Moscow, Russia

The Retuses were an independent musical project of M… Read Full Bio ↴Moscow, Russia

The Retuses were an independent musical project of Misha Rodionov, formed in 2007 in Zelenograd, Russia. Initially their first songs were recorded with a one-minute sound recorder with childhood friend Cyrill Nazarov. These songs together form the EP "For a Minute", which is available online. In 2008 Cyrill Nazarov left the duo; Misha began recording new material on his own. Cyrill Parastaev joined the band next year and they began working on the album "Echo". Some of the songs were recorded in the most unexpected places: in an old abandoned car, at 4 am in a village, inside of the water tower. The album was uploaded to the internet in June 2009 through the online label Whispering and was available free of charge. Their first live performance took place on May 12, 2009.

The band continued performing and giving interviews and released their second compilation of songs, Waltz Baltika!, through a new record label, Snegiri, in May 2011. Most songs on the album, notably their titles, were inspired by a trip to Kaliningradskaya Oblast' when Misha was a child, and memories of the scenery there. The album is intentionally lo-fi to create a specific atmosphere.

Their third and final album, Astra, was issued in late 2013. The Retuses disbanded on October 11, 2014 according to an announcement posted in the band's official social networking pages; it was also announced that Rodionov decided to pursue a solo career on his own.

The touring band:

Misha Rodionov - vocals, trumpet, recorder, ukulele, guitar
Cyrill Parastaev - vocals, guitar, ukulele, piano, percussion
Lera Saveleva - bayan, percussion
Misha Lvov - guitar, ukulele, percussion

Gemini
The Retuses Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Я сегодня настойчив, но мой голос дрожит
И когда придёт время - ведь ты не пойдешь,
Не пойдешь ты за мной.

Всё придёт постепенно,
Моё сердце забьется в гранит.
Долгий путь, но я знаю, что близок;
Что близок мой сон золотой!

Там, где Солнце сойдётся с Луной
Я рад был бы быть - там, с тобой!
Но ты не пойдёшь, не пойдёшь ты за мной никогда!

Сон, этот сон золотой -
Будет биться с туманной зурной;
Будет биться с последней звездой.

Там не поют - не поют поезда,
А поёт песни золотая звезда -
Поёт песни золотая звезда.

Это всё, это все, что я мог рассказать!

Время жить, время умирать -
Утро вечера мудренее.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Retuses's song "Gemini" depict a sense of longing and unrequited love. The singer expresses their persistence and determination, even though their voice may tremble. They acknowledge that when the time comes for the person they desire to make a decision, they will not choose to follow them. Despite this, the singer believes that everything will happen gradually and that their heart will turn to stone. They understand that the journey may be long, but they have hope that their golden dream is close.

The chorus reveals the singer's longing to be with the person they desire, imagining a place where the sun meets the moon. They express their willingness to be there with that person, but they know that they will never go with them. The singer understands that their dream is a fragile one, symbolized by the beating against the misty bagpipe and the last star. Ultimately, the lyrics reflect the singer's acceptance that their desire will never be fulfilled.

Overall, "Gemini" portrays the bittersweet feelings of longing for someone who will never reciprocate those feelings. It captures the emotions of hope, persistence, and eventual acceptance of the reality that the love they desire will remain unfulfilled.

Line by Line Meaning

Я сегодня настойчив, но мой голос дрожит
I am determined today, but my voice trembles

И когда придёт время - ведь ты не пойдешь
And when the time comes - you won't go

Не пойдешь ты за мной
You won't go with me

Всё придёт постепенно
Everything will come gradually

Моё сердце забьется в гранит
My heart will beat into granite

Долгий путь, но я знаю, что близок
A long way, but I know it's close

Что близок мой сон золотой!
That my golden dream is close!

Там, где Солнце сойдётся с Луной
Where the Sun meets the Moon

Я рад был бы быть - там, с тобой!
I would be glad to be there with you!

Но ты не пойдёшь, не пойдёшь ты за мной никогда!
But you won't go, you will never go with me!

Сон, этот сон золотой
Dream, this golden dream