The phrase "Some in the refrigerator, some in the boiler" is familiar to many from childhood - it was sung in pioneer camps, at matinees and even in the armies of the USSR. But few people think about why exactly these two household appliances— refrigerator and boiler —became symbols of song folklore. At first glance, the text seems to be a meaningless set of words, but in fact it reflects the realities of Soviet life, the shortage of technology and even social stereotypes.
Today we will look at the story this song, its variations, hidden meaning and - what is especially important for readers of our site - how the mention of a refrigerator in culture is connected with its role in everyday life. Spoiler: this is not just a rhyme, but a reference to how Soviet people treated food safety and comfort.
By the way, if you think that a song about a refrigerator is childish nonsense, then you are mistaken. It encrypts not only everyday habits, but also social tags: who deserves cooling (that is, preservation), and who deserves only boiled water. But first things first.
The origin of the song: where did the refrigerator and the boiler come from?
The exact authorship of the song “Some in the refrigerator, some in the boiler” is impossible to establish - it refers to Soviet folklorewhich was transmitted orally. The first mentions date back to 1960–1970 yearswhen the song became popular in pioneer camps and among Komsomol members. The text varied depending on the region, but the essence remained the same: a listing of people (or abstract “someone”) with their distribution among household appliances.
Why exactly refrigerator i boiler? Here are several versions:
- 🔹 Shortage of equipment: in the USSR, a refrigerator was a luxury item (especially in the 1950s–1960s), and a boiler was a necessary utensil for making tea in dormitories and camps.
- 🔹 Symbolism: the refrigerator was associated with save (food, health), and the boiler - with quick solution (boil water for tea).
- 🔹 Rhyme and rhythm: the phrase easily fits the music, it is convenient to sing in chorus.
Interestingly, in some versions of the song, instead of a boiler, they appear "some in the freezer, some in the alarm clock" or even "who in the washing machine". This suggests that initially the text was improvisation on the theme of household appliances, and not a strict canon.
Text of the song: full version and variations
The classic version of the song sounds like this:
Some in the refrigerator, some in the boiler,
Some in the refrigerator, some in the boiler,
And I'm in the bathroom - wash!
But there are other versions, for example:
- 🎵 "Some in the refrigerator, some in the alarm clock, / Some in the refrigerator, some in the alarm clock, / And I go to the toilet - pee!" (army version).
- 🎵 "Some in the freezer, some in heater, / Some in the freezer, some in the heater, / And I’m off to the kitchen to drink tea!”
Some sources even found “some use a vacuum cleaner, some use an iron”, but these options are less common. The main thing is that in all cases we are talking about household applianceswhich was relevant for Soviet life.
Why are there no modern appliances in the song?
In the 1960s–1980s, refrigerators (ZIL, Minsk, Biryusa), boilers and alarm clocks were mass-produced in the USSR. Microwaves, multicookers and other modern appliances appeared later, so they are not in folklore.
Hidden meaning: who is “worthy” of a refrigerator?
At first glance, the song seems meaningless. But if you dig deeper, you can see social gradation:
- 🧊 Refrigerator a symbol of prestige. In the USSR, they received it using coupons or after a long wait in line. “Getting into the refrigerator” meant being saved, respected.
- ☕ Koilenik - a device for quickly solving a problem (boil water for tea). This is like a “second class” - not so prestigious, but necessary.
- 🚿 Bathroom/toilet - in some versions the song ends with a phrase about washing or toilet, which can mean “I don’t need this, I myself on their own".
Thus, the song reflects the hierarchy of values:
- Those who are “in the refrigerator” are the elite (or those who need to be “preserved”).
- Those who are “in the boiler” are ordinary people for whom the minimum is enough comfort.
- Those who “go to the bathroom/toilet” are individualists who do not fit into the system.
The refrigerator in the culture of the USSR: why did it become a symbol?
In Soviet times, a refrigerator was not just a household appliance, but status sign. Its acquisition was often accompanied by celebration: the family could save money for years or wait their turn at the factory. Popular models:
- ❄️ ZIL-Moscow —the first serial Soviet refrigerator (1939).
- ❄️ "Minsk-16" —the legendary model of the 1970s, which can be found in museums.
- ❄️ "Biryusa" is the most popular brand produced in Krasnoyarsk.
Interesting fact: in the 1960s, a refrigerator could become bride's dowry or a wedding gift. Its presence spoke of the well-being of the family. It is not surprising that in the song it is mentioned as something valuable, in contrast to the boiler, which everyone had.
| Device | Symbolism in the song | Real role in the USSR |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Prestige, preservation | Scarce product, sign of prosperity |
| Boiler | Minimum comfort | Mass appliance, was in every home |
| Alarm clock | Punctuality, routine | A mandatory attribute of a working person |
| Vacuum cleaner | Cleanliness, order | Rarity, often replaced with a broom |
How is the song related to the operation of refrigerators?
At first glance, the connection between the children's song and correct operation of the refrigerator seems far-fetched. But if you think about it, the text reflects two key aspects:
- Food preservation: the refrigerator in the song is a place where something is maintained. In reality, improper storage leads to food spoilage, so it is important to monitor
temperature conditionsanddefrosting. - Social responsibility: in the USSR, the refrigerator was often shared (for example, in communal apartments). The song seems to remind: "not everyone deserves space in the refrigerator", that is, you need to take care of resources.
By the way, if you have ever heard a version of the song about "who is in the freezer", this is also not by chance. The freezer compartment in Soviet refrigerators (for example, in "Minsk-16") was small and required special care:
Place hot pots on the top shelf
Do not close the door completely (the rubber wears out)
Defrost less than once every 2 months
Use sharp objects to remove ice-->
In this sense, the song becomes not just child's play, but a reminder to be careful with technology.
Modern analogues: are there songs about refrigerators today?
In the 21st century, household appliances have ceased to be in short supply, and songs about refrigerators are a thing of the past. However, the topic household appliances is still present in culture, but in a different way:
- 📱 Memes about “smart” refrigerators (for example, Samsung Family Hub with a screen).
- 🎤 Rap battles, where brands are mentioned («LG», «Bosch») as status symbols.
- 🎬 Advertising: remember the slogan "Indesit - trust nature!" or clips with refrigerators "Atlant".
But not a single modern song repeats the formula "who goes where" - probably because today technology does not divide people into “worthy” and "unworthy" Although who knows, maybe in 50 years there will be songs about "some in a robot vacuum cleaner, some in an air purifier"?
FAQ: answers to popular questions about the song
Why is there no mention of a washing machine in the song cars?
In the 1960s and 1970s, washing machines (for example, "Vyatka" or "Riga") were even more rare than refrigerators. Their mass production began later, so they were not reflected in folklore. In addition, the washing machine did not fit into the rhythm of the song.
Is there an official recording of this song?
No, this is oral folklore. However, on the Internet you can find amateur recordings from pioneer camps of the 1980s. Sometimes the song is performed at retro parties in the style of the USSR.
Are there similar songs in other countries?
Yes! For example, in Poland there was a song «Kto do lodówki, kto do kuchenki» ("Some in the refrigerator, some in the stove"), and in the Czech Republic there was something similar about «kdo do mrazáku» ("some in the freezer"). This suggests that the topic of household appliances was relevant for the entire socialist camp.
Can this song be considered satire?
To some extent, yes. She ironically plays on scarcity i social inequality in the USSR. Those who “get into the refrigerator” seem to receive a privilege, while the rest are content with the boiler. This is reminiscent of the satirical ditties of that time.
Why is the song still popular?
Firstly, nostalgia: for many, this is a memory of childhood. Secondly, simplicity and memorability: it is easy to sing in a company. Thirdly, versatility: the text can be adapted to any technique or situation.
⚠️ Attention: If you have a Soviet refrigerator (for example, "Minsk" or "Biryusa"), do not use modern detergents for defrosting. Aggressive chemicals can damage enamel and rubber seals. It is better to use warm water and a soft sponge.