National anthems by and large are pretty dire things. But there is, or was, one exception. The anthem of the Soviet Union. It's one of those tunes together with lyrics that really move me. And none of this Kruschev revisionist stuff. Stalin is still in the lyrics as was originally intended. Best of all the lyrics here are sung in English by what I consider to be the best singer ever, Paul Robeson.
One listen of this and I start to hanker after what was the certainty of earlier in my life. There was 'us' and 'them', 'good' and 'bad'. Working for the Ministry of Defence in the 80's before the USSR collapsed I was obviously expected to have left leanings and I suppose that this is what has me yearning for those times.
Plans to Prosper.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
