The band was formed in Leningrad, Soviet Union in 1972 by Борис Гребенщиков (Boris Grebenshchikov), then a student of Applied Mathematics at Leningrad State University, and Анатолий Гуницкий (Anatoly "George" Gunitsky), a playwright and absurdist poet. In Soviet era, independent music was banned, so early Aquarium's concert venues were private apartments. These concerts were a unique Soviet phenomenon, created by underground musicians. They were usually "unplugged", as noise would cause the neighbors to alert the authorities. The limited space fostered an atmosphere of intimacy between the group and its audience, listening with bated breath, with perhaps someone recording it on a simple tape recorder. This was similar to the concepts of the Russian bards (russian bard), however Aquarium were (admittedly) much more influenced by Western music, particularly by The Beatles, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, progressive rock acts Jethro Tull, King Crimson and Roxy Music and also reggae. Thus their compositions were considerably more complex and their lyrics covered a broader range of topics, showing Grebenshchikov's notable erudition in Celtic and Indian cultures, among other things.
Until 1987 Aquarium recorded all of their albums in a self-assembled underground studio (several members had engineering education) disguised as a "Young Technicians Club" (for the album Радио Африка (Radio Africa) (1983) a government-owned mobile studio was secretly used, after bribing a technician). Despite those hard conditions, the recording quality was rather high and Aquarium's albums between 1980 and 1987 are considered by most fans as their best.
The advent of Glasnost in 1985 brought many underground Russian rock musician to public recognition and Aquarium became one of the most popular Russian bands. They were allowed to play in large concert halls, appeared on the state-owned television and recorded soundtracks for several films, most notably ASSA. In 1987 they recorded their first album for the state-owned Melodiya record label. With official backing and legalized distribution the album was a huge hit in USSR, selling well over a million copies within a few months. This was, however, the last album recorded by this Aquarium line-up and the band broke up shortly afterward. Grebenshchikov released two albums in English and toured with several different backing bands. In 1991 after the break-up of Soviet Union he released Русский Альбом (The Russian Album) under the name BG-Band, a collection of melancholic folk songs influenced by his travels all over Russia and demonstrating a return to his Russian roots. Shortly afterwards BG-Band was renamed Aquarium although most of the musicians were different. This band continued to release more albums and touring extensively all over former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe and also appearing before Russian immigrant communities in Germany, Israel and United States.
Although often criticized for departure from their original style and constant line-up changes which make Aquarium essentially a Grebenshchikov solo project, the group still enjoys huge success in Russia - their songs, old and new, get a lot of airplay, their albums sell well, and they tour constantly.
There is also a side project by Adam Young (Owl City) by the name Aquarium (which redirects to this page when scrobbled) from around 2003-5.
PureVolume account.
Genre: European Dance/Screamo
Three songs were released:
1. If the Trees Had Eyes They Would Be Glaring at You
2. M is for Motorcycle
3. I am Denmark
From Owl City Database: "Now Adam had a lot of “screaming” bands lol, but this one is by far the best. Aquarium is catchy and progressive. For example, “I am Denmark”, shows immense structure with a driving European dance undertone. By far one of Adam’s most original works."
Websites used for information: Adam Young's Music, Owl City Fandom, Owl-City Fandom, and Owl City Database.
All of the links in this section were saved in the Wayback Machine.
Сестра
Аквариум Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Нам не так уж долго
Осталось быть здесь вместе
Здравствуй сестра
Когда мы глядим на небо откуда должны придти звезды
Когда мы глядим на горы откуда должна придти помощь
Ни новое солнце днем ни эта луна ночью
Сестра, дык елы-палы, здравствуй сестра
Нам не так уж долго
Осталось быть здесь вместе
Здравствуй сестра
И когда мы приходим, мы смотрим на небо
Мы смотрим на небо, мы смотрим в него так долго
Может быть эта картина иллюзия и картина
Но может быть это правда, скорее всего это правда
Сестра, дык елы - палы, здравствуй сестра
Нам не так уж долго
Осталось быть здесь вместе
Здравствуй сестра
Попытайся простить мне что я не всегда пел чисто
Попытайся простить мне что я не всегда был честен
Попытайся простить мне - я не хотел плохого
Ведь я не умел любить но я хотел быть любимым
Сестра, дык елы-палы, здравствуй сестра
Нам не так уж долго
Осталось быть здесь вместе
Здравствуй сестра
The song "Сестра" by Аквариум (Aquarium) is a poetic reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with the people we love. The word "сестра" (sister) is used here as a term of endearment and could be interpreted as a reference to a close friend or companion as well. The singer addresses this person, expressing joy at being together and acknowledging that their time is limited. The first verse repeats the greeting "здравствуй сестра" (hello sister) and emphasizes the desire to make the most of the time they have left.
The second verse describes the uncertainty and mystery of the universe, using imagery of the sky and mountains. The singer acknowledges that they do not know where the stars or help will come from, but they remain undaunted and undeterred. The repeated line "не остановят нас" (they will not stop us) suggests a determination to face whatever challenges come their way with bravery and resilience.
In the final verse, the singer asks for forgiveness for their faults and shortcomings, confessing that they have not always been truthful or loving. They express a desire to be loved and accepted despite their flaws, and remind their companion that their time together is precious. The song ends with a repetition of the opening verse, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment and cherishing the relationships that bring meaning to our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Сестра, здравствуй сестра
Greetings, sister.
Нам не так уж долго
Осталось быть здесь вместе
Здравствуй сестра
We don't have much time left to stay together, hello sister.
Когда мы глядим на небо откуда должны придти звезды
Когда мы глядим на горы откуда должна придти помощь
Ни новое солнце днем ни эта луна ночью
Не остановят нас, не остановят нас
When we look up at the sky, we wonder where the stars come from. When we look up at the mountains, we wonder where help will come from. Neither a new sun during the day nor this moon at night will stop us, we won't be stopped.
И когда мы приходим, мы смотрим на небо
Мы смотрим на небо, мы смотрим в него так долго
Может быть эта картина иллюзия и картина
Но может быть это правда, скорее всего это правда
And when we arrive, we look up at the sky. We gaze at it for a long time. Perhaps this picture is an illusion and just a picture, but it is more likely that it is true.
Попытайся простить мне что я не всегда пел чисто
Попытайся простить мне что я не всегда был честен
Попытайся простить мне - я не хотел плохого
Ведь я не умел любить но я хотел быть любимым
Try to forgive me for not always singing cleanly, for not always being honest. Try to forgive me - I didn't mean any harm. After all, I didn't know how to love, but I wanted to be loved.
Сестра, дык елы-палы, здравствуй сестра
Нам не так уж долго
Осталось быть здесь вместе
Здравствуй сестра
Greetings sister, we don't have much time left to stay together, hello sister.
Contributed by Ruby F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Valentons
Сестра, здравствуй, сестра;
Нам не так уж долго осталось быть здесь вместе,
Здравствуй, сестра.
Сестра, здравствуй, сестра;
Нам не так уж долго осталось быть здесь вместе,
Здравствуй, сестра.
Когда мы глядим на горы, откуда мы ждали помощь,
Когда мы глядим на небо, откуда должны придти звезды,
Ни новое солнце днем, ни эта луна ночью
Не остановят нас, не остановят нас;
Припев:
Сестра, елы-палы, здравствуй, сестра;
Нам не так уж долго осталось быть здесь вместе,
Здравствуй, сестра.
Попытайся простить мне, что я не всегда пел чисто,
Попытайся простить мне, что я не всегда был честен.
Попытайся простить мне, я не хотел плохого;
Ведь я не умел любить, но я так хотел быть любимым;
Припев:
Сестра, елы-палы, здравствуй, сестра;
Нам не так уж долго осталось быть здесь вместе,
Здравствуй, сестра.
И когда мы приходим, мы смотрим на небо;
Мы смотрим на небо, мы смотрим в него так долго,
И может быть, это картина, иллюзия и картина.
Но может быть, это правда, скорее всего это правда.
Припев:
Сестра, здравствуй, сестра;
Нам не так уж долго осталось быть здесь вместе,
Здравствуй, сестра.
Сестра, здравствуй, сестра;
Нам не так уж долго осталось быть здесь вместе,
Здравствуй, сестра.
@user-ij4cx9ft2d
Офигеная песня, прям для меня.....
@mikhailyakovlev6348
В душе....сестра и братья! И самое главное....нежно тепло!
@antonynosupper
Поколение Джизуса здесь
@goran1513
Моя любимая песня!
@mistik_grebenshikova
У меня брат погиб. Это видео - отражение наших отношений. Ему не нравилась эта песня. Теперь обожаю её ещё больше. Другие видео st. Vladimir pictures тоже очень понравились.
@user-pm6jt7zu8v
А у меня к примеру никого из родни не осталось.
@user-pz7um4wk1s
Да ладно вам... никто никуда не умирает. Остаются все.
@CepnayaPila
Что с ним случилось?
@luw4480
Джизус сделал капер на эту песню
@user-sq4we5vd7g
Оригинал, не перепевка, здорово.