Polacy przy jedzeniu i za stołem w piosenkach Wojciecha Młynarskiego

Abstract

In Wojciech Młynarski’s early songs culinary and drinking motives serve both main and secondary functions. There are snacks and soups (one song even gives a recipe for żurek), main courses (different Polish chops and cutlets, Boeuf Stroganoff, etc.), desserts (cakes, loaves, icecream). There are drinks as well (beer, wine, vodka, but also coca-cola). People who sit at a table and eat these dishes are often quite bizarre and strange characters (a supercilious singer, office lovers, weird members of a multigenerational family). The food described in the lyrics is frequently connected with three topics and refers to love, the socio-political realities of a communist country, and tradition. Drinks and beverages presented in various contexts and situations help the songwriter create a portrait of the Polish society.