Песня о звездах [Pesnya o zvezdakh] [English translation]

I shall never forget that battle -

The air is impregnated with death,

And over the horizon in the noiseless rain

Fell stars.

Another fell - and I lookded ahead:

To move alive out of the battle, -

Thus my life is tied in a hurry

To the silly stars.

I already decided: The misfortune has passed

And I managed to wriggle out, -

Out of the sky fell down a stray star -

Directly in the heart.

We were told: "The height is needed!"

And "Don't spare cartridges!" ...

There started rolling a second star -

To them upon the shoulder straps.

The stars are in the sky - like fish in a pond

Enough for all with gain.

If I were not dead, I should walk at that time

Also - a Hero.

I would give the Star to the son,

Simply - as a memory ...

On the sky hangs a lost star

Nowhere to fall.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky