Chto takoe osen' (translation)

DDT's song 'Chto takoe osen'' (What is Autumn?) is a poignant exploration of the season as a metaphor for melancholy, reflection, and existential contemplation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of autumn as a time of sorrow and introspection, with the heavens crying and birds and clouds dispersing in puddles. This imagery sets the tone for a deep emotional journey, where the protagonist feels a profound connection to the season, suggesting a long absence from this state of mind or place.

The recurring motif of 'ships burning in the sky' evokes a sense of destruction and loss, perhaps symbolizing the end of dreams or aspirations. The desire to 'fly from here' indicates a longing to escape the pervasive sadness that autumn brings. The grayness and darkness of the season are depicted as a distant, unending path, emphasizing the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of despair. The mention of the Neva River and darkening faith adds a cultural layer, referencing the historical and emotional weight of St. Petersburg, a city often associated with Russian literature and its themes of suffering and existential angst.

Autumn is also portrayed as a reminder of the most important aspects of life, yet it leaves the soul without peace. This duality reflects the complex nature of human emotions, where moments of clarity and significance are intertwined with unrest and uncertainty. The wind playing in torn chains symbolizes the struggle for freedom and the hope for a new beginning, despite the overwhelming sense of doom. The song's closing lines, with the city melting in the fog and the acknowledgment of autumn's eternal correctness, suggest an acceptance of the season's inevitability and its role in the cycle of life and emotions.