Вершина [Vershina] [English translation]

This isn’t the valley, the climate is rough

The avalanches are making it tough

The stone falls go down in chain with fierce uproar

And some play it safer and just go around

But we are choosing the toughest playground -

High-risk unsecured extreme path to explore

If you haven't to been here to risk it all

To test yourself with the stern protocol

Although you may have caught a star or two down there below

On the Main street, among the rich and elite

Your long happy life will fail to beat

A tenth of a fraction of this wondrous beauty and glow

There won’t be red roses and funeral sprays

And it’s not a monument of your glamour days

That rock that had put your dauntless soul at piece

So bright that it’s blinding, forever in glow

The top of the mountain in emerald snow

Is shining beyond the reach upon your decease

And let them talk, discuss our flaws

But – no, no one ever dies for no cause

So rather than die from the vodka or the flu -

Others will give up the comfort of home

For the backbreaking work and this ticking time bomb

To follow this route that was almost within your realm

The sheer cliffs – watch out my dear!

You don’t want to push your luck out here

No stone no ice no rock will ever support

The each other's arms and the hammered hook

Rely on your friend and the bright outlook

And pray that the cable anchor slings will hold

We are cutting the steps – there's no turning back!

Shaken and strained are the knees and the back

The heart is ready to jump and run to the top of the hill

The world at your feet. You’re speechless and still

Happy, yet jealous of those who will

Still have it ahead of them to dare this mind-blowing track

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky