Czech trampská hudba, also known as Czech tramping or tramp music and tramping songs, known as trampská píseň, or trampske písničky are a style of song and music associated with an activity known as tramping. Originating in the early 1900’s, many say it was right after WWI that the sound came to then called Czechoslovakia. Originally intended for singing while on the trail or by camp fire, it has grown to be a national movement. Today, Czech tramps gather all over the world to celebrate their music and their heritage, but sadly, this lifestyle seems to be fading away with the aging generations.
We grew up listening to tramp songs and have been at many events where Czechs have gathered to play them. This year, we were excited to attend a Potlach in Texas where we had planned to interview, record and document many of the attendees for future posts on this site as well as the possibility of a book. Unfortunately, the date is getting near and so far there have not been enough sponsors and donors this month for us to be able to make the trip to document it all. :(
Today, we are sharing a wonderful treasure trove of old songbook covers from many of the early tramp music songs from the late 20s, the 30s and 40s. Where we found a link to the oldest version of the song on YouTube, we have included the link it below the image so you can see and hear the songs.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do – and please remember to leave your comments at the bottom of this post, your encouragement is very important to us.
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Indianska Laska (Jezero Drima)
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Řeka hučí (another version)
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Taboraku plapolej (second song)
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
Listen to the song here:
We hope you enjoyed this special post. At our house, this is the kind of music you will likely hear while we cook and prepare Czech dishes. Somehow, trampské music just makes everything feel like… home. At least, it’s that way for me. So many beautiful songs, both in lyrics and melody.
If you missed it, here is a post of me (Kytka) and my parents tramping when I was just a little girl camping at Rabštejn nad Střelou in 1966.
Now, you may be wondering if this tradition and music is still alive and well…
Well, we do know for a fact that we’re doing our part. Here’s a quick video of two of the TresBohemes doing their best to honor their grandparents and learn some of the old songs, despite the fact that Czech is their second language. The clip is from 2015 when we took my father (their grandfather, or děda) to an old authentic cabin from the 1880’s along the beautiful Little Tennessee River in Franklin, NC.
We had a wonderful time and made many magical memories. If you liked that little performance, I’ve created a full playlist of Trampské písničky on Youtube. There are even clips of my father, Milan Hilmar.
…And do you know that when we were last in Prague, we were pleased to meet the young fellows from Nove Struny and had a chance to hear them play? So yes, the music lives on. We’re glad that young people are keeping this music alive.
We tirelessly gather and curate valuable information that could take you hours, days, or even months to find elsewhere. Our mission is to simplify your access to the best of our heritage. If you appreciate our efforts, please consider donating to support this site’s operational costs.
See My Exclusive Content and Follow Me on Patreon
You can also send cash, checks, money orders, or support by buying Kytka’s books.
Your contribution sustains us and allows us to continue sharing our rich cultural heritage.
Remember, your donations are our lifeline.
If you haven’t already, subscribe to TresBohemes.com below to receive our newsletter directly in your inbox and never miss out.
