Урела
Distemper Lyrics

The song Урела by Distemper is about a man named Gosh who has never been very bright but has always been obedient to authority. To keep up with the fast pace of life, Gosh decides to become a "урел," which is Russian slang for someone who drinks alcohol excessively and behaves recklessly. As he grows more drunk, Gosh sings, vomits, and goes outside to harass people, all while craving his mustache and sniffing his red nose.

The lyrics of this song are satirical and demonstrate the dangers of conforming blindly to the expectations of the state. The references to Gosh's "red nose" and his "sow-like life" suggest that he is a symbol for the average Russian citizen under Soviet rule, and the term "sow" is commonly used by Russians as a pejorative term for a person who is passive and accepting of authority. The chorus, "Урела, уже пьяные с утра Урела, все совковые дела" which roughly means "Its already morning and he's wasted on alcohol. Everything Soviet", further emphasizes the connection between Gosh's behavior and the restrictive nature of Soviet society.

Overall, the song Урела by Distemper is an ironic portrayal of the conformity and passivity that are encouraged in Soviet society. The lyrics and musical style feel both joyful and dark at the same time, reflecting the complexities of life under an oppressive regime.