Пиратская лирическая [Pirat·skaya liricheskaya] [English translation]

At night, before the storm,

St. Elm's lights blaze atop the mast,

warming our souls for all

these years spent at sea.

The day we'll return to Portland,

we will be meek as lambs.

Except we won't be returning

to Portland any time soon!

Well, if Portland is not an option,

let the black sail carry us forth.

We'll be fine as long as we have

plenty of sweet Jamaican rum.

The day we'll return to Portland,

by God, I'll confess all my crimes

Trouble is, we won't be returning

to Portland any time soon!

Well, if Portland is not an option,

the merchant shall tremble with fear.

Neither god nor devil will manage

to save his vessels.

The day we'll return to Portland,

I swear, I'll step willingly to the gallows.

Except we won't be returning

to Portland any time soon!

Well, if Portland is not an option,

we'll share the gold like brothers.

After all, acquiring foreign currency

is a lot of hard work1

The day we'll return to Portland,

our Motherland will embrace us.

Except we won't be returning

to Portland any time soon!

1. might be an allusion to the USSR and the ruble standing outside international currency system

• Artist:Bulat Okudzhava