It’s Ukraine calling! The country is ready to proudly wave its flag at Junior Eurovision on 13 December in Tbilisi, and they have already selected their representative. As always, Ukraine held a live pre-selection for the contest, and the winner was Sofia Nersesian with “Motanka,” a song deeply rooted in Ukrainian heritage.
They are ready to shine once again on the Junior Eurovision stage, after reaching the podium last year with Artem Kotenko and his song “Hear Me Now.”
Scroll down for the “Motanka” lyrics
Ukraine in Junior Eurovision 2025: Sofia Nersesian with “Motanka”
Sofia is 10 years old and comes from Kyiv, with an Armenian-Ukrainian heritage. Even at such a young age she is deeply dedicated to charity work; not only is she a volunteer, but she also loves taking part in charity concerts.
She has been waiting for her chance to represent Ukraine in JESC for a long time, and now her dream has finally come true. What was once her nightly wish is now reality, and she is ready to live this experience to the fullest.
On her YouTube channel, Sofia has released several original songs and a series of covers, including “Stefania” by Kalush Orchestra, the song that won Eurovision 2022. She also recorded a duet with Artem Kotenko, Ukraine’s JESC representative from last year, performing “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars.
What do the “Motanka” lyrics mean?
Ukraine is back this year with a song filled with strong folk influences, deeply rooted in their tradition. And to understand the lyrics, we first need to explain what a “Motanka” is.
A Motanka is a traditional doll specific to Ukraine and other Slavic countries, a rag doll that serves as an amulet. It’s part of Ukrainian folklore, made and tied without the use of a needle or any sharp objects, so as not to “affect the fate.” Traditionally, these dolls have no facial features, sometimes bearing only a cross instead. Motanka dolls are created with specific intentions, wishes or tasks in mind.
In this song, the Motanka doll becomes a symbol of the country itself, a symbol of its heritage and a protector. Her threads turn into threads of hope, still burning and shining even in the darkness of the night, a clear reflection of the country’s current, unfortunate reality. The Motanka is awake, like a hero, guarding through the night and watching over those who need her strength.
The Motanka doll does not sleep
Threads are glowing — Faith is burning
(…)
By the window there’s no dream, just drowse
By the window, darkness has long fallen
In the darkness of the night, Sofia is not scared. She is ready to stay awake and fight for a future filled with light and peace, with the Motanka doll as her talisman, the guardian in charge of fulfilling her wish, bringing prosperous rain instead of tears.
But I am not afraid of you, dark night
You hear my voice — I fight for the light
(…)
Protect, I beg you, my life
Mota-mota-motanka, I pray
Instead of tears, give warm rain
Raising even more awareness about the situation faced by her country, one of the most heart-breaking lines of the song is when Sofia asks the Motanka doll:
Save my life, don’t leave me all alone
“Motanka” lyrics – Sofia Nersesian (Ukraine JESC 2025)
Lyrics and music: Svitlana Tarabarova
Ukrainian textМotanka, mоta-mоta-motanka Motanka-lyalechka ne spyt’ Mota-mota Oy lyuli-lyuli, oy lyuli-li Ta ya tebe, temryava, ne boyus’ Mota-mota-motanka moya Mota-mota-motanka, my own Zamist’ sliz day teploho Mota-mota Motanku – lyalechku Oy lyuli-lyuli, oy lyuli-li Mota-mota-motanka moya Mota-mota-motanka, my own Мotanka, mоta-mоta-motanka Shh… |
English translationMotanka, mota-mota-motanka The Motanka doll does not sleep Mota-mota Oh lyuli-lyuli, oh lyuli-li But I am not afraid of you, dark night My mota-mota-motanka Mota-mota-motanka, my own Instead of tears, give warmth Mota-mota Motanka-doll Oh lyuli-lyuli, oh lyuli-li My mota-mota-motanka Mota-mota-motanka, my own Motanka, mota-mota-motanka Shhhhh… |
What do you think of “Motanka”? Is Sofia Nersesian’s song one of your favourites in this year’s contest? Let us know in the comments below.
