This is a selection of very popular or well-known Czech songs that are based on foreign, mostly English, originals. They range from almost straightforward translation, small adaptations, interesting changes in perspective to complete reinvention. For most of these, most Czechs may not even be aware that they are indeed covers or may have no awareness of the original or the differences between the Czech version and the original.
In many cases, the Czech lyrics are more extensive and poetic.
List of Czech cover versions of songs
This Wikipedia page has a more extensive but still incomplete version of Czech covers.
Completely different lyrics. Not even on the same topic. One about nature and the other about a relationship.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdPGtKh5gu0
Každé ráno probouzí mně sluncem hořícím a listy jí se rosou zachvějí. Vítá mně tu šafrán, spolu s jemnou skořicí a jas tvých očí s barvou šalvějí.
Každé ráno otvírám svůj krámek pod věží, a vůněmi vám kornout naplním, ke mně každý spěchá od nás hned tak neběží, dnes každý zná můj krámek s kořením.
Říkají, že paní má se má, že její muž jsem právě já, dávno ví, proč ráda mě a s pýchou objímá, paní má se má, voní mátou.
Každý večer zavírám svůj krámek petlicí a otvírám svou náruč dokořán.Teplo tvé mně vábí moje lásko vonící,i den k nám vklouzne vůní uhoupán.
Každý večer uvařím ti jasmínový čaj,a ustelem si květem lipovým.Pohár vína půlnoční teď naplň po okraj,co nestačíš mi říct, sám dopovím.
Říkají, že paní má se má,že její muž jsem právě já,dávno ví, proč ráda mě a s pýchou objímá,paní má se má, voní mátou.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOB4VdlkzO4
He was born in the summer of his 27th year Coming home to a place he'd never been before He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again You might say he found a key for every door
When he first came to the mountains his life was far away On the road and hanging by a song But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care It keeps changing fast and it don't last for long
But the Colorado rocky mountain high I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye Rocky mountain high (Colorado)
He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below He saw everything as far as you can see And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun And he lost a friend but kept his memory
Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams Seeking grace in every step he takes His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake
And the Colorado rocky mountain high I've seen it raining fire in the sky You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply Rocky mountain high
Now his life is full of wonder but his heart still knows some fear Of a simple thing he cannot comprehend Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more More people, more scars upon the land
And the Colorado rocky mountain high I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky I know he'd be a poorer man if he never saw an eagle fly Rocky mountain high
Both love songs about memories but completely different otherwise. Czech is more wistful rather than desperate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LaAMX_u4iI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7lRBM2U3nc
The same subject and story but translated into a Czech context - auctioneer to shopkeeper in a grocery store.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJOkJ6EPHAY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FItdgMQCYVI
Not a translation but very similar theme and almost the same.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9AW829W0rg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdlyi5mckg0
Completely different. Very basic English lyrics, very intricate, poetic Czech lyrics. Both about train journeys but English is about a specific train, Czech about travelling in general.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_asHIu1kNqM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xhs5j7HN8wM