The meaning of the lyrics of the song "A quartet of leaders in the distance." (Na distancii — chetvyorka pervachey) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

On the distance - the four leaders, -

Each one thinks that he is the bravest,

Each one thinks that he is the least tired,

Each one wants to be on a high pedestal.

Someone's blood is colder, someone's is hotter, -

Everyone has listened to parting speeches,

Everyone has eaten about the same amount of food, -

And the judge will not record a draw.

And the struggle all the way -

In general, almost equal.

"Tell us how they're doing,

for God's sake, huh?"

"Television's here

along with the radio!

No special news -

everything is going smoothly,

But the intensity of passions -

oh-ho-ho what a!"

Number one - tears the markings like a hero,

As if rolling downhill, wants to be under the mountain.

He is in a victorious halo and in the dust

With a firm gait he will approach the cauldron.

Why didn't he have high thoughts? -

Because he didn't eat enough porridge as a child,

He starved in his childhood, did not dare, -

He had time to change - and into the gym.

Well, the ideas are close to us -

The first ones get the best pieces,

And the second ones - what's the use,

he has everything figured out -

As a consolation they will be given

bones with liver.

Number two - is far from those carnal pleasures, -

He is from the well-fed, he is from these, he is from those, -

He hopes for glory, for success -

And he already lifts his legs higher than anyone else.

Oh, the tilt on the bend - concrete on his cheeks!

You can't get any prettier, but he - even more so!

He is a strategist, he is even a tactician, in a word - a specialist, -

Strength, will plus character - well done!

Clear, collected, tense

And doesn't climb on the rampage, -

This one will perform

in Thessaloniki,

And teach kids

in newsreels,

And compete with Pele

in hardening,

And set an example of purposefulness!

Number three - gray-haired and wise, -

He is always - the second reliable echelon, -

Probably someone in the first one got sick,

Or maybe his coach took pity on him.

And annoyingly in his ears rings the string:

This is your last chance, old man, you hear!

He is in excitement - like a boy, like a kid, -

He needs a spurt - otherwise it's the end!

He immediately moves

To the back old car,

Where the former names -

pre-infarction,

Where the seats have one price -

all reserved.

And the fourth - the one on the edge, on the side, -

He runs like that - for nothing, for no one:

He will come closer - like, I'll stomp on your heels,

He will fall behind, stand still - like, that's what I want.

He will not swallow the first delicious piece,

He will not put on a laurel wreath for the second,

Well, and the third - to crawl on the spare paths...

How many systems there are

in today's running! -

He suddenly took it and slowed down

before the finish line,

He threw off his shirt - wow! -

isn't it disgusting?

The runner's behavior -

unsportsmanlike!

On the distance - the four leaders,

Evil and good, selfless and greedy.

Which of them professes what, who belongs to whom?

...The shoulder blades are separated from the shoulders -

And the four leaders are already flying!

На дистанции - четверка первачей, -

Каждый думает, что он-то побойчей,

Каждый думает, что меньше всех устал,

Каждый хочет на высокий пьедестал.

Кто-то кровью холодней, кто горячей, -

Все наслушались напутственных речей,

Каждый съел примерно поровну харчей, -

И судья не зафиксирует ничьей.

А борьба на всем пути -

В общем, равная почти.

"Расскажите, как идут,

бога ради, а?"

"Телевиденье тут

вместе с радио!

Нет особых новостей -

все ровнехонько,

Но зато накал страстей -

о-хо-хо какой!"

Номер первый - рвет подметки как герой,

Как под гору катит, хочет под горой.

Он в победном ореоле и в пылу

Твердой поступью приблизится к котлу.

Почему высоких мыслей не имел?-

Потому что в детстве мало каши ел,

Голодал он в этом детстве, не дерзал, -

Успевал переодеться - и в спортзал.

Что ж, идеи нам близки -

Первым лучшие куски,

А вторым - чего уж тут,

он все выверил -

В утешение дадут

кости с ливером.

Номер два - далек от плотских тех утех, -

Он из сытых, он из этих, он из тех, -

Он надеется на славу, на успех -

И уж ноги задирает выше всех.

Ох, наклон на вираже - бетон у щек!

Краше некуда уже, а он - еще!

Он стратег, он даже тактик, словом - спец, -

Сила, воля плюс характер - молодец!

Четок, собран, напряжен

И не лезет на рожон, -

Этот - будет выступать

на Салониках,

И детишек поучать

в кинохрониках,

И соперничать с Пеле

в закаленности,

И являть пример целе-

устремленности!

Номер третий - убелен и умудрен, -

Он всегда - второй надежный эшелон, -

Вероятно, кто-то в первом заболел,

Но, а может, его тренер пожалел.

И назойливо в ушах звенит струна:

У тебя последний шанс, слышь, старина!

Он в азарте - как мальчишка, как шпана, -

Нужен спурт - иначе крышка и хана!

Переходит сразу он

В задний старенький вагон,

Где былые имена -

прединфарктные,

Где местам одна цена -

все плацкартные.

А четвертый - тот, что крайний, боковой, -

Так бежит - ни для чего, ни для кого:

То приблизится - мол, пятки оттопчу,

То отстанет, постоит - мол, так хочу.

Не проглотит первый лакомый кусок,

Не надеть второму лавровый венок,

Ну а третьему - ползти на запасные пути...

Сколько все-таки систем

в беге нынешнем! -

Он вдруг взял да сбавил темп

перед финишем,

Майку сбросил - вот те на!-

не противно ли?

Поведенье бегуна -

неспортивное!

На дистанции - четверка первачей,

Злых и добрых, бескорыстных и рвачей.

Кто из них что исповедует, кто чей?

...Отделяются лопатки от плечей -

И летит уже четверка первачей!

Vladimir Vysotsky's poem "Four Front Runners on the Track" utilizes the metaphor of a sports competition to illustrate different life strategies and destinies. The four runners represent archetypes of individuals striving for success in society.

The first runner comes from a disadvantaged background, hungry and determined. For him, victory is a chance to break free from poverty, to get "the first, the best pieces." His image evokes both sympathy and slight condemnation for the earthliness of his aspirations.

The second runner is the opposite of the first. He comes from a wealthy family, accustomed to comfort and fame. His motivation is to confirm his status, to become a role model. His image is full of narcissism and calculation, which evokes the author's irony.

The third runner is an experienced athlete, the "reliable backup," who has been given an unexpected chance to win. He desperately clings to the opportunity, realizing that this is his last chance. His image conveys the tragedy of fading possibilities.

The fourth runner is the most enigmatic character. He runs without much enthusiasm, not striving for victory or glory. He breaks the rules, throws off his shirt before the finish line, demonstrating his contempt for conventions and stereotypes.

The poem's ending is open. The author does not judge the characters, leaving the reader to decide who is right. Vysotsky emphasizes the diversity of life paths, where there are no clear winners or losers.