"United Forever in Friendship and Labor," But Can the Mighty Soviet Anthem Endure a Reggae Version?

Apropos of nothing at all, I spent this morning listening to the many variations and re-mixes that are available for the National Anthem of the Soviet Union. I've always thought that song is, without a doubt, the Number 1 most kick-ass national anthem ever made. Every national anthem ought to sound like this.

Numerous jazz, rock, and techno versions of the anthem have been recorded, as well as many instrumental versions such as this one for acoustic guitar. Of course, there are lots of parodies, such as the deeply moving Darth Vader rendition which I would have loved to have had back in the Cold War days. The anthem works great in this celebration of the AK-47, which I think is a bit overblown in its unqualified praise of the working man's assault rifle, but still makes a good video.

Any version you can think of and more is available online from the Russian Anthems Museum, which is a regular Motherland Lode of patriotic music.

My second-favorite rendition of the Soviet National Anthem is this English language one by Paul Robeson which was recorded in 1945, just two years after the anthem was adopted (from 1918 to 1943, the USSR used the Internationale as its anthem):



Is it just my imagination, or is Paul affecting a bit of a Slavic accent there?

The English lyrics of that version (I say that version, since I've noticed that the Anthem's lyrics have changed over time, following the political currents) are as follows:

United forever in friendship and labour,
Our mighty republics will ever endure.
The great Soviet Union will live through the ages.
The dream of a people their fortress secure.

CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.

Through days dark and stormy where Great Lenin led us
Our eyes saw the bright sun of freedom above
and Stalin our Leader with faith in the People,
Inspired us to build up the land that we love.

CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.

We fought for the future, destroyed the invader,
and brought to our homeland the Laurels of Fame.
Our glory will live in the memory of nations
and all generations will honour her name.

CHORUS:
Long live our Soviet Motherland, built by the people's mighty hand.
Long live our People, united and free.
Strong in our friendship tried by fire. Long may our crimson flag inspire,
Shining in glory for all men to see.

But my very favorite version so far is this Reggae one by the Ukrainian group 5'NIZZA, which is going straight to my Ipod: