Песня о друге [Pesnya o druge] [English translation]

If you've made a new friend, and can’t

Tell if he’s bad or good, for sure

Whether he is your friend or foe,

There is one way to know.

Climb a mountain, the two of you.

Don’t you leave him alone, below.

Roped together, the two of you

Will find out who is who.

If, while climbing, he's not so hot.

If he instantly fails, and bails.

Takes a step on the ice, and whines.

Trips, and lets out a cry.

Then, a stranger is by your side.

Don’t waste time to scold him, shoo him.

Folks like him don’t get brought along,

And they’re not worth a song.

But if he neither whined nor cried,

And though angry and spent, still went.

On the cliffs, when you tripped and slipped,

Gritting his teeth, he gripped.

Like a soldier, he fought and strove,

On the summit, stood drunk with awe,

Then, rely on your newfound friend,

As you would on yourself.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky