The song "Голубка" by Husky (Хаски) tells the story of an elderly woman named Lyusya and her struggles in life. The lyrics depict a bleak and difficult existence for Lyusya, who lives in poverty and faces various hardships. The song begins by describing Lyusya's surroundings. She has two buckets on a yoke, and her legs are swallowed up by a snowdrift, which she has to pull them out from. The room she lives in is described as meager, and the radio plays the chimes of a clock. The streets are slippery, and she must be careful. Her shawl is dirty and full of gray hair, and she passes by the water pump and the tobacco shop. Lyusya's life is contrasted with the champagne splashing and packed theaters, portraying a stark difference between her reality and the world of luxury and entertainment. But Lyusya remains focused on her daily routine, always using the yoke in the morning. As the song progresses, the lyrics suggest that Lyusya has become numb to her situation. She no longer cares about anything and goes on with her monotonous life. The comparison is made that no matter whether she hangs herself or uses the yoke as a weapon, it doesn't matter anymore. The reference to "us" in the line "Блядь, да там же мы с тобой" (Damn, we're there together) may imply a sense of solidarity between the artist and the listener, acknowledging their shared struggles. The chorus shifts to the desire for a different life. Lyusya dreams of living in Manhattan and sharing secrets with Anne Hathaway, the American actress. However, it is portrayed as something that will never happen, just like snow in August. A metaphor is used, depicting a fish thrown onto the ice and encouraging her to climb, symbolizing her futile aspirations. The lyrics then mention the image of an old woman reflected in a mirror, representing the brokenness of life. The mention of "миска супа, калитка, халупа" (a bowl of soup, a gate, a rind) could convey the mundanity and simplicity of Lyusya's existence. The chorus repeats, questioning how Lyusya is doing, but it seems to highlight the futility in asking about her wellbeing. The song further portrays the harsh realities of Lyusya's life. While there are discounts, bonuses, and beauty salons advertised on TV, Lyusya's workbook only provides her access to a prison canteen. She worked hard and raised a headless offspring, who fell back into trouble repeatedly. The lyrics depict her encounters in the market ring, where passions are stronger than at a swing party. Towards the end of the song, the artist expresses a desire to visit Lyusya in the evening under the scattered stars. Lyusya would bring out photos of her son with trembling hands. However, the lyrics take a sudden dark turn as the artist abruptly stands up, spits in Lyusya's face, and laughs. This abrupt ending foreshadows the artist's plan to shoot himself in the stairwell. Overall, "Голубка" explores themes of poverty, struggle, and a sense of trapped existence. The lyrics depict the stark contrast between the dreams and desires of individuals like Lyusya and their harsh realities. It paints a picture of the hardships faced by those living on the fringes of society and the toll it can take on their mental and emotional well-being.
