In the film, the protagonist, Ivan the Chimney Sweep, encounters a group of Baba Yagas (forest witches) who perform these rhythmic, humorous verses while dancing.
The song remains a staple of Russian pop culture and is frequently used in:
Initially, the script featured only a single Baba Yaga. However, the creators eventually settled on an entire "squadron" of them to make the musical number more dynamic. Famous Lyrics & Structure pesnya_iz_multfilma_letucii_korabl_castuski_bab...
The song follows the traditional Russian chastushka format—short, humorous four-line verses often sung with a fast, driving beat.
It is a favorite for school performances and holiday festivities like Maslenitsa . In the film, the protagonist, Ivan the Chimney
The verses play with the contrast between folklore and everyday life. One witch claims she doesn't believe in superstitions despite flying on a broomstick, while another complains about a "devil" following her, only to realize he's "not tasty". Cultural Legacy
Modern stage versions of The Flying Ship continue to feature the song as a central comedic highlight. Famous Lyrics & Structure The song follows the
"Rastyani mekha, garmoshka / Ekh, igray-nayaryvay! / Poy chastushki, Babka-Yozhka / Poy, ne razgovarivay!" (Stretch the bellows, accordion / Play with gusto! / Sing your ditties, Baba Yaga / Sing, don't talk!).