Старый пиджак [Staryy pidzhak] [English translation]

                                       To: Joanne Bolotova

E7 Am E7 Am

I’ve worn my jacket far too long,

G C E7 Am

It’s getting shabbier and frailer.

F A7 Dm

And so I take it to a tailor

Am/E E7 Am

To see if something can be done.

I tell him, “Now it’s up to you

To remedy the situation.

The magic art of alteration

Should make my life as good as new.”

It was a joke – but he takes on

The task with single-minded passion,

Bringing my jacket up to fashion

As best he can. The funny man.

He pins and tucks without a word,

With such meticulous precision,

As if upon a sacred mission

To have my happiness restored

He thinks I’ll try the jacket on,

And then – the clouds will part above me,

And I’ll believe that you still love me…

Well, think again. The funny man.

                                       1960

• Artist:Bulat Okudzhava