True Kazakh, This Is You

We tried to be Russian, lost our tongue’s embrace, Drifted from our roots, living in a foreign place. We sought to be Arab, but we went astray, Lost in our faith, we let the truth slip away. We won't bloom as English, in our dark disguise, We can never be Chinese with their narrow eyes. Though you may learn and truly understand, You’ll never be Ivan; that’s just not your brand. Even with a hijab, trying to fit in, You’ll never be Arab; it’s a futile spin. You can't wake as English or Chinese each morn, For you were created as a Kazakh, you're born. Oh, my Kazakh! You can't be another race, God made you uniquely, in your rightful place. With blood flowing strong, feel the pride that it brings, A nation is noble when a heart truly sings. A true Kazakh—this is your way, Love your own people, come what may!