Hava

Forest in Poland

Vivian Richman was one of the more well-known folk singers in Pennsylvania.  She sang in the coffee houses of Pittsburgh, entertained crowds at the huge arena in the city and brought folk music to thousands of people, including children.  Two of her best friends had been Pete Seegar and Woody Guthrie, and I was lucky enough to call her friend and have her teach me this rare song.

The Story of Hava, as we will call the song that, given the fact it is unknown and had no name.  It is that old story of girl meets boy, in a fantasy love story, rather an allegory of the young man entering an innocent girl's life and then leaving as quietly as he came.

The song captures the innocence of the young woman, whose love affair comes along, becomes a part of youthful experience then appears to fade, as the woman goes on with her life.

Perhaps the song is a lesson.  Perhaps it is a recitation of someone's real experience.  But this old song, that Vivian Richman translated from Yiddish into English, this song that originated in Poland, has a charm that stays with us.  I recorded the song on YouTube, and it is the only rendition of the song I have heard, since Richman was given the song to translate and perform.  She died about 25 years ago, but her folk music, much of it at the Smithsonian, remains part of the treasured memories of all who heard her and this song.