Свобода [Svoboda] [English translation]

It’s only when you swim against the tide,

you understand the price of freedom of speech.

The chain links merge into long pieces,

and the lifeline becomes just a point.

Words and days, stitch after stitch,

sew your files with soul and sparks.

Here, behind the bars, the colonel’s the boss,

and all my freedom - a radio receiver.

I am free like a bird in the sky.

I am free, I forgot what fear is.

To be different means to be always alone.

Choose what you prefer, homelessness or prison.

Nobody gets their freedom just like that,

you can't simply leave or enter it.

Baking soda is to make the tea blacker.

Got it? Then pour yourself a cup.

I'm taking part in some sitting marathon.

At least I have a radio-cassette player.

I am free like a bird in the sky.

I am free, I forgot what fear is.

Tea, stubs, answers to questions,

interrogations, and then some more to come.

My radio is a one-way communication,

Morse's code, jail argot.

I cannot have my say but I can hear,

I saw a rat turning into a mouse.

Something that cannot be erased, no matter how hard you rub,

is freedom - 'cause it's deep inside me.

I am free like a bird in the sky.

I am free, I forgot what fear is.

Freedom is what’s deep inside me.

• Artist:Leningrad