The meaning of the lyrics of the song "And still the people grumbled and grumbled." (A lyudi vsyo roptali i roptali) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

And the people grumbled and grumbled

The people want justice:

- We were first in line

And those behind us are already eating!

They were told not to swear:

- We ask you to leave, dear ones!

Those who eat are foreigners

And you, excuse me, who are you?

And the people grumbled and grumbled

The people want justice:

- We were first in line

And those behind us are already eating!

But again the administrator explained:

- I ask you to leave, dear ones!

Those who eat are delegates

And you, excuse me, who are you?

And the people grumbled and grumbled

The people want justice:

- We were first in line

And those behind us are already eating!

А люди все роптали и роптали

А люди справедливости хотят:

- Мы в очереди первыe стояли

А те, кто сзади нас, - уже едят

Им объяснили, чтобы не ругаться:

- Мы просим вас, уйдите, дорогие!

Те, кто едят, ведь это - иностранцы

А вы, прошу прощенья, кто такие?

А люди все роптали и роптали

А люди справедливости хотят:

- Мы в очереди первыe стояли

А те, кто сзади нас, - уже едят

Но снова объяснил администратор:

- Я вас прошу, уйдите, дорогие!

Те, кто едят, ведь это - делегаты

А вы, прошу прощенья, кто такие?

А люди все роптали и роптали

А люди справедливости хотят:

- Мы в очереди первыe стояли

А те, кто сзади нас, - уже едят

Vladimir Vysotsky's song "And the people kept grumbling and grumbling" utilizes satire and grotesque to ridicule the hypocrisy and injustice of the Soviet system. The text presents an allegory for social inequality and the privileges enjoyed by the party elite.

The queue and the food in the song are metaphors symbolizing access to goods and opportunities. "Standing in line" reflects the routine and expectations of ordinary people, while "those behind," the party workers, "foreigners," or "delegates," enjoy benefits without queuing.

The recurring phrase "And the people kept grumbling and grumbling" emphasizes the growing discontent of the people. They "want justice," but their demands are ignored.

The "administrator," a faceless representative of authority, justifies injustice with empty excuses. He does not attempt to solve the problem but merely seeks to suppress the murmur, reminding people of their place within the system.

The phrase "And who might you be, I beg your pardon?" sounds especially cynical. It exposes the authorities' contemptuous attitude towards ordinary people, demonstrating their powerlessness and nullifying the significance of the individual within a totalitarian state.

The song's open ending – "And the people kept grumbling and grumbling, And the people want justice" – suggests the inevitability of social change. The people, tired of lies and injustice, will sooner or later demand change.

Thus, Vysotsky's song is not merely a satirical caricature of Soviet reality but also a philosophical reflection on the nature of power, justice, and human rights.