Shteyt a bocher un er tracht
Tracht un tracht a gantse nacht:
Vemen tsu nemen un nit farshemen? (2x)

Refrain:
Tum-bala, tum-bala, tum-balalaika, (2x)
Tum-balalaika, shpil balalaika,
Tum-balalaika, freylik zol zayn.

Meydl, meydl, ch’vel bay dir fregn:
Vos kon vaksn, vaksn on regn?
Vos kon brenen un nit oyfhern?
Vos kon benken, benken on trern?

(refrain)

Narisher bocher, vos darfstu fregn?
A shteyn kon vaksn, vaksn on regn.
Libe kon brenen, un nit oyfhern.
A harts kon benken, veynen on trern.

(refrain)