Если б я был султан [Esli b ya byl sultan] [English translation]

If I were a sultan, I'd have three wives

Therefore I would be wrapped in triple elegance.

On the other hand, when things go down this path

there can be so much trouble, oh, save me, Allah!

Having three wives isn't that bad,

But it's so much worse on the other hand!

Zulfiya is ironing my robe at the iron table

Guly is sewing and Fatima's mending up the socks

A three-wives bond is wonderful, whatever people say,

But on the other hand - I'd get thrice many inlaws!

Having three wives isn't that bad,

But it's so much worse on the other hand!

Each of the wives would allow me a drink

That adds up to three, a wonderful thing!

But if I come home hammered

It's three wives who are making a scene!

Having three wives isn't that bad,

But it's so much worse on the other hand!

How should a sultan live, we need it clear:

How many wives to keep in a harem, one or three?

This is a simple answer to this inquiry:

If I were a sultan - I would be single!

Staying unmarried looks not that bad,

Much better on every hand!

• Artist:Yuri Nikulin
• Album:Кавказская пленница OST (1967)