Oh Potatoes!

Country: North Korea
Language: Korea

“Potato Pride” is a North Korean propaganda tune in which the elder of the village receives his government ration of potatoes and shares it with his fellow villagers. On one hand it’s a cheesy song a la the big big smile on the guy singing it in the YouTube version shown below, but on the other it makes a very serious statement about North Korean poverty and forced allegiance to the government. This video version is a live performance with English subtitles.

Should the All Around This World curriculum include a government-supported song from North Korea? Jay understands the potential creepiness of teaching our kids a propaganda song from the North Korean government. On the other hand, Jay doesn’t feel right ignoring North Koreans and the music in their lives just because they live where they do.

Lyrics of All Around This World version:

There was a feast in the village today, let me tell you my friend
The elder received some some potatoes and then — oh what a glorious day!
He made soba noodles, mouth-watering snacks and, of course, potato pancakes!
Gamja jalang! Gamja jalang!
We are so proud on this glorious day,
oh oh oh oh Oh potatoes!
There was a feast in the village today, let me tell you my friend
The elder received some some potatoes and then — oh what a glorious day!
He made soba noodles, mouth-watering snacks and, of course, potato pancakes!
Oh potatoes! Oh potatoes!
Is this what I think or just what I say?
oh oh oh oh Oh potatoes!

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