"Ivan Skavinsky Skavar" t was popular up until the 1920's, and occasionally later. It commemorated the 1877-1878 Russo-Turkish War. It was about the duel to the death between Ivan Skavinsky Skavar and Abdul El Bulbul Amir. It was a jolly melody that college kids of yore loved to sing while hoisting their beers! There are several versions on YouTube. Hal
Oooh goodness yes...it's used to be sung regularly in pubs in Scotland and Ireland years ago .... it's title is
Yes Holly, the song is known by either title: "Ivan Skavinsky Skavar" and "Abdul Abulbul Amir" The touching last verse goes: "A Muscovite maiden, her lone vigil keeps 'Neath light of the pale Polar star. And the name that she murmurs most oft as she weeps, Is Ivan Skainsky Skavar." I used to be called by my middle name Ivan, and whenever friends and relatives would meet me, they would say "Well how's Ivan Skavinsky Skavar?" Harold Ivan Pollner (Hal)
Ken, the song is about 2 proud warriors of the armies of the Turkish Shah and the Russian Czar. The first verse introduces Abdul Abulbul Amir: "The Sons of the Prophet are brave men and bold, And quite unaccustomed to fear. But the bravest of all is a man I am told... Named Abdul Abulbul Amir!" Hal
Yes i recall that song..it was a Russian song ? ive also heard of John, Jacob, Jingleheimer Schmidt too . I believe those very old songs are still sung today..!