This song was written by Sholom Secunda and Aaron Zeitlin and originally in Yiddish, known as “Dana Dana” (1941). In English translation it was called “Dona Dona,” but the n is doubled in Joan Baez’s popular version first recorded in 1960. The calf in the song represents the body, the seat of desire. The body and the animal soul that enlivens it desire pleasure, wealth, and honor. But like an animal, the body is a slave to these desires.

lyrics

Open in browser ↗

View on Last.fm →More by Joan Baez →Joan Baez →