Старый флейтист [Staryy fleytist] [English translation]

It rains again, and summer’s melting

As if it never were, it seems

In empty park a flutist’s playing

And no one's listening to him

He's all alone, like in a meadow,

With flowers wet from morning dew

He played so longingly and sadly

For how long, nobody knew

In a worn-out coat, an old flutist plays

Gentle flute he’s holding in his hands

Day’s already gone, shortly life will go

Like all leaves in autumn have to fall

The heaven’s getting close and near

The flute is quiet, almost mute

“Good bye, forget,” you barely hear

“I will forgive,” whispers the flute

One must be lonelier than ever

One must drink sorrow to the end

To come to gates that shut forever

And outstretch a hopeful hand

In a worn-out coat, an old flutist plays

Gentle flute he’s holding in his hands

Day’s already gone, and so life will go

Like all leaves in autumn have to fall

• Artist:Bulat Okudzhava