Some songs paint pictures, others tell stories—and a few go even deeper, weaving vivid dreams and haunting memories into melody. One such modern-day musical tale is “Lily” by Alan Walker, K-391, and Emelie Hollow. A song built on a foundation of fantasy and introspection, “Lily” follows the journey of a girl searching for freedom, fighting fear, and confronting her destiny. When this powerful story is told through the violin—especially by the enchanting young artist Karolina Protsenko—the result is nothing short of magical.
Karolina’s violin cover of “Lily” takes the listener beyond the lyrics, straight into the heart of the story, with only strings and soul to carry the message. This instrumental interpretation breathes new life into the original song, adding raw emotion and an ethereal depth that pulls listeners into a fairytale-like atmosphere. It’s not just a performance—it’s a cinematic journey through sound.
The Original: A Digital Fairytale
Released in 2018, “Lily” became a fan favorite not just because of its catchy electronic beat, but because of its lyrical storytelling. Alan Walker, known for hits like “Faded,” brought together fellow Norwegian artists K-391 and Emelie Hollow to craft this modern anthem. The lyrics speak of a girl named Lily, who is warned by her mother never to go too far from home—but she does, and what she finds in the world is both beautiful and dangerous.
Emelie Hollow’s vocals are haunting and delicate, perfectly capturing Lily’s innocence and the dark curiosity that drives her forward. The song’s minimalist production, layered synths, and pulsing rhythm give it a dreamy yet urgent tone. It’s a song that sticks in the mind long after it ends.
Enter Karolina Protsenko: A Young Violin Virtuoso
Karolina Protsenko, a violin prodigy known for her captivating street performances and viral covers, has a talent for transforming pop hits into soul-stirring instrumental masterpieces. At such a young age, she already understands the deep emotional layers that lie beneath melodies—and she has the ability to convey those layers through her violin with a natural elegance.
Her cover of “Lily” is a perfect example of her artistry. Without saying a word, she tells Lily’s story—of dreams, risks, fear, and strength. She channels both the innocence of the main character and the epic scale of her journey through her expressive playing and dynamic performance style.
A Sound That Tells a Story
What makes Karolina’s cover of “Lily” so powerful is her ability to mirror the arc of the original song without lyrics. She begins gently, capturing the softness of Emelie Hollow’s vocals, using light bow strokes and subtle vibrato. The early notes feel like an innocent lullaby—just like Lily’s quiet life at home.
But then, the tension begins to rise. Karolina increases the intensity, building with rhythmic precision and bold, sweeping movements. Her violin mimics the electronic beat, but instead of cold synths, we hear warm, rich strings. It’s a transformation that keeps the original song’s pulse while adding a new, organic layer of emotion.
By the time she reaches the climax of the song, Karolina is fully immersed in the music. Her playing is both fierce and fluid, evoking images of stormy nights, enchanted forests, or inner battles. It’s not hard to imagine Lily running through the dark, heart pounding, as the violin carries the urgency of her flight.
Street Music, Elevated
What makes this cover even more striking is the environment in which Karolina often performs: public streets, busy promenades, and open-air plazas. While the original “Lily” might be played through headphones or on a club’s dancefloor, Karolina delivers it in broad daylight, to the casual listener walking by.
She brings cinematic music to everyday spaces, turning sidewalks into concert halls and shoppers into audience members. In this way, her cover of “Lily” becomes more than a song—it becomes an event. Passersby are drawn in by the familiar melody, but they stay for the emotion, the drama, and the magic Karolina brings with her violin.
She doesn’t just perform—she invites you into the story.
Expressing Emotion Without Words
One of the most incredible aspects of Karolina’s performance is how deeply she connects to the emotion of the song. You can see it in her facial expressions, her posture, and the way she flows with each phrase. Every note she plays carries intention. There’s no vocal guide here—only tone, phrasing, and interpretation.
And yet, listeners feel the story just as powerfully, if not more. The fear in Lily’s journey, the sense of adventure, the longing for freedom—it’s all there in Karolina’s performance. The violin becomes a voice that needs no translation.
This is especially true for younger fans, or international listeners who may not speak English. Karolina’s music bypasses all barriers. It speaks directly to the heart.
Why This Cover Matters
In the age of digital media and fleeting content, performances like Karolina’s stand out because they are timeless. Her violin cover of “Lily” isn’t just another viral video—it’s a piece of art. It reminds us of the emotional power of music, of storytelling without words, and of the human connection that exists in every note.
She also shows that young people can interpret deep stories with authenticity and heart. At an age where most are still finding their voice, Karolina has already found hers—through the violin.
The Fusion of Fantasy and Reality
“Lily” is a song born from imagination. Its narrative feels like a children’s book wrapped in modern beats. Karolina’s version takes that fantasy and grounds it in reality. The story becomes a shared moment between performer and audience—real people hearing a tale that might echo something in their own lives.
Maybe some listeners see themselves as Lily—curious, brave, sometimes lost. Maybe others are reminded of their own childhood fears and hopes. Whatever the case, Karolina’s violin becomes a mirror for those emotions, helping people reconnect with parts of themselves they’ve forgotten.
Final Thoughts
Karolina Protsenko’s violin cover of “Lily” by Alan Walker, K-391, and Emelie Hollow is more than just a reinterpretation of a hit song. It is a poetic retelling, one that replaces words with feeling, and beats with soul. Through her passionate playing and deep connection to the music, Karolina invites us all into a dreamlike world—a world of melody, memory, and magic.
Whether you’re familiar with the original or hearing it for the first time through her violin, this cover will stay with you. It will make you feel. And that’s what great music is all about.