Я не люблю [Ya ne lyublyu] [English translation]

I do not like to face a fatal blow,

Since I will never tire from my life!

I don’t like any season when I bow,

To a disease, or loose my vital drive.1

I do not like cold cynicism, although,

I neither trust in exaltation, thrill.

I am appalled when someone falls so low

And reads my private mail while standing still.

I do not like when something’s half-way, slack,

Or when a conversation is cut short.

I don’t like when one stabs me in the back,

And neither do I like a point-blank shot.

I hate all gossips, edited or strained,

The opium of praise, tormenting doubts,

Or when you’re always brushed against the grain,

Or squeaking, nails on a chalkboard like sound.

I do not like the righteous self-regard,

I would prefer if one just blows his stack.

The words like “honour” are in disregard,

Alas, folks honour talks behind one’s back.

And when I get to witness broken wings,

I feel no sympathy for the demise –

I don’t admire bullies, neither wimps,

I do feel sorrow only for our Christ.

I do not like myself when I am scared

To raise my voice when innocents are hurt.

And I don’t like if I am unprepared

When someone wants to smear my soul with dirt.

I do not like arenas and big fields,

Where millions are just tallied with a dime.

All those great changes that the future yields

Will never ever make me change my mind!

1. Used a variant of the original: В которое болею или пью - When I fall sick or binge drink.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky