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The meaning of the lyrics of the song "Sketch of Leningrad" (Zarisovka o Leningrade) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

In Leningrad city,

By Five Corners Square,

Sanya Sokolov

Got punched in the face:

He sang out of tune,

Made a scene –

So, it means he deserved it,

He got what he'd been.

In Leningrad city –

Peace and quiet reign!

Where are all the thugs and thieves?

They’re simply not in sight!

Can’t compare it to Athens –

It’s chilly,

Although there are Swedes and Finns –

Well, really!

In Leningrad city –

As everywhere, there's taxi, -

But you won't hail one –

Don’t even try!

If you’re really on a binge,

Drinking heavily, -

You'll walk to the taxi rank,

Involuntarily!

В Ленинграде-городе

у Пяти Углов

Получил по морде

Саня Соколов:

Пел немузыкально,

скандалил, -

Ну и, значит, правильно,

что дали.

В Ленинграде-городе -

тишь и благодать!

Где шпана и воры где?

Просто не видать!

Не сравнить с Афинами -

прохладно,

Правда - шведы с финнами, -

ну ладно!

В Ленинграде-городе -

как везде, такси, -

Но не остановите -

даже не проси!

Если сильно водку пьешь

по пьянке -

Не захочешь, а дойдешь

к стоянке!

In Vladimir Vysotsky's poem "Sketch about Leningrad," the author depicts the city and its inhabitants with irony and sarcasm.

The first verse introduces us to Sanya Sokolov, a typical representative of the "dashing" elements, who "got punched in the face" for his actions – singing "off-key" and causing scandals. The author does not condemn the aggression but rather ironically approves – "Well, then, it's right that they hit him." This immediately sets the tone for the entire poem – satirical, hooligan-like, with a touch of street romance.

The second verse continues the ironic line. Leningrad is described as a place of "peace and grace" where there are no "hooligans and thieves." Of course, this is a clear exaggeration, a hyperbole that emphasizes the contradictory image of the city. The comparison to Athens, the center of ancient culture, looks ridiculous and funny, especially in the context of "hooligans and thieves." The final lines "True, there are Swedes and Finns – well, alright!" refer to Russia's historical conflicts with these countries, adding another layer of irony. The phrase sounds like a frivolous acceptance of inevitable difficulties.

The third verse focuses on another feature of Leningrad – the shortage of taxis. Even if you really need one, "you won't stop it – don't even ask!" This is again an ironic look at the realities of city life. The final lines of the verse "If you drink a lot of vodka on a binge – You won't want to, but you'll walk to the taxi rank!" – is a bitter humor based on stereotypes about a drinking nation.

In general, "Sketch about Leningrad" is a satirical portrait of the city, devoid of romanticization. Vysotsky uses recognizable images to create an ironic and sometimes sarcastic image, far from official hymns of praise.

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