Мурка [Murka] [English translation]

Once a gang from Rostov rolled into Odessa,

Crooks and sharpers made up motley crew.

Gangsters were involved in shady business dealings,

And CheKa1 was watching them askew.

In the nighttime darkness just the wind is howling,

As goon council gathered in flea mart -

Hooligans and mobsters, vicious outlaw men

Called an urgent meeting to take part.

Femme addressed the crowd, Murka was her nickname,

She was bold and cunning to the bone.

Even vicious mobsters were afraid of Murka,

For she led a life of thieving crone.

Murka, you are my pussycat,2

Murka, you are my kitten brat,

Murka, Marusya Klimova,

Forgive your lover cub!

Then the setbacks started, cop raids and the round-ups,

Many of my brothers bit the dust.

How can we learn sooner who has turned a squealer,

To avenge betrayal of mob trust.

Once, on gang assignment, I got rather thirsty,

And we stopped at swanky restaurant's bar.

Murka sat in there in the leather jacket,3

Her revolver4 was seen from afar.

Murka, what's the matter, what have you been lacking?

Did I not dress you up like a doll?

Golden rings and bracelets, pricey skirts and jackets

Did I not procure for you at all?

Greetings, dear Murka, oh, my Murka darling,

Greetings, dear Murka, and goodbye!

You've destroyed my business, you've betrayed my brothers,

And for that now you are gonna die!

Murka, you are my pussycat,

Murka, you are my kitten brat,

Murka, Marusya Klimova,

Forgive your lover cub!

1. CheKa: Soviet Secret Police in 1917-19222. a word play: a purring kitty or a member of MUR (Criminal Investigation Dept. of Moscow city police)3. Typical attire of a CheKa member4. Typical hand weapon of a CheKa member

• Artist:Arkadiy Severnyi