When We Were At War (Когда мы были на войне)

David Samoilov's song "When We Were At War (Когда мы были на войне)" delves into the emotional turmoil and introspection of soldiers during wartime. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of soldiers who, amidst the chaos and danger of battle, find their thoughts drifting back to their loved ones. The repetition of the lines "Когда мы были на войне" (When we were at war) and "Там каждый думал о своей Любимой или о жене" (There everyone thought of their beloved or wife) underscores the universal longing for connection and the solace found in memories of home and love.

The song also explores the personal anguish of the narrator, who reflects on a past betrayal. The lines "Как ты когда-то мне лгала, Что сердце девичье свое Давно другому отдала" (How you once lied to me, That your maiden heart had long been given to another) reveal a deep-seated pain and disillusionment. Despite this, the narrator finds a temporary escape in the act of smoking, symbolized by the "голубой ее дымок" (blue smoke) of his pipe. This act serves as a metaphor for the fleeting moments of peace and distraction amidst the horrors of war.

The recurring theme of awaiting a "верной пули" (true bullet) to end his suffering and the ongoing conflict highlights the soldier's resignation to his fate. However, the repeated imagery of his "вороном своем коне" (black horse) carrying him out of danger suggests a paradoxical survival instinct and the relentless continuation of life despite the desire for an end. Samoilov's poignant lyrics capture the complex interplay of hope, despair, love, and duty that defines the wartime experience, making it a powerful reflection on the human condition.