There is something utterly enchanting about hearing a familiar song in a completely new voice—especially when that voice is the emotive sound of a violin. In Karolina Protsenko’s violin cover of “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay, a new kind of magic unfolds. This instrumental rendition captures the spirit of the original while adding layers of depth and emotional nuance that only a violin can bring.
With her signature blend of performance charisma and musical passion, Karolina transforms this upbeat, electronic-pop anthem into a soul-stirring piece of instrumental storytelling. The performance is more than just a cover—it’s a reinterpretation that allows listeners to connect with the song in a fresh and intimate way.
The Original Song: A Blend of Power and Vulnerability
Originally released in 2017, “Something Just Like This” became an international hit, marrying The Chainsmokers’ electronic production with Coldplay’s iconic sound. The lyrics explore themes of vulnerability, self-worth, and the desire for love that doesn’t require perfection. Chris Martin’s voice delivers lines like “I want something just like this” with both yearning and simplicity.
The song’s power lies in its juxtaposition of superhero imagery with deeply human emotions. It’s both grand and humble—an ode to real, everyday love that doesn’t need to be extraordinary to be meaningful.
Karolina Protsenko’s Vision
Karolina Protsenko, a violin prodigy known for her captivating street performances and viral covers, brings a new dimension to the song. Her violin becomes the “voice” of the melody, expressing every emotional peak and subtle nuance. Without uttering a single word, she manages to convey the same message the original song intended—perhaps even more intimately.
Dressed simply, performing with grace in a public space, Karolina turns a regular afternoon into something unforgettable. Her performance reminds us that music transcends language and lyrics. With every bow stroke and delicate vibrato, she paints a musical portrait of longing, dreams, and connection.
Transforming the Soundscape
What makes Karolina’s cover so mesmerizing is the transformation of the song’s electronic base into a classical-meets-pop masterpiece. The original relies on synths, beats, and Chris Martin’s vocals to create its dynamic energy. In contrast, Karolina reinterprets this with a blend of acoustic warmth and lyrical expression.
Her violin takes on the melody with fluid phrasing, replacing the lyrics with emotional inflections. As she moves through the verses and chorus, there’s a rise and fall in her playing that mirrors the emotional arc of the original. It feels organic, heartfelt, and personal.
Accompanied by a soft piano or backing track that respects the song’s rhythmic structure, Karolina adds her unique voice to the world of cover art—one that’s rooted in passion, precision, and youthful joy.
The Street Performance Magic
One of the most beautiful aspects of Karolina’s performance is its setting. Often filmed on city streets or open-air public spaces, her covers are shared not just with an online audience but with spontaneous, live crowds. Passersby stop, curious and captivated. Children dance, couples sway, strangers smile.
It’s this real-time human connection that makes her music so powerful. In a world full of distractions, her playing invites stillness. People listen. They feel. And for a few minutes, they become part of something special.
The violin cover of “Something Just Like This” is no different. The city street transforms into a concert stage, and the echo of the song lingers long after the last note fades.
Emotion Without Words
One might think a pop song so reliant on lyrics wouldn’t translate as powerfully to an instrumental format. But Karolina challenges that assumption. Through dynamics, tempo shifts, and expressive bowing, she communicates the emotional essence of the song—perhaps even more universally.
Listeners can interpret her rendition in their own way. Some might feel hope, others nostalgia, others inspiration. And that’s the beauty of wordless storytelling. Each person can hear what they need to hear, without anything being explicitly said.
Technical Skill Meets Emotional Maturity
Karolina’s interpretation of “Something Just Like This” also showcases her impressive technical ability. From clean intonation to seamless transitions and masterful control of dynamics, her playing reflects years of discipline. But what’s even more impressive is the emotional maturity she brings to her performance.
She doesn’t just play notes—she breathes life into them. Her performance is rich with nuance, with careful phrasing that gives space for emotion to shine through. It’s a testament not only to her skill but to her deep connection with the music she chooses.
Resonance with a New Generation
This violin cover speaks especially to younger audiences who grew up with the original song but are now exploring different musical styles. Karolina’s covers bridge the gap between contemporary pop and classical instrumentation, making violin music relevant and exciting to a new generation.
Her rendition of “Something Just Like This” is a perfect example. It’s cool, beautiful, accessible—and deeply moving. For aspiring young musicians, it’s also an inspiration: proof that classical instruments can be just as expressive in modern music as any pop star with a microphone.
Reaching Hearts Worldwide
Shared widely across YouTube and social media, Karolina’s version of the song has touched millions. In the comments, people from all over the world share how the cover helped them through tough times, made them cry, or gave them chills.
Some write that they listened on repeat. Others say they felt peace, even joy, after hearing it. This global response proves that music doesn’t need translation—it only needs heart.
Karolina’s performance becomes a kind of musical embrace, comforting and uplifting at the same time.
Conclusion: Something Just Like Magic
Karolina Protsenko’s violin cover of “Something Just Like This” is more than a musical performance—it’s a testament to the universal power of art. With only her violin, she reinterprets a beloved pop anthem into something haunting, tender, and utterly unique.
She reminds us that greatness isn’t always about spectacle. Sometimes, it’s a girl on a street, with a violin in her hands, pouring her soul into a song. And in that moment, we don’t need a superhero. We don’t need perfection. We just need something honest. Something emotional. Something just like this.