The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Song about the front rows" (Pesnya pro pervyie ryadyi) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

There was a time - I was eager to be in the first row,

It was all from a lack of understanding.

But for some time now, I've been sitting in the back:

There, in the front, like a submachine gun at your back -

A heavy gaze, an unkind breath.

Maybe it's not as pretty in the back,

But the horizon is much wider,

More space to run, more perspective,

And also - reliability and a better view.

The barrels of eyes - up to ten in number,

Like gun barrels aimed at a target, but a living one,

My nape can't be saved from their gaze.

And from behind, it's so easy to inflict

An insult or a stab wound.

Maybe it's not as pretty in the back,

But the horizon is much wider,

More space to run, more perspective,

And also - reliability and a better view.

The first row is harmful to me, they say,

And I suffer in bad weather from these thoughts.

It's better where it's darker - in the last row:

From here, there's no turning back,

And behind me, a wall stands as a wall.

Maybe it's not as pretty in the back,

But the horizon is much wider,

More space to run, more perspective,

And also - reliability and a better view.

Let rivers of water flow,

Let featherbeds be salted to dust,

Until bald heads, gray hairs, and beards -

Don't go to the front rows,

And don't aspire to be prima ballerinas.

Maybe it's not as pretty in the back,

But the horizon is much wider,

More space to run, more perspective,

And also - reliability and a better view.

It's safe in the back, but there are days

When I tell myself I'll crawl out like a worm:

It's not worth staying in the shadows forever,

Don't linger too long in the last row,

And gradually make your way to the first.

Maybe it's not as pretty in the back,

But the horizon is much wider,

More space to run, more perspective,

And also - reliability and a better view.

Была пора - я рвался в первый ряд

И это все от недопониманья,

Но с некоторых пор сажусь назад:

Там, впереди, как в спину автомат

Тяжелый взгляд, недоброе дыханье

Может, сзади и не так красиво

Но - намного шире кругозор

Больше и разбег, и перспектива

И еще - надежность и обзор

Стволы глазищ - числом до десяти

Как дула на мишень, но на живую,

Затылок мой от взглядов не спасти

И сзади так удобно нанести

Обиду или рану ножевую

Может, сзади и не так красиво

Но - намного шире кругозор

Больше и разбег, и перспектива

И еще - надежность и обзор

Мне вреден первый ряд, и говорят

От мыслей этих я в ненастье ною

Уж лучше - где темней - в последний ряд:

Отсюда больше нет пути назад

И за спиной стоит стена стеною

Может, сзади и не так красиво

Но - намного шире кругозор

Больше и разбег, и перспектива

И еще - надежность и обзор

И пусть хоть реки утекут воды

Пусть будут в пух засалены перины,

До лысин, до седин, до бороды

Не выходите в первые ряды

И не стремитесь в примы-балерины

Может, сзади и не так красиво

Но - намного шире кругозор

Больше и разбег, и перспектива

И еще - надежность и обзор

Надежно сзади, но бывают дни

Я говорю себе, что выйду червой:

Не стоит вечно пребывать в тени

С последним рядом долго не тяни

А постепенно пробирайся в первый

Может, сзади и не так красиво

Но - намного шире кругозор

Больше и разбег, и перспектива

И еще - надежность и обзор

In his song "The Song About the First Rows," Vladimir Vysotsky uses the metaphor of the front rows to discuss the pursuit of fame, recognition, and success. The song’s lyrical hero went through a period of wanting to be "ahead of everyone" but eventually realized the downside of popularity.

The "heavy gaze, unkind breath" of the audience, the "barrels of eyes" – all of this creates an atmosphere of pressure and danger. The front row becomes not a place of triumph, but a target for criticism, envy, and ill will.

On the other hand, the "last row" symbolizes peace, freedom from the expectations of others, and the ability to objectively assess the situation: "a much wider horizon," "more scope and perspective." The hero finds "reliability and an overview" here, something he lacked "at the front."

However, the song does not call for a complete abandonment of ambition. The final lines suggest that one should not "linger in the last row for too long" because it’s important to find a balance between the desire for recognition and the desire to preserve oneself, one's individuality. "Gradually make your way to the front," the hero advises, hinting that true success comes when you are ready for it not only externally, but also internally.