If tomorrow brings war
"Если завтра война" (English: If Tomorrow Brings War) is a Soviet patriotic song composed in 1938 by the Pokrass brothers, Dmitry and Daniil, with lyrics by Vasily Lebedev-Kumach. The song was featured in the 1938 Soviet film of the same name, serving as a military anthem symbolizing the readiness of the Soviet people to defend their homeland.
Background
The song was written during a time of rising international tensions leading up to World War II. It was intended to boost morale and promote military preparedness across the USSR. The lyrics emphasize unity, strength, and the willingness of Soviet citizens to respond immediately to any threat. "Если завтра война" became a popular piece performed by military ensembles, especially the Red Army Choir (Alexandrov Ensemble).[1]
Lyrics
Original Russian Lyrics
Если завтра война, если враг нападёт,
Если тёмная сила нагрянет,
Как один человек, весь советский народ
За свободную Родину встанет!
Припев:
На земле, в небесах и на море
Наш напев и могуч, и суров:
Если завтра война,
Если завтра в поход,
Будь сегодня к походу готов!
Если завтра война — всколыхнётся страна
От Кронштадта до Владивостока,
Всколыхнётся страна, велика и сильна,
И врага разобьём мы жестоко!
Полетит самолёт, застрочит пулемёт,
Загрохочут могучие танки,
И линкоры пойдут, и пехота пойдёт,
И помчатся лихие тачанки.
Мы войны не хотим, но себя защитим —
Оборону крепим мы недаром.
И на вражьей земле мы врага разгромим
Малой кровью, могучим ударом!
Подымайся, народ, собирайся в поход,
Барабаны сильней барабаньте!
Музыканты, вперёд! Запевалы, вперёд!
Нашу песню победную гряньте!
English Translation
If tomorrow brings war, if the enemy attacks,
If dark forces descend upon us,
As one, the entire Soviet people
Will rise to defend their free homeland!
Chorus:
On land, in the skies, and at sea,
Our song is mighty and stern:
If tomorrow brings war,
If tomorrow we march,
Be ready for the march today!
If tomorrow brings war — the country will rise
From Kronstadt to Vladivostok,
The nation will rise, great and strong,
And we will crush the enemy mercilessly!
Planes will fly, machine guns will rattle,
Mighty tanks will thunder,
Battleships will move out, infantry will advance,
And daring tachankas will dash ahead.
We do not want war, but we will defend ourselves —
Our defense is not built in vain.
And on enemy soil we will crush the foe
With little blood, with a mighty strike!
Rise up, people, gather for the march,
Beat the drums harder and louder!
Musicians, forward! Singers, forward!
Strike up our victorious song!
Historical Context
The song emerged during a period of escalating international tensions preceding World War II. It was intended to boost morale and promote military preparedness across the USSR. The lyrics emphasize unity, strength, and the willingness of Soviet citizens to respond immediately to any threat.
In Popular Culture
The song was prominently featured in the 1938 Soviet film Если завтра война (If War Comes Tomorrow), which depicted the strength and readiness of the Red Army.
Cultural Impact
"If Tomorrow Brings War" became a staple in Soviet propaganda, illustrating the ideal of a strong, unified Soviet Union ready to respond to any military aggression. Its inclusion in the 1938 film of the same name further cemented its role in promoting the image of a vigilant and prepared Soviet military.
Legacy
The song's enduring popularity is evident in its continued performances by ensembles such as the Red Army Choir and its presence in discussions of Soviet-era music and propaganda.
References
- ↑ Андреев, Алексей. «Песня "Если завтра война". История. Ноты. Видео». Norma40.ru. https://www.norma40.ru/publ/pesnja_esli_zavtra_vojna_istorija_noty_video/1-1-0-392. Retrieved 12 May 2025.
- ↑ Fitzpatrick, Sheila (1992). Mass Culture in Soviet Russia: Tales, Poems, Songs, Movies, Plays, and Folklore, 1917–1953. Indiana University Press. pp. 316–318. ISBN 9780253207073 Check
|isbn=value: checksum (help). Search this book on
External Links
- Song lyrics and details on Kino-Teatr.ru
- Full lyrics and historical background (Russian)
- Norma40.ru: History and sheet music of the song (Russian)
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