"Am cartofi, dar n-am ulei, Asta-i viața, n-ai ce-i fei (faci), Am ulei, dar n-am cartofi, Asta-i viața, n-ai ce-i scoti (faci)."
Improvisations based on the current audience or setting, as is traditional for lăutari (folk musicians). Am cartofi dar n-am ulei
References to finding a "foaie verde" (green leaf) — a classic Romanian folk opening. Stories about a wife or husband's antics in the kitchen. "Am cartofi, dar n-am ulei, Asta-i viața, n-ai
"" is a popular traditional Romanian song, often associated with Taraf de Caliu and Viorica de la Clejani . The lyrics are a humorous take on daily life and resourceful cooking. The lyrics typically follow this structure: dar n-am ulei