La légende de Stenka Razine [English translation]

Slowly all along the islands

Blows the wind and roll the waves

Sliding go the agile barges

Of bold Razin and his crew

On the deck stands Stenka Razin

Hearts are beating, voices loud

Holds his sweetheart soft and noble

Tight enfolded in his arms

La la la la…

Never women in our circle

Fists are clenched and cries are raised

This white dove has tamed the eagle

Sailor into suitor turned

Razin turns to face them calmly

Grind your teeth, and voices raise

Not one thing can change my spirit

Neither love, nor mutiny

La la la la…

Then he lifts his mighty hands up

Joy sheds tears, and hope expires

As his frail and tender darling

Razin hurls into the waves

Then he says to that great river:

Volga of death, Volga of life

Volga, take my love now grieving

Down forever to the deep

My friends, sing, to hell with sadness

Drink the wine down to the lees

Till you roll under the table

Till at last oblivion comes

After all

Life is just a lure

A crossing, marvellous but short

Love, which we so often mourn

Is a mirage, and that is all

We must live from hour to hour

Make the best of this brief voyage

Which can never last

Once our glass is drained

Oblivion drowns the passing time

In wine and trusty friendship

Lies the remedy for anguish

If today despair is weeping

Tomorrow all may turn around

And all things will change

Slowly all along the islands

Blows the wind and roll the waves

Sliding go the agile barges

Of bold Razin and his crew

La la la la…

Of bold Razin and his crew

• Artist:Charles Aznavour