WABI-SABI Lyrics

Introduction

"WABI-SABI" is a powerful collaboration between Ukrainian pop artists Jerry Heil and Julia Sanina. Released on September 26, 2024, the song draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which embraces the beauty in imperfection and transience. The track, which blends Ukrainian and English lyrics, reflects the theme of resilience in the face of adversity. Through its poetic lyrics and uplifting message, "WABI-SABI" encourages listeners to accept their brokenness and embrace it as part of their unique beauty.

Song Info

• Featuring Artist: Julia Sanina
• Producers: Igor Kirilenko & Jerry Heil
• Release Date: September 26, 2024
• Genre: Pop
• Label: Nova Music (Ukraine)

Exploring the Lyrics of "WABI-SABI" by Jerry Heil & Julia Sanina

The lyrics of "WABI-SABI" convey a sense of inner transformation and the acceptance of life's imperfections. In the first verse, Jerry Heil and Julia Sanina sing about personal change, as they encourage embracing every crack and pain, metaphorically turning these into "gold." This is a direct reference to the Japanese art of *kintsugi*, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, symbolizing that imperfections can become a source of strength and beauty. The chorus, repeating "beautifully broken," highlights the central theme of the song: acknowledging brokenness as a part of one’s journey and turning it into something beautiful. The Ukrainian verse adds depth by linking this idea to life's beginnings, reflecting on how everything starts with a word or a cry, and how even shattered pieces can be mended.

Song Theme

"WABI-SABI" is deeply rooted in the philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection and accepting the transient nature of life. The concept of *wabi-sabi* encourages contentment with what is incomplete and flawed, a message that resonates strongly in the song. Jerry Heil and Julia Sanina emphasize that brokenness and healing are a part of life's journey. They highlight that while we may not return to who we once were, we can still embrace the new versions of ourselves, stronger and more beautiful for having endured difficulties. The song’s message aligns with the challenges faced by many Ukrainians in recent years, as both artists reflect on personal and societal trauma. In the context of the song, brokenness symbolizes the experiences that shape individuals and communities, while *kintsugi* represents the act of healing with pride and resilience.

Song Composition Breakdown

Musically, "WABI-SABI" combines elements of modern pop with ethereal and atmospheric production. The hauntingly beautiful harmonies between Jerry Heil and Julia Sanina carry the emotional weight of the song, while the production by Igor Kirilenko and Jerry Heil adds depth and texture. The soundscape is minimalistic yet impactful, allowing the lyrics and vocal performances to take center stage. The chorus is emotionally charged, with its repeated refrain of "beautifully broken" creating a powerful emotional resonance. The blend of Ukrainian and English lyrics adds a unique bilingual dimension to the song, making it accessible to a global audience while preserving its cultural roots.

Impact and Reception

"WABI-SABI" has been hailed as a poignant and timely anthem, especially in the context of recent challenges in Ukraine. Fans and critics have praised the song for its deep and relatable message, noting that it resonates on both personal and societal levels. The song’s concept of beauty through brokenness is seen as an inspiring reflection of the resilience that many people, particularly in Ukraine, have had to embrace in recent years. The music video, featuring Julia Grigoryeva, a symbol of strength and new beginnings, further elevates the song’s impact.

Quotes

"Wabi-sabi teaches us that nothing is eternal, but nothing disappears either. Every crack, every wound is a part of our beauty."

Jerry Heil

"Collecting ourselves from the fragments, like a broken vase, makes us stronger and more beautiful. This is the art we are all learning now, as a society."

Julia Sanina

Comments

"Greatest Lyrics: A lot of listeners appreciated the song for its powerful, deep meaning inspired by the ancient Japanese philosophy of kintsugi. One user said the metaphor of mending her defected parts with gold even when she is broken and lost hit close to home for Ukrainian people who have been through hell physically or psychologically. Many found solace in the song which sings of owning your darkness and rising out stronger from it with more beauty. Featuring Ukrainian Favorites Collaborate: Fans were excited to witness two of their favorite famous faces from Ukraine come together. Others said their voices complemented and wove a magic when combined. Others conveyed they could not wait for this duet, stating that the song and video lived up to their expectation. Emotional Reactions: Hundreds of comments on the song itself say things like 'I got chills listening,' 'I actually teared up from how simple & beautiful this is.' The strong visuals accompanied by unique lyrics beautifully harmonized tugged the heartstrings of many people. There is a wildcard however – the return of background sound, in this case sirens which certainly triggered such thoughts as air raid alarms, noted by commentators as being particularly haunting and powerful. All-Around: The general consensus is that the song itself and therefore videography was done as it should have been. Viewers praised Jerry Heil and Julia Sanina's work, many noted that the combination of their voices was perfect: lower notes in Sanina's range were counterbalanced by higher tones sung by Heil. People also loved the detail of it, calling the music video art. Some took the reflections on a more macro level, noting that the song is a good reminder of what Ukrainians have been through and can survive. People wrote that the song truly was a spirit of the nation and there are people probably even more proud about the better level of Ukrainian music and art."