The Color of Our Hearts

Happy Independence Day Ukraine

Today is Ukrainian Independence Day and we begin with the eerie sounds of an air raid siren drawn from the strings of a cello, followed by this powerful and touching song, “Courage to Change” with compelling new lyrics by Maria Popravka.

Maria is the head of media relations for the city of Odesa, Ukraine. She not only wrote the new lyrics - retitling the song, “This is Us” (see translation below) but created the script for the video as well. Here is what she had to say about the project:

“Today is Ukraine's Independence Day and the long-awaited premiere of the video This is Us! The video is the result of months of work by dozens of people shooting for many days in quite difficult conditions. The filming was done in Odesa.

The idea was to let the talented children from Odessa sing the song and record the process. We created a unique sound with an orchestra that used Ukrainian instruments such as the bandura.

Our singers are members of the children's chorus. The soloist is Susan Dobrovolska. They are a real dream team - total pros.

The company that did the production was GN Consulting. Their work is always excellent. 

I hope this project will inspire the Ukrainian people and show the world that our children need protection. The English version of the song will be released in the next day or two.”

This is Us

I close my eyes and hear

The sea of wind out there

Beyond the skyline, the rising sun is beaming

I feel its light so clear

And faith is whispering dear

This shine of hope will wash away my fears.

Time flows by, time flows by

Life will go on

Time flows by, you and I

We will keep loving

All flow by, time flows by

We share one future

Destined to find the way

It’s me!

Hear the voice from your heart - it's me.

Early tears of dew - it’s me.

That’s my sky in your eyes.

It's us!

Look inside of you - it’s us

We are millions of lives arising

with Ukraine in our hearts!

The time is now to see us

United all as one

Empowered by life and freedom,

The growing sun is beaming

We feel its light so clear

We’re choosing peace and joy instead of fear.

The war is pouring over us

The sky full of deadly rockets

Cold-hearted bullets threatening our world

Still, we are deeply rooted

Love is the healing power

We stand together here, we are united.

Time flows by, time flows by

Life will go on

Time flows by, you and I

We will keep loving

All flow by, time flows by

We share one future

Destined to find the way.

It’s me!

Hear the voice from your heart - it's me.

Early tears of dew - it’s me.

That’s my sky in your eyes.

It's us!

Look inside of you - it’s us

We are millions of lives arising

With Ukraine in our hearts!

The time is now to see us

United all as one

Empowered by the life and freedom

The growing sun is beaming

We feel its light so clear

We’re choosing peace and joy instead of fear. - Maria Popravka