Sunday, August 21, 2022

Three Russian anthems that tell their own stories

Below are the Soviet anthems of 1944 and 1977 and the Russian Federation anthem of 2000

The anthem that was adopted after the dissolution of the Soviet Union proved unpopular with the Russian public and with many politicians and public figures, because of its tune and lack of lyrics, and consequently its inability to inspire Russian athletes during international competitions.

In 2000 the president of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin reintroduced the anthem of the Soviet Union with new lyrics.

All three anthems are below.

The wording of the Putin anthem shows signs of his plans for what is today happening in Ukraine.

The 1944 Soviet anthem

United forever in friendship and labour,
Our mighty republics will ever endure.
The Great Soviet Union will live through the ages. The dream of a people their fortress secure.

Long live our Soviet motherland, Built by the people's mighty hand. Long live our people, united and free. Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire, Shining in glory for all men to see.

Through days dark and stormy where Great Lenin lead us Our eyes saw the bright sun of freedom above
And Stalin our leader with faith in the people, Inspired us to build up the land that we love.

Long live our Soviet motherland, Built by the people's mighty hand. Long live our people, united and free. Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire, Shining in glory for all men to see.

We fought for the future, destroyed the invaders, And brought to our homeland the laurels of fame. Our glory will live in the memory of nations And all generations will honour her name.

Long live our Soviet motherland, Built by the people's mighty hand. Long live our people, united and free. Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire, Shining in glory for all men to see.

The 1977 Soviet anthem

Unbreakable Union of freeborn Republics, Great Russia has welded forever to stand. Created in struggle by will of the people, United and mighty, our Soviet land!

Sing to the Motherland, home of the free, Bulwark of peoples in brotherhood strong. O Party of Lenin, the strength of the people, To Communism's triumph lead us on!

Through tempests the sunrays of freedom have cheered us, Along the new path where great Lenin did lead.
To a righteous cause he raised up the peoples, Inspired them to labour and valourous deed.

Sing to the Motherland, home of the free, Bulwark of peoples in brotherhood strong. O Party of Lenin, the strength of the people, To Communism's triumph lead us on!

In the victory of Communism's immortal ideal, We see the future of our dear land.
And to her fluttering scarlet banner, Selflessly true we always shall stand!

Sing to the Motherland, home of the free, Bulwark of peoples in brotherhood strong. O Party of Lenin, the strength of the people, To Communism's triumph lead us on!

The 2000 Russian Federation anthem

Russia is our sacred state,
Russia is our beloved country.
A mighty will, great glory –
Your dignity for all time!

Chorus:
Be glorified, our free Fatherland,
The age-old union of fraternal peoples,
Ancestor-given wisdom of the people!
Be glorified, country! We are proud of you!

II
From the southern seas to the polar edge
Our forests and fields are spread out.
You are the only one in the world! You are the only one –
the native land so kept by God!

Chorus

III
A wide scope for dreams and for life
The coming years open to us.
We are given strength by our fidelity to the Fatherland.
So it was, so it is and it will always be so!

Chorus

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