Ruslan Aslanov, everyone’s favourite mini Belarusian belter, has dropped the English version of his magical JESC entry “Volshebstvo”. Whilst “Magic” is the literal translation of the song’s title, he instead uses the word ‘fairytale’ in the lyrics of the song. Is Ruslan playing with language to make his exceedingly mature song a bit more appealing to the giddy junior audience — or is it just a question of syllable matching? Either way, and in true Belarusian style, the translation doesn’t always make 100% sense, but that just adds to the mystery!

Ruslan Aslanov: English version of “Volshebstvo”

The acoustic arrangement is understated but beautiful. Not much more than a guitar, a flute and those bells dinging and donging clearer than ever before. As always, Ruslan is vocally on point – his voice goes from soft bubbling potion to fierce exploding cauldron. That high note at 1:36 turns me to pixie dust every time.

It’s three months after the song was initially selected and Ruslan’s chances of winning gold this year are looking stronger than ever. When looking at the past four winners at JESC, Belaus have got all the ingredients: a young singer, a ballad and one ginormous voice. I say get your visas ready for Minsk 2016, y’all!

LYRICS: RUSLAN ASLANOV “MAGIC” (English)

Leaves are whirling over land,

Who now can bring all it back,

Like small stars and deep blue sky,

Tears are in your eyes,

Don’t be sad I beg please,

Promise you’re to come,

Everything for miss,

Your one real love,

 

Fairytale in the sound of your walk

In the warmness of your words,

You should call it now.

 

Birds are flying far away,

Hurt is always waiting for them,

All were lost in greedy blame,

Due to our lies,

 

Don’t be scared I beg please,

Promise you’re too calm,

Everything for miss,

Your one real love,

 

Fairytale in the sound of your walk

In the warmness of your words,

You should call it now,

 

Fairytale in the sound of your walk

In the warmness of your words,

You should call it now.

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Erin
Erin
8 years ago

I thought they switched it to ‘Fairytale’ to remind people of Alexander Rybak who just happens to be Belarusian by birth and a Belarusian success story. Putting that aside, the English lyrics are supposed to have this deep and profound meaning, but they sound pompous and disingenuous. We are left with Ruslan’s silvery, vibrating and guttural voice which is very unique among the contestants and is able to somehow overcompensate for the miscommunication of the lyrics. Three questions: 1. What is that slimy mud / oil spot coming out of the vast sand supposed to mean on the first second… Read more »

Eva
Eva
8 years ago

It is too bad that another country is feeling compelled to provide an English version of its JESC song. I hope this is not the new norm. While this helps the audience understand what the song is about, it unavoidably takes away from the performance. Songs are like poetry-ultimately they are not translatable… the beautiful synergy between words and music is very difficult to capture in another language. Add to that the child’s connection to his or her mother tongue, and the negatives outweight the positives for me. May be official translations should be released with each song to help… Read more »

Fenistil
Fenistil
8 years ago

I prefer the original version. Has some more… magic in it. 🙂

Daniel
Daniel
8 years ago

His voice is extremely versatile and colorful indeed. He’ll do just fine in Sofia.