Кони привередливые [Koni priveredlivye] [English translation]

Along the cliffs of the abyss, at the very edge and border

I am lashing at my horses - driving harder, pushing forward -

I feel a shortness in my breath - the wind I gulp, the fog I'm gasping.

And in delightful awe of death: I am collapsing! I'm collapsing!

Slow your galloping, my horses, slow your galloping at all?!

You seem indifferent and indignant to my lash!

Oh these horses I'm accorded: so wild and temperamental, -

With no time to live so fast, nor song nor voice to last.

To water, my horses I lead,

Singing my verses complete -

Just a little bit longer

I'll persevere at the frontier!

Like a spec, I'll be extinguished when a cyclone wipes the slate bare,

And my sled, hurtling forward, will face the morning's snowy weather.

But to a trot, won't you transition? Oh my horses, helter-skelter!

Just a little prolongation, 'til we reach our final shelter!

Slow your galloping, my horses, slow your galloping at all?!

No direction, will you take, from whip or lash?

Oh these horses I'm accorded: so wild and temperamental, -

With no time to live so fast, nor song nor voice to last.

To water, my horses I lead,

Singing my verses complete -

Just a little bit longer

I'll persevere at the frontier!

Did we make it here on time? As guests of God we have no choices;

Then why do all the Angels sing with such anger in their voices?

Or could it be the harness bells worn away by all the crying?

Or is it me, the one who yells at all my horses to stop flying?

Slow your galloping, my horses, slow your galloping at all?!

I am begging you to trot, oh not so fast!

Oh these horses I'm accorded: so wild and temperamental, -

I lacked the time to live so fast, so please allow my voice to last!

To water, my horses I lead,

Singing my verses complete -

Just a little bit longer

I'll persevere at the frontier!

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky