Черные бушлаты [Chernye bushlaty] [English translation]

Falls and sunsets were left behind our back,

If only a paltry, if only a take -off, with no prying eyes!

I want to believe, that our jackets in black

Will give us a chance today to see the sunrise.

Today they told us before the people: Die like a heroes!

We'll try- alright! We'll see who of us survives.

My only thought was, puffing someone's smokes:

Everyone will do his best,- for me important to see the sunrise.

Special company- special honour, the sapper has got.

Behind the branches, on my back with a knife, do not jump,

Don't try in vain,- even with my throat cut

Today I'll see the sunrise,before the final outcome.

We walked behind the lines, holding on, not to kill the sleeping foe.

When we cut the wire, suddenly I saw, before my eyes,-

Sunflower, sensitive, green, a little raw

Already turned its head towards the sunrise.

Behind our back at six thirty there were left-I know,-

Not only falls,sunsets, but take-off and sunrise.

Two bare wires I'm stripping with my teeth, it'll blow,-

I didn't see the sunrise, but understood: it's just about to rise.

Moving back our company, the loss so great.

What happened-no matter, what matters is, the fort blown up to the skies.

I want to believe, that our rough supper's trade

Gives you a chance, tax free, to see the sunrise.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky