The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Gypsy motifs" (Cyiganskie motivyi) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

Pave, pave,

Even a tunnel under the riverbed.

And come without fear

For wine and kebabs.

And bring your guitar,

Tightening its pegs.

But don't forget – blunt

Your sharp fangs.

And when you realize

All roads lead to Rome,

That's when you should come,

That's when we'll talk.

Throw away the knife, take out the stone

From your bosom.

And throw it, cast it,

Even if it's just a pole across the stream.

Whether it's for sowing or for mowing,

We must get down to it, hurry up.

Or else, having missed the opportunity, you yourselves will

Bite your elbows later.

You yourselves will be unhappy

Waking up in the morning – for heaven's sake!

All bridges across obstacles

Will be built without us.

So pave, pave,

Even a tunnel under the riverbed!

But don't forget – blunt

Your sharp fangs!

Проложите, проложите

Хоть туннель по дну реки

И без страха приходите

На вино и шашлыки

И гитару приносите

Подтянув на ней колки,

Но не забудьте - затупите

Ваши острые клыки

А когда сообразите

Все пути приводят в Рим,

Вот тогда и приходите

Вот тогда поговорим

Нож забросьте, камень выньте

Из-за пазухи своей

И перебросьте, перекиньте

Вы хоть жердь через ручей

За посев ли, за покос ли

Надо взяться, поспешать,

А прохлопав, сами после

Локти будете кусать

Сами будете не рады

Утром вставши, - вот те раз!

Все мосты через преграды

Переброшены без нас

Так проложите, проложите

Хоть туннель по дну реки!

Но не забудьте - затупите

Ваши острые клыки!

Vladimir Vysotsky's song "Gypsy Motifs" presents an allegorical call for openness, honesty, and joint effort. The lyrical hero, addressing an undefined "you," invites his interlocutors to a friendly gathering but sets a number of conditions.

The request to "build a tunnel under the river" is a metaphor for overcoming obstacles and difficulties on the path to mutual understanding. Wine, shish kebabs, and a guitar are symbols of hospitality, warmth, and readiness for a frank conversation. However, the guitar must be tuned, and the interlocutors' "sharp fangs" must be blunted, indicating the need for sincerity and the rejection of aggression.

The phrase "all roads lead to Rome" is a hint at the inevitability of meeting and unity, despite all the differences and complexities. But before starting a dialogue, the interlocutors are invited to "throw away the knife, take out the stone" – to abandon violence and secrecy, replacing them with openness and a willingness to act ("throw a log across the stream").

The author emphasizes the importance of joint work ("whether for sowing or for mowing"), warning that procrastination and inaction will lead to regrets ("you will bite your elbows"). In the final part of the song, the metaphor of "bridges thrown" without the participation of the interlocutors emphasizes missed opportunities and lost chances for unity.

Thus, "Gypsy Motifs" is not just a song about hospitality but a deep philosophical reflection on the need to overcome the barriers that prevent people from uniting to achieve a common goal. Vysotsky calls for trust, honesty, and creation, reminding us that inaction and aggression lead to isolation and disappointment.