Module 03: 1917 — Did the War Cause a Revolution?

Evidence 36: "Boldly, Comrades in Step"

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Introduction

Of the many songs to gain popularity in 1917, "Boldly, Comrades in Step" was one of the few specifically connected with the Russian revolutionary movement. Listen for the stylistic similarities and differences between this song and others, such as "The Warsaw Song." Like many of the songs that accompanied the demonstrations and ceremonies of 1917, "Boldly, Comrades in Step" often served as a symbol of common aspirations that transcended party divisions.

Document

"Boldly, Comrades in Step"

Boldly, comrades keep step,
Our spirits stengthened by the fight.
On to the kingdom of freedom
Our chests will lead the way.
On to the kingdom of freedom
Our chests will lead the way.

We all came forth from the people,
Children of the toiling family.
For brotherly union and freedom,
That is our fighting cry.
For brotherly union and freedom,
That is our fighting cry.

Long did they hold us in chains.
Long did we languish from hunger.
Now the dark days are over,
The hour of redemption is here.
Now the dark days are over,
The hour of redemption is here.

Our mighty hand overthrows
Fatal oppression forever,
And spreading friendship on Earth,
Is the red banner of labor.
And spreading friendship on Earth,
Is the red banner of labor.

Source:
Mp3 and Russian lyrics from http://english.sovmusic.ru/.

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