Korobeiniki

Korobeiniki is a traditional Russian folk song that dates from the 19th century. The title translates roughly as “Peddlers” or “The Peddlers,” referring to traveling salesmen known as korobeinik. The lyrics describe a peddler who encounters and tries to win the affections of a merchant’s daughter, a narrative that has produced many regional variants and endings over time. Because it emerged from oral tradition, there are multiple lyric versions across different communities.

Musically, Korobeiniki is recognized for its brisk, catchy melody that has been performed in numerous arrangements, from simple vocal renditions to choral and instrumental versions. It is often performed in a folk style but has also been adopted into more elaborate classical and popular adaptations. The song’s rhythm and melodic contour have helped it endure in the Russian folk repertoire and in world music contexts.

Internationally, Korobeiniki achieved wide fame as the theme music for the video game Tetris, first released in the 1980s. The tune’s association with Tetris contributed to its global recognition as an emblem of Russian popular culture, even as the melody itself remains rooted in folk origins. Over the years, Korobeiniki has appeared in various recordings, educational contexts, and media, illustrating how a traditional folk song can reach contemporary audiences while retaining its traditional character.