If you grew up in a Russian-speaking household or have a soft spot for Soviet animation, you know the feeling. The moment the accordion starts and a giant, well-dressed crocodile begins to sing in the rain, nostalgia hits like a tidal wave.
For many, this song is the "Happy Birthday" of the East. It is often sung at parties instead of, or alongside, the Western version. Ya Iqrayu Ne Garmoshki Yukle
Unlike the purely joyful "Happy Birthday," Gena’s song acknowledges that life can be lonely and rainy, but there is still beauty in the celebration. If you grew up in a Russian-speaking household
"Ah, I play the accordion in front of the pedestrians... what a pity that a birthday only comes once a year!" Ya Iqrayu Ne Garmoshki Yukle