Píseň neznámého vojína [English translation]

Information from the press:

"Both delegations afterwards placed wreaths

on the tomb of the Unknown soldier."

And what did the Unknown soldier think?

The claque leading, and after them the virtuous families

and an armful of chrysanthemums, black blazers

and the hero's wife under her lover's arm.

Bouquets in hands and mourning armbands,

Gawk here before the gate

The smell of the dance hall has stuck to them

with put on pain

Why are you gaping there?

Kiss my arse!

What then, do you think,

that I'm waiting for this?

Why are you gawking there?

Piss off home!

You build monuments,

please tell me, for who?

Once in a while, the gentlemen show mercy and come to kneel

It's embarrassing, when with masterful poses

they try to weep.

Then they rise and the music plays

a miserable song, and once more

they pathetically gulp above the grave with the lantern.

Why are you gaping there?

Are you trying to sigh?

What then, do you think,

that I wanted to die?

We're sick of the brass1,

why do they keep crawling here?

Screw your flags!

I wanted a priest!

I feel the best,

when cats on my grave,

caterwaul in the night

which with those,

who shoot at each other,

have nothing in common.

Miaowing softly and never begging

It doesn't serve heroes, no wreaths

it brings to the tomb of the Unknown soldier

How much are they paying you for this idea?

Go and rather sleep with your hookers!

What are you telling me?

That I'd go again?

Gladly?

Are you waiting for an answer? Fuck off!

Yeah, fuck off!

1. High-ranking officers

• Artist:Karel Kryl
• Album:Bratříčku, zavírej vrátka