Я был слесарь шестого разряда [Ya byl slesarʹ shestogo razryada] [English translation]

I was the highest grade fitter,

I used to throw my pay to the wind,-

I was getting paid as much as I needed-

And plus a bonus every quarter pulled in.

If you drink,- you know yourself-

A person must have something of his own,-

Well, and beside my bride in Ryazan,

I have two sluts in Moscow - I know.

To Ryazan -parcels and letters I've sent

And to the sluts- myself and wine,-

Every evening- the same punishment,

And all night- the same torture of mine.

I can see, that my health disappear,

At work- all my products is defect, it's a mess,-

All my strength not enough, not even near-

And plus bonuses every quarter, I guess.

On my mug wrinkles and bruises appeared,-

And then I've told them without a sound:

Get lost, both of you- my health is more dear,-

Go and find some other marks around!...

If you only new, how much better I felt,

How wonderful- I wish that anyone could see:

I drink away all the wages myself-

And plus quarterly bonus I've received!

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky