Солдатами не рождаются - Гражданская оборона
"Солдатами не рождаются" (Soldiers are not born) is a song by the Russian band Гражданская оборона (Grazhdanskaya oborona), also known as ГрОб (GrOb). The song was written by the band's frontman, Yegor Letov, and released in 1985 as part of their album "Игра в бисер" (The game in beads). The theme of the song revolves around the idea that soldiers are not born, but rather created by the system through indoctrination and manipulation. The lyrics criticize the glorification of war and the military, highlighting the destructive nature of conflict and the loss of innocence that comes with becoming a soldier. Musically, "Солдатами не рождаются" is characterized by its raw and aggressive punk rock sound, typical of ГрОб's music. The song features fast-paced guitar riffs, pounding drums, and Letov's intense vocals. The energy and urgency of the music complement the rebellious and anti-establishment message of the lyrics. One notable fact about the song is that it was banned by Soviet authorities due to its provocative lyrics and subversive themes. Despite facing censorship and persecution, Гражданская оборона continued to create music that challenged the status quo and resonated with a generation of dissidents and activists. Overall, "Солдатами не рождаются" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that remains relevant in its critique of militarism and the dehumanizing effects of war. It stands as a testament to the band's fearless approach to music and their commitment to speaking truth to power.
Гражданская оборона
Гражданская оборона, also known as Civil Defense, was a Russian punk rock band formed in Omsk in 1984 by the iconic frontman Yegor Letov. The band quickly gained a reputation for their raw and politically charged lyrics, as well as their DIY approach to music production. Letov, a self-taught musician and poet, was heavily influenced by Western punk rock bands such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash. He used music as a platform to express his dissatisfaction with the Soviet regime and the oppressive political climate in Russia at the time. Despite facing constant harassment from the authorities, Гражданская оборона continued to produce music and gain a loyal following among dissidents and underground music fans. Their songs often touched on themes of social injustice, government corruption, and the struggle for freedom and individuality. One of the band's most famous albums, "Настройщик" (The Tuner), released in 1988, was a seminal work that solidified their place in Russian music history. The album featured tracks like "Всё идет по плану" (Everything is going according to plan) and "Колхозный панк" (Collective farm punk) that became anthems for the disaffected youth of the era. Гражданская оборона's impact on Russian music cannot be overstated. They were pioneers of the punk rock scene in Russia and paved the way for countless other artists to use music as a form of protest and social commentary. Their uncompromising attitude and fearless creativity inspired a new generation of musicians to push boundaries and challenge the status quo. Despite Letov's untimely death in 2008, the legacy of Гражданская оборона lives on through their music, which continues to resonate with listeners who seek truth and authenticity in a world filled with hypocrisy and oppression. They remain an enduring symbol of resistance and defiance in the face of adversity.