Boris Grebenshchikov, a well known Russian singer and songwriter, typically apparently labeled the “Grandfather of Russian Rock,” carried out this music on March 2 in London, saying “The warfare between Russia and Ukraine is insanity, and the individuals who made it are the disgrace of Russia.” Numerous sources (e.g., right here, right here, and right here) report that each appearances by Grebenshchikov and performances of any of his work have been banned by Russian authorities, although I can not vouch for the accuracy of that.
I discovered the efficiency fairly affecting: The sentiment is hardly novel, however the event (and Grebenshchikov’s efficiency) gave it heft. Then I appeared extra carefully, and noticed that it was the truth is not novel—it was written in 1917, below the title “That which I have to say,” by the good Russian singer and songwriter Alexander Vertinsky, apparently prompted by the dying of younger anti-Bolshevik troopers within the Communist revolution. (Grebenschikov’s model modifications some phrases, however solely barely.)
It’s a deeply pessimistic music, from part of the world that has lengthy had a lot to be pessimistic about. For many who cannot learn the Russian textual content, right here is my inexpert and regrettably unpoetic translation.
I do not know why, and who wants it,
Who despatched them to die, with an untrembling hand,
Solely that so mercilessly, so evilly and needlessly,
They lowered them into everlasting relaxation.
The cautious spectators silently huddled of their coats,
And a few girl with a distorted face
Kissed the useless man on his blue lips
And threw her wedding ceremony ring on the priest.They coated them with branches, combined them with grime
And went again residence, to secretly speak
About how it is time to carry an finish to the shame,
And the way, quickly, hunger will come.And no-one thought merely to kneel
And to inform these boys, that on this talentless nation
Even shiny feats of valor are solely steps
Into the limitless abysses, to the inaccessible Spring.