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The Octobrists Tim Flitcroft’s Tuesday night class: Catherine, Ben and Helen. Katyusha. A Russian Soviet wartime folk song about a girl longing for her beloved, who is away on military service. The music was composed in 1938 by Matvei Blanter and the lyrics were written by Mikhail Isakovsky. It was first performed by the celebrated folk singer, Lidiya Ruslanova. Katyusha is a tender diminutive from the female name Ekaterina (Catherine). The Russian song also gave name to the BM-8, BM-13, and BM-31 "Katyusha" rocket launchers that were built and fielded by the Red Army in World War II.
Katyusha Apple trees and pear trees were blooming with colour The mists were rising along on the river Out came Katyusha walking on the riverbank High up there on the rocky ground Out came Katyusha walking on the riverbank High up there on the rocky ground As she came walking, a song followed her Towards the grey eagles of the Steppe… For the one she loved For the one whose letters she clutched in her hand… Out came Katyusha walking on the riverbank High up there on the rocky ground Oh, you little song, song of a maiden You fly swiftly up to the clear sun To the soldier on the border far away Sending him word from Katyusha Out came Katyusha walking on the riverbank High up there on the rocky ground
May he remember his honest girl May he hear her singing May he defend the earth of our Motherland While Katyusha defends their love Out came Katyusha walking on the riverbank High up there on the rocky ground |
