Так оно и есть [Tak ono i est'] [English translation]

That's how it is -

Like in old times, like in old times:

If one opposed -

Onto the lantern, onto the lantern,

If someone stole -

That means cell, that means cell,

If one knew much -

One was shot, one was shot!

I thought at last I shall soon not see

Enclosures, enclosures, -

But I got into this dusty, turbulent town

Without people, without people.

Crowds of people scurring along, people unlike,

Indifferent, blind, -

I looked at the gloomy faces of passers-by -

Neither natives nor foreigners.

Why curse one's bitter fate?

Oviously in vain, obviously in vain,

Why have I struggled for freedom so long?

In the enclosures, in the enclosures?

Crowds of people scurry along, people unlike,

Indifferent, blind, -

I looked at the gloomy faces of passers-by -

Neither natives, nor foreigners.

That's how it is -

Like in old times, like in old times:

If one opposed -

Onto the lantern, onto the lantern,

If one stole -

That means cell, that means cell,

If one knew much -

One was shot, one was shot!

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky