BI-2 is a Russian rock band. It was formed in Belarus in 1988 by Leva (Yego… Read Full Bio ↴BI-2 is a Russian rock band. It was formed in Belarus in 1988 by Leva (Yegor Bortnik) and Shura (Alexander Uman), who both took the surname BI-2. BI originally was the abbreviation of "Bereg Istini" ("Shores of truth"), the previous name of the band. In the early years the band was playing punk rock music.

In 1991 BI-2 moved to Israel and disbanded in 1993. Shura moved to Australia where he joined a darkwave band, Chiron. He invited Leva to join it in 1996. Chiron was an obscure band, featuring vocals by Michael Aliani. Some of the Chiron songs were re-recorded and re-released in 2006 as the album "Chiron" by BI-2, with Leva's vocals.

In 1998 Leva and Shura moved to Russia to conquer the rock scene. They participated in the soundtrack for the Брат 2 ("Brother II") movie by Alexey Balabanov, and soon became one of the most popular rock bands. In 2005 BI-2 together with Mихаил Карасев (Mikhail Karasev) (BI-2's lyrics writer and Shura's uncle) released the Нечётный Воин ("Odd Warrior") project, joined by many Russian rock and pop artists.

A complete discography with Lyrics and English translations can be found here:
http://www.russmus.net/band.jsp?band=Bi-2

Official site:
http://www.bdva.ru

Тени
Би-2 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Я не знаю быть может дорога
Оборвется внезапно как звук
Если кто-то выйдет из круга
Сцепленных намертво рук

Если город в холодных объятьях
И чернеет живая вода
Значит смерть выбирает платье

Значит где-то случится беда

Но слова - это только тени
Тени наших дрожащих губ
Имена слепых поколений
Никого за собой не зовут

Не зовут
Не зовут

.

Я не знаю быть может спасенье
Только в наших холодных сердцах
Если нас защищают стены
Значит нас не покинул страх

Но слова - это только тени
Тени наших дрожащих губ
Имена слепых поколений
Никого за собой не зовут

Не зовут
Не зовут

Но слова - это только тени
Тени наших дрожащих губ

Имена слепых поколений
Никого за собой не зовут

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of the song "Тени" (Shadows) by Би-2 explore the idea that words are just shadows, not capable of truly calling anyone or bringing about change. The opening lines reflect uncertainty about the road ahead, suggesting that it may abruptly break off like a sound. If someone steps out of the circle of tightly linked hands, it disrupts the unity and connection.

The following lines paint a picture of a city engulfed in coldness, where the living water turns black. This imagery symbolizes a state of decay and impending danger. The mention of death choosing a dress implies that disaster is lurking somewhere. However, the lyrics emphasize that words are merely shadows, trembling on our lips. They lack the power to bring forth action or summon anyone to follow. The names of blind generations do not beckon anyone.

The second stanza suggests that salvation may only reside within our own cold hearts. If walls protect us, it means that fear has not abandoned us. This implies that relying on external sources of security is insufficient and that true strength must come from within.

Overall, the song "Тени" explores the limitations of language and the transient nature of words. It highlights the importance of personal agency and self-reliance in the face of uncertainty and danger.

Line by Line Meaning

Я не знаю быть может дорога
I don't know, maybe the road

Оборвется внезапно как звук
Will be abruptly cut off like a sound

Если кто-то выйдет из круга
If someone leaves the circle

Сцепленных намертво рук
Of tightly clasped hands

Если город в холодных объятьях
If the city is in cold embrace

И чернеет живая вода
And the living water turns black

Значит смерть выбирает платье
It means death is choosing its dress

Значит где-то случится беда
It means somewhere a disaster will happen

Но слова - это только тени
But words are just shadows

Тени наших дрожащих губ
Shadows of our trembling lips

Имена слепых поколений
Names of blind generations