Its original lyrics were written by Sergey Mikhalkov (1913–2009) in collaboration with El-Registan (1899–1945), and its music was composed by Alexander Alexandrov (1883–1946).

The anthem's music was originally composed by Alexander Alexandrov in 1938 for the Hymn of the Bolshevik Party.

Its opening bars were borrowed from one of Alexandrov's previous pieces, "Life Has Become Better",[c][1] which was based on a quote by former Soviet Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin at the First All-Union Meeting of the Stakhanovites on 17 November 1935.

[4] When the Communist International (Comintern) was dissolved in 1943 for the Soviet Union to maintain its alliance with the other Allies of World War II, a new composition was needed to replace "The Internationale" as the national anthem.

Stalin thought the song should be short, and that it should invoke the Red Army's impending victory over the forces of Germany on the Eastern Front.

The poets Sergey Mikhalkov and Gabriyel' Arkadyevich Ureklyan were chosen by Stalin's staffers, called to Moscow, and given the task of writing lyrics that referenced not only the Great Patriotic War, but also "a Country of Soviets".

It was played for the first time on Soviet radio at midnight on 1 January 1944, and officially adopted on 15 March the same year.

Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union's war against Germany were originally invoked in the second and third verses, respectively.

[citation needed] A notable exception took place at the 1976 Canada Cup ice hockey tournament, where singer Roger Doucet insisted on performing the anthem with lyrics after consultations with Russian studies scholars from Université de Montréal and Soviet team officials.

[9][10] In 1977, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the October Revolution, revised lyrics, written in 1970 by original author Sergey Mikhalkov,[11][12][13] were adopted.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Russian Federation adopted a new anthem, the Patriotic Song.

Unlike most national anthems, it had no official lyrics (although unofficial ones written for it were proposed, they were not adopted).

The federal legislature established and approved the music of the National Anthem of the Soviet Union, with newly written lyrics, in December 2000.

[citation needed] Boris Yeltsin criticized Putin for supporting the semi-reintroduction of the Soviet-era national anthem, although some opinion polls showed that many Russians favored this decision.

In some post-Soviet states which adopted decommunization laws banning Communist symbolism, publicly performing the Soviet anthem is illegal.

[18] After Russia annexed Crimea, Ukrainian artist Orest Lyutyy [uk] responded with the song Die, Empire!

Припев II: Славься, Отечество наше свободное, Счастья народов надёжный оплот!

Припев III: Славься, Отечество наше свободное, Славы народов надёжный оплот!

Pripév II: Slávsya, Otéchestvo náshe svobódnoye, Schástia naródov nadyózhnyy oplót!

Pripév III: Slávsya, Otéchestvo náshe svobódnoye, Slávy naródov nadyózhnyy oplót!

Vpobéde bessmértnykh idéy kommunízma My vídim gryadúshcheye náshey straný, I Krásnomu známeni slávnoy Otchízny My búdem vsegdá bezzavétno verný!

Unbreakable Union of freeborn Republics Great Russia has welded forever to stand!

Through tempests, the sunrays of freedom have cheered us, Along the new path where great Lenin did lead, Be true to the people, thus Stalin has reared us, Inspired us to labor and Valorous Deed!

Chorus: Long live our Soviet motherland, Built by the people's mighty hand.

Strong in our Friendship tried by fire, long may our crimson flag inspire, Shining in glory for all men to see!

Through days dark and stormy where Great Lenin led us, Our eyes saw the bright sun of freedom above, And Stalin, our leader, with faith in the people, Inspired us to build up the land that we love!

Chorus: Great shall your glory be, motherland proud and free, Bulwark of friendship for nation and man!

The sunlight of freedom has shone through the tempest, And Lenin has lighted our path with his flame, While Stalin has shown us that faith in the people Inspires us to action, deeds, and fame.

Our army in action has grown in its power, And soon it will wipe out the enemy horde; The fate of the future is sealed by our bravery, For honor and glory shall be our reward!