Noch'

Kino's song 'Noch'' (translated as 'Night') is a poetic exploration of the allure and mystery of the nighttime. The lyrics, penned by the band's iconic frontman Viktor Tsoi, delve into the personal and almost philosophical relationship the narrator has with the night. The song opens with a contrast between the day, represented by the sun and light outside the windows, and the night, which the narrator professes to love. This love for the night is not just a preference but a deeply ingrained part of the narrator's identity, a 'right' to retreat into the shadows.

The night, for the narrator, is a time of fewer cars, a quieter world where the smoke and ash of cigarettes can be savored, and kitchens hold secrets. This imagery paints the night as a sanctuary, a place of solace and introspection. The mention of loving his home but doubting the seriousness of this love adds a layer of complexity, suggesting a transient or uncertain attachment to the physical world. The recurring motif of 'electric light' piercing the eyes and windows symbolizes the intrusive nature of modern life, even in the sanctity of night.

Despite the solitude, the narrator does not feel lonely. The crackling tape recorder speaks of the joys of the day, and the anticipation of meetings and coffee in a familiar café the next day provides a sense of continuity and connection. Yet, the night calls with its 'electric voice,' a siren song that makes the narrator question how to face the coming day. This tension between the comfort of night and the inevitability of day reflects a deeper existential struggle, a search for meaning and place in a world that is constantly shifting between light and dark.