Tonnin Stiflat [English translation]

I have a pair of "thousand" boots on my feet.

They don't weigh a thousand, but they cost that.

Sometimes I sing them a song,

when I don't sing for someone else.

For the first time in years I wander on Helsinki Street,1

and walk where the feet take me.

I eat a hot dog at the grill bar,

and make it for the corner bar.

The police drive past in their car.

Bottles were thrown in this part of town before.

Each man worked shit hard,

now they work a bit easier - towards hell!

I realise that the guard on Fleminki Street2 is a dork.

He begs for a markka or five,

so that he might get a small coffee.

I give him a glass of beer, large and ice cold.

I have a pair of "thousand" boots on my feet.

They don't weigh a thousand, but they cost that.

Sometimes I sing them a song,

when I don't sing for someone else.

Slade, the old man, sleeps under the boat.

He has no money for neither residence nor food.

His eyes are in tears3 and he smells like a drunkard.

Before he drove the bus as profession.

I walk to Hakaniemi4 and wait for the tram.

This tour went just as before.

The gang of homeless are dancing intoxicatedly,

or else they are fighting, I don't care - it is probably so.

Here is not much to show off or steal.

Now it is time to return.5

I laugh, although my mind tells me to cry.

Here it is just stupid, if you can't laugh.

I have a pair of "thousand" boots on my feet.

They don't weigh a thousand, but they cost that.

Sometimes I sing them a song,

when I don't sing for someone else.

1. A 2 km long street in the centre of Helsinki.2. A 900 metre long street in Helsinki, connecting the district Kallio with Alppiharju and Vallila.3. lit. run in water4. An unofficial district in Helsinki, part of the city centre.5. lit. look at returning

• Artist:Tuomari Nurmio