The meaning of the lyrics of the song "A sense of moderation was observed before the Common Era." (Do naschey eryi soblyudalos chuvstvo meryi) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

In BC, a sense of proportion was observed

Then the bandits were called - "filibusters"

Now the name sounds loud "pirate"

Forgotten - to beat them and insult them with a word, everyone is glad

The bandit fell in love with his neighbors - he does not care for a soul

And if something burdens their pocket

He approaches them like an intellectual

He will squeeze out a smile - and make it easier for his neighbors in a moment

And if the neighbors begin to resist

Get too nervous and very worried

Then the bandit will act like a bandit

He will shoot three times - and instantly brings his neighbors to a corpse

And for this they - neither ranks, nor concessions

It even comes to mutual insults

As soon as the bandit goes out the door

How immediately: "Stop! Don't build an innocent! Lock it up!"

There are many parasites on the body of society

But for some reason everyone is shy of bandits

And with indignation I want to say

"Believe me, - God, you have to understand bandits too!"

До нашей эры соблюдалось чувство меры

Потом бандитов называли - "флибустьеры"

Теперь названье звучное "пират"

Забыто, - бить их и словом оскорбить их всякий рад

Бандит же ближних возлюбил - души не чает

И если что-то им карман отягощает

Он к ним подходит как интеллигент

Улыбку выжмет - и облегчает ближних за момент

А если ближние начнут сопротивляться

Излишне нервничать и сильно волноваться

Тогда бандит поступит, как бандит

Он стрельнет трижды - и вмиг приводит ближних в трупный вид

А им за это - ни чинов, ни послаблений

Доходит даже до взаимных оскорблений

Едва бандит выходит за порог

Как сразу: "Стойте! Невинного не стройте! Под замок!"

На теле общества есть много паразитов

Но почему-то все стесняются бандитов

И с возмущеньем хочется сказать

"Поверьте, - Боже, бандитов надо тоже понимать!"

In his poem "Before Our Era, a Sense of Proportion Was Observed," Vladimir Vysotsky uses satire to critically examine society's hypocrisy and its attitude toward crime.

Central Theme: The poem explores the evolution of the perception of banditry and society's hypocritical reaction to it. Vysotsky draws a parallel between the romanticized image of bandits of the past ("filibusters") and modern criminals whom society condemns only in words, but in reality, fears and even justifies to some extent.

Sense of Proportion in Crime: The title of the poem is ironic. "Sense of proportion" in this case is a kind of code of honor that, according to the author, existed among criminals of the past. They did not hide their nature, did not hide behind masks of decency, which means they were more honest with themselves and society.

The Modern Bandit: Vysotsky portrays the modern criminal as a cunning and resourceful businessman who uses a mask of intelligence and charm to deceive his victims. He acts deliberately and in cold blood, without feeling remorse. Society, seeing such arrogant behavior, is unable to give him a worthy rebuff, preferring to turn a blind eye to the problem until it is too late.

Hypocrisy of Society: The author ridicules the hypocrisy of society, which, on the one hand, condemns crime, and on the other hand, creates the conditions for its prosperity. People are afraid to openly confront bandits, preferring to remain silent and pretend that nothing is happening. Moreover, Vysotsky sarcastically remarks that "bandits must also be understood!", hinting that society itself is to blame for their appearance.

Conclusion: The poem "Before Our Era, a Sense of Proportion Was Observed" is a sharp satire of modern society, which is unable to effectively fight crime because of its own hypocrisy and inaction.