Playing the song “Keep your heart open” might sound soft, slow, and melodic on the outside, but diving deep into the lines of lyrics presents a whole new dimension of vigour, strong application of imagery, and relatable ideas about life.

Again, had any non-Russion listeners been listening to the song, grabbing the essence of it, even the minute 1 percent of it would have been otherwise difficult if not for the singer and translator Alex Genadinik. “This is my latest cover and translation into English of the poet Bulat Okudzhava. I translated a number of his songs into English. Those songs and their analysis can be found on my full page with Bulat Okudzhava songs in English.”

Thanks to Alek’s translation, listening to the song is a sweet pleasure, especially for those who are looking for some source of inspiration or some peace of mind. This song could be the exact dose you would be needing at times when you need the confidence to move ahead in life no matter what the consequences would be or what the present situation is. Although this is an individual review, I am sure many would approve of a similar belief. Again, some may wonder what made the singer decide to translate the poet’s works.

This is what the singer has to say, “I first came across this song about 20 years ago. This wasn’t one of Bulat Okudzhava’s hit songs, and I discovered this song later than I discovered his other songs. But the song immediately inspired me because in the original lyrics, there was a juxtaposition of keeping fire in your heart going as much as the fire in the fireplace. In English, this doesn’t have a ring to it, but in the Russian original it did. This song has great imagery, and it’s one of my favorite songs with great metaphors. It also quickly became one of my favorite inspirational songs.

This song left quite an imprint on my life, and as great songs often do, it lived in me for a long time. Perhaps it did help me keep my own heart open because it made the idea of doing such a thing seem as one of the most important things, and certainly keeping my heart open has been an area of my focus.”

Readers’ Note: This excerpt has been referred from one of Alex Genadinik’s article. If you want to read more about his relationship with the poet Bulat Okudzhava and what he thinks about the song, then go ahead and read his blog Keep Your Heart Open – Sweet Song About Kindness and Keeping an Open Heart.

“Keep your heart open” is one of Alex Genadinik’s latest works, which is already out on some of the major platforms. You can go ahead and listen it on Youtube. Below is the link –

If you like the song and wish to read more about Russian poet Bulat Okudzhava’s works, then here is a link that you like to know – https://www.touchedbyasong.com/unique-poetry-book-with-songs-that-take-your-imagination-to-new-worlds/

You can go ahead and read more poems in English Language.