# Barčica

"Barčica" ("A Little Boat") is a well-loved Slovenian folk children's song about a little boat sailing out to sea, the trees bowing on the shore and the sails billowing, urged ever onward while the wind still blows.

## At a glance

| | |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Slovenia |
| Sung in | Slovenian |
| Words by | Traditional |
| First known | Slovenian folk song; author unknown |
| Best for ages | 2–7 |
| Mood | playful, traditional |
| Page | https://littlesongbook.com/songs/barcica/ |

## Lyrics

### Verse 1 (sl)

Barčica po morju plava,
drevesa se priklanjajo,
o le naprej, o le naprej,
dokler je še vetra kej.

### Verse 2 (sl)

Barčica po morju plava,
jadra se razpenjajo,
o le naprej, o le naprej,
do brezkončnih krajev, mej.

### English translation (en)

A little boat floats on the sea,
the trees are bowing down,
oh, onward, oh, onward,
as long as there's still some wind.

A little boat floats on the sea,
the sails are billowing out,
oh, onward, oh, onward,
to endless lands and shores.

## Common questions

**What is "Barčica" about?**

A little boat sailing out to sea. As it floats along, the trees on the shore seem to bow and the sails billow with wind, and the song urges it onward — "o le naprej, o le naprej" ("oh, onward, onward") — as long as there is still some wind, towards endless lands and horizons.

**Where is "Barčica" from?**

It is a Slovenian folk song ("ljudska pesem"), one of the most popular children's songs in Slovenia. No author is recorded; it has been handed down and sung for generations.

**What is its appeal for children?**

It sets the imagination sailing. With its gentle rocking rhythm and images of wind, sails and far-off shores, it invites children to picture a sea voyage and a longing to discover new places.

## Sources

- [Slovenske narodne pesmi — Barčica po morju plava](https://narodne-pesmi.si/pesmi/prisla-bo-pomlad-pesmi/barica-po-morju-plava/)