The meaning of the lyrics of the song "At Perovsky, at the market..." (Na Perovskom, na bazare...) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

At Perovsky market, there's a racket and a din,

Everything's for sale, from junk to trash within.

Women, rags, and baskets, crowds of folks abound,

Women, rags, and baskets, blocking every ground.

There are newspapers, roasted seeds galore,

Cigarettes, and lemons, what else you looking for?

There is water, cold and fresh, it's true,

Drink some water, gentlemen, it's good for you!

Beets and melons, yogurt, cranberry, and kvass on ice,

Samovars, borscht, porridge, all at the same price.

And no shortage of spirits, every step a stall,

What to say, no lack of booze, that's not all!

There are newspapers, roasted seeds galore,

Cigarettes, and lemons, what else you looking for?

There is water, cold and fresh, it's true,

Drink some water, gentlemen, it's good for you!

Here sits a woman, slumbering sound asleep,

While a little dog into her basket takes a peep,

Tips it over, and the vendor starts to shout,

"That darned creature ate it all, there's no room for doubt!"

There are newspapers, roasted seeds galore,

Cigarettes, and lemons, what else you looking for?

There is water, cold and fresh, it's true,

Drink some water, gentlemen, it's good for you!

Suddenly a cry: "An airplane!" fills the air,

Someone's been relieved of their pocket, with such care.

"Help! Good people, I've been robbed, it's true!"

"Serves you right, you fool, you had it coming to you!

Why gawk at airplanes, when your money's on the line?"

There are newspapers, roasted seeds galore,

Cigarettes, and lemons, what else you looking for?

There is water, cold and fresh, it's true,

Drink some water, gentlemen, it's good for you!

На Перовском на базаре шум и тарарам,

Продается все, что надо, барахло и хлам.

Бабы, тряпки и корзины, толпами народ.

Бабы, тряпки и корзины заняли проход.

Есть газеты, семечки каленые,

Сигареты, а кому лимон?

Есть вода, холодная вода,

Пейте воду, воду, господа!

Брюква, дыни, простокваша, морс и квас на льду,

Самовары, щи и каша - все в одном ряду.

И спиртного там немало, что ни шаг - буфет,

Что сказать, насчет спиртного недостатку нет.

Есть газеты, семечки каленые,

Сигареты, а кому лимон?

Есть вода, холодная вода,

Пейте воду, воду, господа!

Вот сидит, согнувши спину, баба, крепко спит,

А собачка ей в корзину сделала визит,

Опрокинула корзину, и торговка в крик,

Все проклятая скотина съела в один миг.

Есть газеты, семечки каленые,

Сигареты, а кому лимон?

Есть вода, холодная вода,

Пейте воду, воду, господа!

Вдруг раздался на базаре крик: "Аэроплан!" -

Ловко кто-то постарался, вывернул карман.

Ой, рятуйте, граждане хорошие, из кармана вытащили гроши.

Так тебе и надо, не будь такой болван,

Нечего тебе глазеть на аэроплан.

Есть газеты, семечки каленые,

Сигареты, а кому лимон?

Есть вода, холодная вода,

Пейте воду, воду, господа!

Vladimir Vysotsky's song "At the Perovsky Market..." paints a vivid picture of a typical Soviet market. The author uses simple yet expressive imagery to convey the atmosphere of bustling trade, hustle and bustle, and everyday life.

Chaos and Abundance: From the very first lines, the song immerses the listener in the thick of the market life: "noise and hubbub", "crowds of people". A seeming chaos reigns here, where "women, rags, and baskets" are mixed, and the passages are jammed with goods.

Assortment and Characters: Vysotsky lists goods typical of a Soviet market: from food ("rutabagas, melons, fermented baked milk") and household items ("samovars, cabbage soup") to newspapers, cigarettes, and, of course, alcohol. This list is not accidental - it reflects the realities of that time when the shortage of goods was commonplace, and the market became a place where one could find almost everything.

Humor and Satire: The song contains subtle satire and humor, which are manifested through everyday sketches. A sleeping saleswoman whose dog steals food from a basket, a naive customer who falls victim to a pickpocket - these comical situations reflect not only the flavor of the market but also the awkwardness of some of its visitors.

Chorus as a Symbol of Routine: The repeating refrain "There are newspapers, roasted sunflower seeds..." is not just a listing of goods. It creates an effect of presence, as if the listener himself is wandering through the market and hears the inviting cries of the sellers. The water offered to the "gentlemen" is an ironic touch that emphasizes the contrast between the common people and those who try to appear superior.

Social Subtext: Behind the seeming simplicity and humor of the song lies a deeper meaning. The market becomes a metaphor for Soviet society, where, in conditions of scarcity and ideological control, people were forced to adapt and seek loopholes to survive.

Overall, the song "At the Perovsky Market..." is a prime example of Vladimir Vysotsky's work, where satire, everyday sketches, and a profound social subtext are combined. The song is still relevant today because it conveys the spirit of the time and tells about the unchanging traits of human nature.