Gorod

Kino's song 'Gorod' captures the essence of a love-hate relationship with a city, particularly during the harsh winter months. The lyrics, penned by the band's iconic frontman Viktor Tsoi, reflect a deep emotional connection to the city, juxtaposed with the overwhelming and often oppressive nature of its winters. The song opens with the protagonist observing the changing seasons, noting the approach of winter and the transformation of the cityscape. The imagery of yellow leaves and birds behind bars evokes a sense of confinement and the inevitable passage of time, as the singer laments his twentieth autumn driving him to madness.

The chorus reveals a profound affection for the city, yet it is tempered by the harsh realities of winter. The repeated lines, 'Ya lyublyu etot gorod, No zima zdes' slishkom dlinna' (I love this city, but the winter here is too long), highlight the struggle between love for the familiar and the dread of enduring the long, dark, and isolating winter months. The fear of loneliness is palpable, as the singer finds the beauty of ice patterns on the windows to be a stark contrast to the dead purity they represent.

As the song progresses, the singer describes the almost perpetual darkness, with streetlights burning nearly all day. This creates a surreal atmosphere where time seems to blur, and the singer relies more on the clock than his own eyes. The focus shifts to the preservation of warmth, both literal and metaphorical, as another year passes, leaving the singer to ponder how many more winters they will endure. 'Gorod' is a poignant reflection on the duality of love and despair, capturing the essence of human resilience in the face of nature's relentless cycles.