KARYN, a Ukrainian singer and songwriter, presents her new heartfelt composition “In Kyiv”. The song is a reflection of the artist’s personal experiences during her last visit to Kyiv, the city she calls home and loves above all else.
After the full-scale invasion began, Karina and her children were forced to move to Lithuania, choosing this country for its proximity to Ukraine and the possibility of a quick return home.
“I never thought of going anywhere else, because I really want to return home as soon as possible,” the singer says.
The song “In Kyiv”, written by KARYN herself, was born from one phrase that stuck in the artist’s head and around which the whole composition was built. This phrase became a symbol of her inner state and emotional connection with her hometown.
The music video for the song is more than just a clip. It is a personal story of returning to an old apartment where every room is filled with memories and emotions. Filming the scene in the children’s room was so touching that Karina could not hold back her tears.
“We tried to shoot so that I wouldn’t cry, but I cried anyway because the location was recreated very realistically. This atmosphere broke my heart,” the singer admits.
The song reflects the inner transformation and rethinking of oneself in new realities. The scenes where Karina takes out old stage costumes from the closet and throws them away symbolize the rejection of her past life, which no longer corresponds to her current values and views. Everything that happened in the past is no longer about her lifestyle or her thoughts. It is a metaphor for the changes that have happened to her and many Ukrainians who have been forced to spontaneously leave their homes and rethink their place in the world.
Earlier, the singer had already touched on similar themes in the song “Cold City”, which became an allegory for the feelings in a foreign city after a forced move.
“It’s raining in Kyiv today” is not just a song, but a reflection of the collective experience of many Ukrainians who were forced to leave their homes. It reminds us of the value of home, memories, and the hope of returning.
The sound producer was Anna Mykolaychuk. Arrangements and sound production were provided by Borys Kukoba. KARYN, Anna Mykolaychuk and Mykola But worked on the video.
“I believe that each of us carries a piece of home wherever we are. This song is my reminder that we are strong and will definitely return to our hometown. I am going back to my Kyiv with my children. Even if it is raining in Kyiv today, the sun always comes out after the rain. We will overcome all difficulties and be together again,” says Karina Manolyuk.