The phrase "Либідь Хорив" (Lybid Khoriv) refers to legendary figures from the founding of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Lybid was the sister of three brothers, Kyi, Shchek, and Khoriv, who are credited with establishing the city.
In the song, the lyric "Бо оберігає свою Либідь Хорив" (Because Khoriv protects his Lybid) uses these historical figures metaphorically. It evokes a sense of deep, protective love and care, suggesting a bond as fundamental and enduring as the origins of a nation. This makes it a unique and culturally rich choice.
The Maneken sing about a young woman who is really a stand-in for Ukraine itself. She takes root deep underground, growing slowly through hard weather, watched over by Lybid and Khoryv, the siblings from Kyiv's founding legend.
She is still young, but she already carries fire, water, earth and wind, a voice, a family, and a flag on her shoulders. The chorus keeps circling back to one image: no matter how long the climb from the ground to the sun takes, the light is visible, and she is a flower blooming in the singer's heart.