SHAMAN’s Lyrics on the Nevsky Monument Spark Discussion in Lipetsk
The Russian artist SHAMAN, whose real name is Yaroslav Dronov, explained to socialbites.ca that lines from the song Let’s Rise were placed on the pedestal of the Alexander Nevsky statue in Lipetsk. The monument, nearly ten meters tall, was unveiled on September 12, and the lyric fragment that continues a well-known line attributed to the historical commander was highlighted on the base.
According to the narrative of Alexander Nevsky’s life, the prince rallied his detachment and said, God is not in power, but in reality. SHAMAN’s song Let’s Rise is presented as a continuation: And the truth is behind us, the artist stated. The connection between the lyric and Nevsky’s historic words has been the subject of wide public discussion.
Telegram channel Attention, News reported that at the ceremonial unveiling of the Nevsky monument on September 12 a sign was installed featuring a quote from SHAMAN’s Let’s Rise: Let’s Rise, heroes of Russia will remain in our hearts until the end. In addition to that line, the base also bears the phrase God is not in power, but in truth, which is often linked to the legendary commander’s life story. These words are associated with the first version of Nevsky’s Life Story and are said to have been spoken to his princely squad before they left Novgorod to face the Swedes.
Earlier, on September 9, SHAMAN performed at concerts in St. Petersburg, wearing a silver jacket and arriving in a helicopter, as reports noted.
Observers note that the act of integrating contemporary lyrics with a historic monument has amplified discussions about the relationship between modern music and national memory. Proponents argue that the choice highlights a sense of resilience and shared identity, while critics caution about the use of historical symbols in contemporary pop culture. The Lipetsk installation underscores a broader trend of artists inserting current artistic voices into public spaces, inviting audiences to reflect on how history and art intersect in public memory. The event also sparked conversations about the responsibilities of artists when their work enters the public square and how audiences interpret quotations that bridge different eras and genres.
As the story of Alexander Nevsky continues to be retold in various media, the latest display invites a renewed examination of the parallels drawn between Nevsky’s era and today. The monument not only commemorates a historical figure but also becomes a canvas for ongoing dialogue about patriotism, truth, and the power of art to shape collective memory. The interaction of a modern song with a centuries-old legend illustrates how cultural symbols endure and evolve, inviting people to consider what it means to carry a shared heritage into the present tense.