21 Famous Russian Songs

“Dorogoï Dlinnoyou” by Boris Fomin

Song Year: 1924

A folk song thought to originate with the Roma people, this song’s title usually translates as “Those Were The Days”, and it’s been heavily remixed and modified by different singers and artists since its release. It’s especially popular throughout Russia, where it often has dancers performing it.

The original Russian lyrics discuss the grief of loss and a desire to follow someone instead of being left behind. Gene Raskin made an English version of the song in the 1960s with wholly different lyrics. That's a good version in its own right and has had several covers itself, but not ideal if you’re looking to understand the meaning of the original Russian.

“Director” by Gradusy

Song Year: 2011

Gradusy isn’t well-known outside Russia, but the group has been impressively popular within the country. Dmitry Bakhtinov, one of the band’s leading members, wrote this song specifically in response to a tragedy in his own life.

However, while Russian songs already trend toward melancholy, Bakhtinov ultimately decided against releasing the original version. He felt it was too depressing even for his homeland, so he adjusted the tone to be more positive and affirming. The result is tens of millions of views since its initial release, proving he was onto something with the change.

“I Want To Be With You” by Anna Semenovich

Song Year: 2017

Another notable hit from inside Russia, Semenovich’s song starts with a discussion about a dream and how separated lovers were reunited after a fight. Like many pop tunes, love is a major element of the song and the lyrics focus heavily on believing in love despite the obstacles that can get in the way of feelings.

“Kazachok” by Boris Rubashkin

Song Year: 1970

Released as part of a mix of Russian folk songs in his 1989 album, Boris Rubashkin’s “Kazachok” (also spelled “Casatschok”) is a dance song typically involving a group of performers performing traditional group moves. He’s reworked it several times, including with some wholly instrumental versions, but it’s always at its best with someone doing vocals.

“Before Dawn” by Sati Casanova and Arsenium

Song Year: 2014

One of the most popular duets in Russian history, Before Dawn (also translated as “Until Dawn”), is essentially a love story. The lyrics are traditionally Russian in their melancholy for the future, acknowledging that forthcoming times can be difficult. To counter that, the song emphasizes enjoying the time you do have without worrying too much.

“Podmoskovnie Vetchera” by Mikahil Matusovsky

Song Year: 1955

Originally written as Leningrad Nights, Matusovsky changed the lyrics to focus on Moscow after a request from the Soviet government. The ballad-like lyrics are gentle but discuss the cold nights (even in summer), the beauty of a still river, and the moon overhead during the middle of the night. It’s also a little more popular outside Russia than inside it.

“Song of the Trololo” by Edouard Khil

Song Year: 1976

There’s no good explanation for this one. People on the internet love to popularize the strange and unusual, and in one case this happened when people uncovered a 1976 clip of Edouard Khil performing a non-lexical vocable song (that is, essentially nonsense filler syllables) version of another Russian song.

While the original had intelligible lyrics, Khil explained that their team wasn’t satisfied and decided to just fill the space with something more playful while keeping the tune they wanted to play. Internet memes come and go, but “Trololo” certainly made a mark when it surfaced.

“Katyusha” by Mikhail Isakovsky and Matvei Blanter

Song Year: 1938

One of the best Russian songs of all time, Isakovskyand Blanter published “Katyusha” in 1938 and it gained rapid popularity as a patriotic song. Like many of the country’s enduring hits, it’s a song about love in war, with the singer being a woman who’s planning to protect her love while her soldier fights to protect the country.

Many other countries have recorded translated versions of the song for their nations, showing the versatility and underlying quality of the musical composition.

“Kalinka” by Ivan Larionov

Song Year: 1860

Perhaps the most iconic Russian song of all time, “Kalinka” was originally written for part of a theatrical performance. The title word refers to the viburnum opulus, or snowball tree, which is a national symbol of Russia. Culturally, the Kalinka’s berries also represent passionate love, especially from beautiful women.

Few songs have anywhere near the longevity or enduring popularity of “Kalinka,” regardless of where they originated. If there’s a single Russian song to listen to, this is it.

“Pobolelo I Proshlo” by Hensy

Song Year: 2021

Released in 2021, Pobolelo I Proshlo is primarily a song about pain and recovery. It’s a somewhat angry track, with repeated references to sprinkling salt on wounds, resentment, and the feeling of being shot (or hurt) by others.

However, despite the pain, Hensy also refers to how the pain goes away. It may not always be enjoyable, but deciding to let your emotions out and move on can be a powerful tool for personal growth.

Best Russian Songs, Final Thoughts

Famous Russian songs mainly feature patriotic tunes about separated lovers, but Russian artists also have a surprising range that mixes in rap, ballads, and more. Many even have remixed versions in other languages, showing that there’s some outstanding compositional talent in their centuries of musical experience.