The meaning of the lyrics of the song "My friends are very strange." (U menya druzya ochen strannyie) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

My friends are very strange

From the point of view of the rest

And I hear long speeches

That I drink with them for three

But let me decide for myself

Who to love, to whom to go.

But really, it's better to be alone

I have Valentine with Sveta

Who owns the whole kingdom of cash registers

I'm not complaining about warnings

And again I don't blame you

But then let me

Decide: where to go, when

Really, it's better to be alone forever!

У меня друзья очень странные

С точки зрения остальных

И я слышу речи пространные

Что я с ними пью на троих

Но позвольте самому

Решать: кого любить, идти к кому.

Но право, все же лучше самому

Валентин у меня есть со Светою

Что владеет всем царствием касс

На предостережения не сетую

И опять не пеняю на вас

Но позвольте мне тогда

Решать: куда идти, когда

Право, лучше самому навсегда!

Vladimir Vysotsky's song "I Have Very Strange Friends" speaks about the individual's right to make their own choices, even if those choices aren't understood or accepted by others. The song's lyrical hero faces societal disapproval: his friends are deemed "strange," and his desire to spend time with them is condemned.

The first verse sets the stage for this conflict: "I have very strange friends / From the perspective of everyone else." It immediately becomes clear that the hero's perspective diverges from the majority's. He doesn't try to justify himself; he merely states a fact. The lines "And I hear lengthy speeches / That I drink with them, the three of us" paint a picture of constant lectures and reprimands he endures for his choices.

However, despite the pressure, he refuses to abandon his friends. The lines "But allow me to decide for myself / Whom to love, whom to go to" ring with defiance and a firm belief in his right to choose freely. He's not seeking approval; he demands respect for his decision.

The second verse expands the theme of personal freedom. Now, the focus isn't only on friendship but also love. The hero mentions "Valentin with Sveta," who "possess the entire kingdom of cash registers." It can be assumed that this couple represents a symbol of material wealth that doesn't entice the lyrical hero.

He consciously disregards the "warnings" and doesn't "blame" those who don't share his views. Instead, he reiterates his refrain: "But allow me then / To decide: where to go, when." This phrase conveys not only the demand for freedom but also the willingness to take responsibility for his choices.

The final line, "Really, it's better to decide for oneself, forever!" encapsulates the essence of the entire work. The author asserts that true freedom lies in independence from the opinions of others. It's always better to determine one's own path, even if it deviates from societal norms.