Introduction
Music and lyrics: Kim Hyok (김혁) 1961
This is a important children's song in the DPRK that every child learns in school. Some versions of this song are more simple, while others are particularly elaborate and grand. Part of the song's title was also used in the title of Barbara Demick's 2009 book Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea, which chronicles the stories of several DPRK defectors from the Chongjin.
Performances
02.13.2016 This performance starts soft, with a violin solo and the beautiful voices of Kim Yu-kyong and Jo Guk-hyang. Pak Mi-kyong, Pak Son-hyang, and an unnamed visitor join in after the first verse.
02.18.2016 Several days after the performance above and it is almost identical in arrangement. The only difference is Pak Mi-kyong is not present and Kim Sol-mi is. This might be the last time Kim Sol-mi performed with the Moranbong Band?
01.01.2020. A medley consisting of "With Pride," "Let's Study," "I am Joyful," "Be Envious of Us," and "We Have Nothing to Envy in This World." Overall I really like this medley but this isn't the best performance of this particular song.
Moranbong Band, Chongbong Band, and State Merited Choir/Orchestra 5.11.2016 My all time favorite version of this song. Three DPRK music groups all come together to since this classic song. Several types of instruents also get a chance to play their own short solo. If you're only going to listen to one version of this song, choose this one.
Date Unknown A mixed choir of both men and women singing in a classical, operatic style. Not sure what date this was performed.
English Lyrics
Lyrics by Moranbong Band HD on YouTube
The sky is blue, my heart is so full of joyKorean Lyrics
Lyrics by Moranbong Band HD on YouTube
하늘은 푸르고 내 마음 즐겁다