A zase zkus rno vstt (2026)

This Czech-language book of poems and song lyrics by Jan Velek (*1951) presents a selection of 75 original texts, most of them set to music and performed by Czech singer-songwriters and bands. Written as a retrospective for a significant birthday, it looks back on Veleks productive career as a lyricist. The book includes personal dedications from notable Czech musicians such as Jan Splen, Vclav Kopta and Ji Such, who also created an original drawing for the author. It is illustrated by the Beroun artist Kameel Machart, who also created the large illustrated poster included with the book as a bonus. In his foreword, Velek explains that he has written around 400500 texts, which he stubbornly refuses to call poems, and that approximately 6065 have been set to music and performed, especially by Ti dny na bie, Irena Zlmalov, ASPM led by Honza Splen, Gbi Vermelho and her band GaRe, and the singer-songwriter Vla p. He describes the collection as containing more sour, reflective and slightly melancholy texts than sweet ones, while also following Ji Suchs repeated advice to add more humour. In the afterword, Vclav Kopta praises Veleks lyrics for their playful Czech language, humour, memorable slogans and substance. Velek is also the recipient of the 2025 Beroun City Award for his lifelong contribution to literature.