Salome [English translation]

Gentle and treacherous, cruel and helpless,

Like a flame and red like the dawn, devil and lamb,

sugar and salt.

To the scent of cloves, to the rhythm of shoes,

the Emperor was thinking today, and promised:

half of the kingdom for a dance1.

Salome, the night is at its end.

Salome, you look like a plant vine,

similar to a guitar for your ruler:

Salome, is dancing,

Salome, the Baptist has already been beheaded.

Salome, smile with cheerfulness.

You are whirling in a vortex, mouth like a vampire,

glowing with blood, Salome, la la la.

The night is already shorter, the Emperor is smiling,

I can live peacefully, everything can be used,

for a good state.

Maybe, he thought of an ancient saying:

"When history is formed, it doesn't weep

for heads in bowls.2"

Salome, don't dance, if you don't want to.

Salome, the guests have already left.

Only a swarm of mosquitoes drink up the drops

of wine from the cups.2

Salome, you have turned a little pale.

Salome, you have been sitting in the corner.

Your eyelids are gray, nobody is watching:

Salome, are you crying? La la la.

1. The lines are switched here so that the grammar is correct.2. a. b. Order switched again.

• Artist:Karel Kryl
• Album:To nejlepší