This upbeat old folk tune will have you tapping your feet. This is a famous Russian folk song, probably the best-known Russian song around the world, written by composer and folklorist Ivan Larionov in 1860. Plus, if you’re looking for a good Russian term of endearment, this song hands it to you on a silver platter. “Darling” is pretty slow-moving, which will make it easy to catch the lyrics, included in the link above. This song by the Pop duo Непара (Nepara) is very romantic.
It will certainly help you learn the phrase “Do you want…?” and the lyrics are repetitive, so you’ll have lots of opportunities to reinforce what you just learned without having to pause the song. This song by popular rock musician Земфира (Zemfira) is great for anyone who wants to study Russian with song lyrics alongside some cool guitar riffs.
You can even listen to the English version to compare the lyrics (which, be warned, are very different). It’s an entertaining song, and its extremely repetitive lyrics are easy to learn. Granted, its popularity overseas was partially due to the video’s controversial kiss between the two girls in the group. This song is by Тату (t.A.T.u.), one of the few Russian groups to experience a good deal of success in the US. The phrase “I want” is also frequently repeated, so you’ll have no trouble remembering it. Much of the lyrics are in the future tense this will help with your conjugations. Nyusha is a popular Russian singer-songwriter. Listening to this song by НЮША (Nyusha) is a great way to learn Russian because it’s energetic without being as fast as a lot of pop music. The Russian lyrics vary a little between versions: You can look at some alternate lyrics here. Also, the song is primarily in the past tense, so it’s a helpful way to practice your conjugations. You’ll never forget the word for “black” again. This Cossack folk song is about a black raven circling overhead as a soldier is dying. While it will help you learn the phrase “Happy birthday,” learning the lyrics will also help prepare you in case you ever find yourself at a Russian birthday party. People still frequently sing it on birthdays. This is another classic song from the “Cheburashka” series. Plus, you’ll never forget how to say, “Now I’m Cheburashka.” I’m sure this must be a valuable conversational tool in some situations. The lyrics rhyme and are quite easy and enjoyable to learn. So adorable that this peculiar little animal “unknown to science,” who ends up as a toy in a store, has even become popular outside of Russia (particularly in Japan). This is the theme song from the popular Soviet-era cartoon “Cheburashka.” If you’re not yet familiar with “Cheburashka,” prepare to say “aw…” That’s right: “Cheburashka” is downright adorable. You may also want to review the lyrics on their own. The first couple verses are in the past tense, so it’s a great way to practice your conjugations. It tells the sad story of a young woman waiting for her lover who is away at war. This folk song rose to fame during World War II. “Куда уходит детство” (“Where Does Childhood Go?”)ĭownload: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that youĬan take anywhere. Some are literal while others take a more artful approach.Īdditionally, since some of these songs have multiple versions, there may also be variations between the videos and lyrics linked below. Just note that translations of lyrics can vary.
So if you want to master Russian in a way that’s as effective as it is habit-forming, it’s time to start singing a new tune! In fact, listening to easy Russian songs really helps to improve your listening skills. Whether you’re listening to the radio or putting together a list of Russian audio resources, music is one of the best ways to learn a language quickly. By Meredith Kreisa Last updated: OctoLearn Russian with Music: 15 Easy Songs to Rock Your World