No one would deny that I’m from Krakow,
I’ve got many tassels fastened to my buckle.
Yes, I’m from Krakow, don’t think I’m a fool,
I was only three, when I went to school.
I was learning quickly – faster than my brother,
Now I’m reading better than my dear mother!
When I was a young man, I had seven horses,
I lost all but one, fighting foreign forces.

The literal translation would not make sense, so I’ve tried to keep the rhymes and the content as close to the original, as possible.

Now, take a look at the full text:

Krakowiaczek
Author – anonimus
Written down by Zygmunt Gloger in 1892

1.
Krakowiaczek jeden
miał koników siedem,
pojechał na wojnę,
został mu się jeden.

2.
Siedem lat wojował,
szabli nie wyjmował,
szabla zardzewiała,
wojny nie widziała.

3.
Krakowianka jedna
miała chłopca z drewna,
a buciki z wosku,
wszystko po krakowsku.

4.
Krakowiaczek ci ja,
krakowskiej natury,
kto mi wejdzie w drogę,
ja na niego z góry.

5.
Krakowiaczek ci ja,
któż nie przyzna tego,
siedemdziesiąt kółek,
u pasika mego.

6.
Krakowiaczek ci ja,
z czerwona czapeczką,
szyta kierezyja,
bucik z podkóweczką.
7.
Gra mi wciąż muzyka,
a kółka trzepocą,
jak małe księżyce
w blasku się migocą.

Here is my translation:

1.
I’m a man from Krakow, I had seven horses,
I lost all but one, fighting foreign forces.

2.
Although I kept fighting and was never bored,
Somehow I returned home with the rusty sword.

3.
Little girl from Krakow, had a wooden doll
And a funny footwear with a waxy sole.

4.
I’m a man from Kracow, I’m not a clown,
If you mess with me, I will take you down.

5.
No one would deny, that I’m from Kracow,
I’ve got many tassels fastened to my buckle.

6.
I’m a guy from Kracow, so please take a note:
I wear woolen red hat, boots, and overcoat.

7.
When the music’s playing, I dance with a flare,
Tassels on my buckle give off lots of glare.

Here are some links to Krakowiaczek performances:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MfYoyI5C8k&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aj4rdByawQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5bwS62m_Sk&feature=related

I love this website – keep up the good work!
Krystyna

The picture of the doll, on their website is, however a good representation of a boy’s Krakowiakian costume. Notice the peacock feather in the boy’s hat. I believe that Polish folklore, like Greek and Turkish folklore attributes to the peacock the power to ward off the evil eye. Notice also that the hat the boy is wearing is similar to the typical hat worn as part of a high school or college “cap and gown.” I believe (but have not validated this) that because the University at Krakow was so important during the middle ages that this is where the “cap and gown” custom came from.

Anyway, I hope that you will enjoy the picture at their website.

If you are looking for children’s books or toys related to Poland, this is a good source.