Working hard in a foreign country to send money home, often at the cost of one's own happiness or health.
A common metaphor in Romanian folk and manele music suggesting that money earned abroad is "bitter" because of the hardship required to get it. Lyrics (Refrain Example) Robert Calota - Ce greu e-n strainatate
The song serves as an anthem for the Romanian diaspora, expressing the "dor" (longing) that many feel while trying to build a better future for their families from afar. It highlights that no matter how much money is earned, it cannot replace the time lost with loved ones. Working hard in a foreign country to send
Ce greu e-n străinătate, Să stai departe de toate, Să muncești printre străini, Cu inima plină de suspini. It highlights that no matter how much money
The difficulty of being away from family, especially children and parents.