Кони привередливые [Koni priveredlivye] [English translation]

Along the cliff, on the brink of the abyss, I brace

And whip my horses into the frenzied race.

Gasping for air, I swallow fog, drink of the wind I chase,

Sensing with the ill-fated thrill - I’m vanishing into the precipice!

Oh, I plead, slow down for a bit, my horses!

Do not heed this tight-fisted lash!

But, the horses I got caught with are capricious.

To live it up well and through, I didn't have a chance,

And time ran out to finish my verse.

I will water my horses,

I’ll finish the last of my verses,

Just for a while longer,

I will stand at the precipice!

I’ll disappear from the palm, like poplar fluff, by tempest swept.

And come morning, horses galloping, I’ll be dragged in that sled.

Oh, my horses, you canter - slow down your pace!

Just for a while longer, lengthen the path to the last resting place!

Oh, I plead, just slow down for a bit, my horses!

They aren’t your rulers, these whip and lash!

But, the horses I got caught with are capricious —

To live it up well and through, I didn't have a chance,

And time ran out to finish my verse.

I will water my horses,

I’ll finish the last of my verses —

Just for a while longer,

I will stand at the precipice!

We’re on time - there is no being late to visit god;

So, why do angels there sing in such angered voices?

Or is it the little bell that was by weeping shocked?

Or is it my screaming so the sled wouldn’t this quickly pass?

Oh, I plead, just slow down a bit, my horses!

I beg you not into the gallop fly!

But, the horses I got caught with are capricious —

Since I didn’t get a chance to live it up,

let me at least finish my verse.

I will water my horses,

I’ll finish the last of my verses —

Just for a while longer,

I will stand at the precipice!

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky