“Gelino” (meaning “Bride”) is a traditional Georgian folk song, known for its melancholic melody and soothing nature. It is a part of Georgia’s rich vocal polyphony tradition, which is characterized by its three-part harmonies and ancient origins. The song was originally written to express a man’s deep love for a woman he loves, but it has also been sung as a lullaby to help young children sleep, using its lyrics to express warm feelings of love and tenderness.

Lyrics of the song

I wandered nine mountains
on foot to find you.
I fill my jug with
water, drop by drop.
I told you tales of
the full moon
under the moonlight at night.
I sang you the song of
the day with long poems.

Bride, oh bride, come
with me gently,
bridge, oh bride,
the door’s step is high,
bride oh bride,
my mother is your mother,
bride, oh bride,
my father is your father.

Bride, oh bride,
the soil is enough for us to sleep on.
We can cover the sky
on ourselves like a duvet.
May the wind quietly
sing us its lullaby.
May the stars shine
like candles,
like a gratitude.

Here is a moving rendition of Gelino: