A moving anti-war folk track from New York-based artist Bill Greenberg, “Ukraine” reflects on feelings of displacement and the emotive impact of war. Gentle acoustics and an eventual harmonica complement a forlorn, steady vocal presence, urging to “tell your children,” while depicting the heavy impacts of war, particularly regarding the ghastly invasion of Ukraine.
The lyrical imagery of “the shattered houses, the fractured streets,” complements a first-person narrative of physical and mental pain, pushing forward through the tumult. The harmonica at the track’s mid-point diversifies well, adding a warmness alongside the gentle acoustics. The intense, poignant lyrical reflections resonate in the midst of this gentle instrumentation, putting the thematic lyrical emphasis on full display. “Ragged as we stand, we can’t be sad,” the vocals continue, remain fixated on the journey ahead. “Ukraine” is a stirring folk success from Bill Greenberg.
Per Greenberg: “”Ukraine” envisions a Ukrainian soldier withstanding Putin’s so-called “special military operation” repelling the destruction of their country and their homes—no matter what the cost to themselves or to their families.”
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of June 2023’ Spotify playlist.
