyd's "Hey Hey Rise Up" is a story that really highlights the power of social media and the immediate impact of music in times of crisis. It all started with Andriy Khlyvnyuk. Back in March 2022, just weeks after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Khlyvnyuk, a prominent figure in the Ukrainian music scene, stood in the historic Sofiyska Square in Kyiv. Surrounded by the ancient beauty of the city, now under the shadow of war, he sang "Chervona Kalyna" (The Red Viburnum). This wasn't just a performance; it was an act of defiance, a moment of profound cultural and national pride captured on video. The song itself is deeply symbolic in Ukrainian history, a folk song that has been sung during times of struggle and resistance, notably during World War II. Khlyvnyuk's rendition, raw and emotional, with the weight of the current conflict pressing down, went viral. It resonated with people worldwide who were watching the unfolding tragedy in Ukraine with horror and a deep sense of helplessness. Among those moved by Khlyvnyuk's performance was David Gilmour, the legendary guitarist and vocalist of Pink Floyd. Gilmour saw the video and was profoundly struck by its power and Khlyvnyuk's courage. He reached out, and what followed was an extraordinary collaboration. Pink Floyd, a band that had been largely inactive for years, decided to come together to support Ukraine. They took Khlyvnyuk's vocal recording from that impromptu performance and built a new song around it. This wasn't just about re-releasing an old track; it was about creating something new, something immediate, something that spoke directly to the present moment. The band members, including Nick Mason and Richard Wright (though Wright has sadly passed, his legacy is part of Pink Floyd's sound), contributed to this new arrangement. The resulting track, "Hey Hey Rise Up," was released as a single, with all proceeds going to humanitarian aid for Ukraine. This is what makes the song so significant. It’s not just music; it’s a statement. It's a band with a storied history, known for its anthems and its impact, using its platform to amplify a message of solidarity and resistance. The fact that they chose to base the song on Khlyvnyuk's powerful a cappella performance underscores the authenticity and the emotional core of the project. It's a beautiful, albeit tragic, origin story that perfectly sets the stage for the lyrical content and the overall message of the song. It truly is a testament to the fact that art can emerge from the darkest of times, offering solace, defiance, and hope.

Deconstructing the Lyrics: "Chervona Kalyna" and "Hey Hey Rise Up"

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the lyrics themselves. "Hey Hey Rise Up" is unique because it primarily features Andriy Khlyvnyuk's vocals, which are rooted in the traditional Ukrainian song "Chervona Kalyna" (The Red Viburnum). While Pink Floyd added their signature musical elements, the lyrical heart of the song comes from this powerful folk melody. Understanding "Chervona Kalyna" is key to grasping the depth of "Hey Hey Rise Up." The original song dates back to World War I and is often associated with the Ukrainian struggle for independence and national identity. The 'chervona kalyna' itself, the red viburnum, is a powerful national symbol in Ukraine. It represents beauty, love, and sometimes, sorrow and blood, especially in the context of sacrifice. The lyrics of "Chervona Kalyna" speak of a field where a viburnum has bent low. The singer imagines themselves putting their red viburnum on a certain mound, and then they'll rouse joyful songs – "Hey, hey, rise up and have no fear!" This imagery of the bent viburnum can symbolize a nation in distress, bowed but not broken. The act of placing the viburnum on the mound and rousing songs signifies a call to action, a gathering of strength, and a reclaiming of spirit. Khlyvnyuk's specific rendition, which went viral, adapted these traditional themes to the modern context of the invasion. He sang lines that evoke a sense of patriotic duty and a defiant spirit against the aggressor. He invoked the image of the enemy ('Moskal') being on Ukrainian land and the need to drive them out. The core sentiment is: "Ukraine is not yet dead, nor its glory, nor its freedom." This is the powerful, defiant message that Pink Floyd amplified. When they added their musical arrangement, they kept Khlyvnyuk's vocals front and center. The new lyrics added by Pink Floyd, particularly Gilmour's lines, serve to frame Khlyvnyuk's powerful message for an international audience. Lines like "A river of tears in the eyes of the world" and "We are all of us, united and bold" speak to the global impact of the war and the universal desire for peace and justice. The phrase "Hey Hey Rise Up" itself is a direct translation and amplification of the chorus from "Chervona Kalyna," making it an accessible and rousing call to action for anyone listening. The blend of ancient folk tradition and contemporary rock creates a sonic tapestry that is both deeply rooted in Ukrainian culture and universally resonant. It’s a powerful fusion of past and present, of defiance and hope, all channeled through the iconic sound of Pink Floyd. The lyrics, in their essence, are a prayer, a battle cry, and a lament, all rolled into one. It's about standing tall, remembering who you are, and fighting for what is right, even when the odds seem impossible. It's a message that transcends language and culture, speaking directly to the human spirit's resilience.

The Symbolism of "The Red Viburnum" (Chervona Kalyna)

Delving deeper into the symbolism of "The Red Viburnum," or Chervona Kalyna, is crucial to understanding the profound emotional and cultural weight of Pink Floyd's "Hey Hey Rise Up." This isn't just a pretty flower; it's a potent emblem woven into the very fabric of Ukrainian identity and its long history of struggle and resilience. The viburnum plant, particularly the Viburnum opulus species, is native to Ukraine and features bright red berries and clusters of white flowers. In Ukrainian folklore and tradition, the red viburnum has held a special place for centuries. Its vibrant red color is often interpreted as representing blood – the blood shed for the homeland, the sacrifices made by countless generations defending their freedom. It also symbolizes beauty, love, and the nation's vitality. The