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This song is dedicated to the memory and activism of Alexei Navalny, an opposition leader in Russia who was killed last week, aged 47. He was incredibly brave, hopeful, and determined - facing horrendous trials with unmatched resolve and humour - in his fight to reform Russia and encourage the people to change the regime. He frightened Putin and the authorities because he was compassionate and strong - surviving a vicious assassination attempt by poison in August 2020, and torture and imprisonment since January 2021 - most recently at the penal colony where he died on 16 February. We were inspired to write the song after watching a brilliant and moving documentary, Navalny (dir. Daniel Roher, 2022) that explores his life, with him reflecting: “If they decided to kill me, then it means we are incredibly strong. We need to utilize this power to not give up, to remember we are a huge power that is being oppressed.“ The song takes its main refrain from the Russian tradition of sitting for a moment in silence, and reflecting, before embarking on long journeys. Navalny did this with his friends and family before flying back to Russia. In our rendering (hence the suitcases), it is a way of sharing his defiance and his hopeful vision of a free and fair Russia with a people who are no longer oppressed by tyranny, corruption, and cruelty. In that way, although his life was cut short, his legacy is still in motion. We mention Navalny's nationalism in the song, which has been a source of controversy - the best information on this we could find is here: We have also tried to include a Russian translation of the lyrics (using software) - but there will no doubt be errors, for which apologies. ___________________________ Find our other channels here: Follow us here: - - - - - @marshfamilysongs - Support us here: - PayPal to leave us a tip jar: - Patreon for ongoing support & bonuses: ___________________________ LYRICS: Maybe you’ll tell me, that Alexei Navalny Was a citizen of nowhere Maybe you’ll tell me, that Alexei Navalny Was the victim of a murder It seems his journey’s over Now he’s just another broken body in the cold Hidden under cover so his story won’t be told But I know better Cos I can see those blue eyes smiling Through the poison, lies, and fighting The horizon’s hard to brighten, but another Russia’s there Where we don’t see the righteous dying Where we don’t hear the mothers crying Where the people aren’t so frightened It’s beautiful and fair CHORUS Sit for the road, Navalny, for the road Sit for the road, Navalny, for the road Yes for a while, your smiling eyes are closed While Russian brothers die in vain, in wars they never chose But there’s a road, Navalny, there’s a road The one you showed, Navalny, one you showed So when it’s time, and evil is opposed The Russia you believed in Will stand and walk to freedom Your heart to carry home Maybe you’ll tell me, that Alexei Navalny Was a nationalist or martyr Maybe you’ll tell me, that Alexei Navalny Was a husband or a father His journey isn’t over Now it’s true he’ll never see his children growing old Still he had a vision that would open up their world Without dictators Cos I can see those blue eyes smiling Through the poison, lies, and fighting The horizon’s hard to brighten, but another Russia’s there Where we don’t see the righteous dying Where we don’t hear the mothers crying Where the people aren’t so frightened It’s beautiful and fair CHORUS Sit for the road, Navalny, for the road Sit for the road, Navalny, for the road Yes for a while, your smiling eyes are closed While Russian brothers die in vain, in wars they never chose But there’s a road, Navalny, there’s a road The one you showed, Navalny, one you showed So when it’s time, and evil is opposed The Russia you believed in Will stand and walk to freedom Your heart to carry home ___________________________ SPECIAL THANKS to our Patreons and our SUPER-SUPPORTIVE HOWLERS: Alyssa Sangeeta Jacobson Memorial Foundation Andy Riches Carol Leff Cliff Hope Dave Lee David Patrao David Ryan Derrick Brown Douglas Lind Geeta & Karen Jim the Magician Grandad Lew Mike Smith Ronald Slye Simon Haslam Todd Patricia Saucier
