Václav Neckář Revives 1968 Song “Píseň pro mne” with Brother Jan and Bacily
Czech singer Václav Neckář is releasing a revitalized version of his 1968 song “Píseň pro mne” (Song for Me), featuring his brother Jan Neckář and the band Bacily. The song, originally composed by Jan Neckář with lyrics by Ivo Fischer, was rediscovered during the filming of a TV documentary and is being re-released due to its renewed relevance in light of current global events.
A Song Rooted in History
Václav Neckář recalls recording the song in September 1968 on Old Town Square. Jan Neckář, who composed the music, had initially recorded several demos on a Sonet Duo tape recorder, from which Ivo Fischer selected the final version. Jan Neckář was serving in the army at the time, stationed in Milovice before being moved to Topolčany, and was unaware of the selection process.
Rediscovery and Modernization
The song had largely been forgotten by Václav Neckář until its recent reappearance during documentary filming. Recognizing its enduring message, the decision was made to update the track for a new audience. The re-release features a contemporary musical arrangement with contributions from Jan Neckář and Bacily, while preserving the original emotional impact of Václav Neckář’s 1968 vocals. Unique technology was used to isolate Neckář’s voice from the original recording.
New Music Video Connects Generations
A new music video, directed by Daniel Hnát, accompanies the song. The video combines archival black and white footage with newly created color sequences, aiming to connect with a younger audience by portraying an encounter between generations. Hnát described the concept as placing today’s youth in a situation where they are confronted with the past and its continuing relevance.
A Timely Message
Václav Neckář believes the song’s message resonates strongly today, perhaps even more so than in 1968. He describes it as a symbolic message of the “Palach generation,” reflecting feelings of uncertainty and fear about the future, particularly in the context of current political conflicts in Ukraine and Iran.
Double Release with “Pómíjivá”
The song is being released as a single alongside “Pómíjivá” (Fleeting), originally from Václav Neckář’s album Mezi svoi. Jan Neckář re-recorded “Pómíjivá” and oversaw the final mix. He noted that the song was originally intended as a film theme but the film was never made, and he was pleased to collaborate with violinist Bohuslav Matoušek on the track.
Availability
The single “Píseň pro mne” and “Pómíjivá” will be available on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Deezer, starting March 31st to April 1st. Deezer has a comprehensive catalog of Václav Neckář’s work.
Song for Me Lyrics (1968)
If I were a column, I can stand and lean
If I were an echo temple I can sound
Being a spring alley, I can cast a cool shadow
To be a blue river
So I will run the water mill with the current
Knowing how to make a blade of grass bloom
I wouldn’t have to carry the weight of the world
To be allowed to fly like a bird
To be a white cloud I will give moisture to everyone below
I recognize that my wish is ridiculously naive
That I have my role and that I am playing it right now
That my sad violin by the strings
Someone just pulls a long loop…
Step on my doorstep and play and play there
And I’m afraid what will happen next…