Released in early 2022 through Mariano Studio , "A fost greu, dar am fost tare" (translated as "It was hard, but I was strong") quickly became a staple in the Romanian manele scene. Produced by , who handled the music, lyrics, and orchestration, the song represents a common sub-genre of manele that focuses on resilience, personal triumph over adversity, and social hierarchy. Thematic Analysis
The song’s narrative arc is centered on the concept of the "self-made man," a recurring motif in the works of artists like Cocos de la Timisoara. Cocos de la Timisoara - A fost greu, dar am fost tare (2022)
: Mariano's production follows the modern manele standard—blending traditional Balkan accordion and clarinet melodies with electronic synth-pop and dance beats. Released in early 2022 through Mariano Studio ,
The song's longevity is attributed to its "universal" message of strength. It is frequently included in major 2022 manele compilations and party mixes, serving as a high-energy track that also provides emotional resonance through its lyrics. You can watch the official video for this
You can watch the official video for this track and see its performance on the Mariano Studio channel here: