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

If his face shows a queer scowl

And he seems neither fish nor fowl

If you can't decide for sure

Whether friendship is fake or pure

Try ascending the steepest slope

Tied to opposite ends of the rope

Finding toeholds in ice and snow

His true colors will show

If the mountains give him the chills

And he looks like your stomach feels

After slipping on ice, he cries

Panic shines in his wide-open eyes

Next to you just a stranger stands

Do not put your life in his hands

It's no use to berate or curse

Might as well let him loose

If he didn't complain or whine

Clenching teeth through entire climb

When you suddenly slipped and fell

His hands fought with the rope but held

If he acted as if at war

At the summit he swayed with awe

Doesn't matter what he might seem

You can place all your trust in him

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky