Охота на волков [Okhota na volkov] [English translation]

I'm sprinting, my ligaments strain

As in all other wolf hunts I faced

I am trapped and encircled like game

Towards numbered flags I am chased

They are firing from behind the pines

Where hunters hide out in the shade

In white snow leaving blood-soaked lines

Living targets we all have been made

Another wolf-hunt is in play, another easy snare

For all grey predators, both young and old

The dogs are barking and the hunters swear

Blood in the snow, red flags and bitter cold

The game is rigged, its outcome is fixed

My pack's freedom is hampered by flags

Hunters' hands must be firm not to miss

Shooting us at close range with lead slugs

A wolf always respects his tradition

Even puppies with fur soft as silk

Crossing red flags is a prohibition

Suckled in with the wolf-mother's milk

Another wolf-hunt is in play, another easy snare

For all grey predators, both young and old

The dogs are barking and the hunters swear

Blood in the snow, red flags and bitter cold

We have strong jaws and very keen eyes

Pack leader, please enlighten your crew

Why we cower and yearn for demise

Not attempting to break this taboo

A wolf can not his innate instincts stifle

I feel my time is running out quick

My would-be killer lifts his hunting rifle

I almost hear its trigger go "click"

Another wolf-hunt is in play, another easy snare

For all grey predators, both young and old

The dogs are barking and the hunters swear

Blood in the snow, red flags and bitter cold

Yet I rebel and go against the rules

My instincts outweighed by will to live

I run towards the red flags placed by fools

And I break through their fluttering sieve

I'm sprinting, my ligaments strain

As in all other wolf hunts I faced

I am trapped and encircled like game

This time hunters are left in disgrace

Another wolf-hunt is in play, another easy snare

For all grey predators, both young and old

The dogs are barking and the hunters swear

Blood in the snow, red flags and bitter cold

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky