| Song by Vladimir Vysotsky. English translation by Alec Vagapov. Original title "Pesnya o novom vremeni". Like the toll of the bell late at night heavy footsteps resounded, Thus we, too, will soon have to say our good-byes and get under way. Through the pathless terrain, at a gallop, had the horses come round Carrying their riders to a good or bad end, which no one could say. Times have changed, yet to-day, as before, we keep striving for happiness, And we chase it, running head over heels, but it leaves us behind, And on the run we're losing the best of our friends, as it happens, Without noticing even that our friends are no more by our side. For a long time to come yet we'll take any light for a fire, And on hearing the creak of high-boots, a menace we'll sense, Little children will play their old games of war, shoot and fire, And we'll long yet divide ourselves into enemies'n friends. And when rambles and fires and tears are all over'n done with, When our horses get tired of running and, faded, lose force, When our girls change their uniform coats into dresses and blouses I wish none of the moments would be ever forgotten, forgiven or lost. |
