|
Chastushka (часту́шка) is a form of Russian traditional song and poetry. A chastushka typically is a four-line rhyme of humoristic, satirical, or ironic content. The name originates from the Russian word части́ть, to speak fast.
Chastuskas cover an extremely diverse spectrum of topics, from lewd jokes to political satire, including love lyrics and Communist propaganda.
The whole song of this type is a sequence of chastushkas. In fact, in Russian this type of song is named in plural: часту́шки, or chastushkas. After each chastuska, there is a musical refrain without words to give chance the listeners to appreciate the chastushka (i.e., to laugh). Originally chastushkas were a form of folk entertainment, not for stage. Often they were sung by in turns by daring people from a group of participants. Sometimes they took a form of mocking contest. Improvisation was greatly appreciated during chastuska singing.
The tune of a chastushka was standardized, usually specific to a particular region of Russia. A popular example is the tune of Яросла́вские ребя́та (Yaroslavskie Rebyata, Yaroslavl Guys), by the signature tune of the folkloric vocal band Yaroslavskie Rebyata. In fact, Yaroslavl region has been famous for its chastushkas since old times.
In many respects, chastushka is similar to rap, although the two forms differ significantly in musical sense. It can also be compared to a limerick.
Examples
The vast majority of folk chastushkas are lewd or with offensive language. Clearly, you will not hear them from the scene.
- Птицеферма у нас есть,
- И другая строится.
- А колхозник яйца видит,
- Когда в бане моется.
- We do have a chicken farm
- And the second one, too.
- But kolkhozniks see some "eggs" (a slang for testicles)
- Only in the bath-house.
- Bolshevik political and anti-religious propaganda
- Знаем Ленина заветы.
- Кулаки, попы - наш враг
- Призовет их всех к ответу
- Большевицкий красный флаг.
- We remember precepts of Lenin
- Kulaks and priests are our enemies
- They will be called to account
- By the bolshevik's red banner.
- Не ругай меня, мамаша,
- Что в подоле принесла.
- Богородица-то наша
- Тож без мужа родила
- Don't scold me, mother
- For what I brought you in the skirt
- Mary, the Holy Mother
- Conceived without husband as well.
- A parody of the Soviet peace propaganda
- С неба звездочка упала
- Прямо милому в штаны,
- Пусть бы всё там разорвала,
- Лишь бы не было войны.
- A starlet from the heavens
- Fell into my boyfriend's breeches
- I don't mind his blasted penis
- Only let there be no war.
- Время сдвинули на час
- На Советском глобусе
- Раньше хрен вставал в постели
- А теперь в автобусе
- Time was shifted by one hour
- On the Soviet globe
- The prick used to pop up in the bed
- But now this happens in the bus.
|
