Why are Russian songs sad?

Russian songs are often perceived as sad due to historical and cultural influences. Lex Fridman discussed the impact of the Soviet era, World War II, and the severe hardships faced by the people, such as starvation and immense loss. These events have deeply affected the cultural psyche, leaving a legacy of sadness in arts like music. Fridman also suggests that there's a cultural practice of finding beauty in suffering, which can lead to songs that meditate on darker themes. This approach helps people deal with life's challenges and resist becoming cynical in the face of persistent hardships and disappointment 1.