Lyrics and music by B. Okudzhava
As long as the world’s still turning,
As long as the air’s still sweet,
Lord, won’t you give to all of us
Whatever it is we need.
Give a mind to the wise one,
A shield to the enemy,
Give some gold to the happy man,
And don’t forget about me.
As long as the world’s still turning,
Lord, if it be your will,
Give to the hungry for power
A kingdom to rule his fill.
Give some rest to the generous
Under a shady tree,
Wash the stain from the face of Cain,
And don’t forget about me.
I know that your powers are wondrous,
I believe that your ways are wise,
The way that a fallen soldier
Believes he’s in paradise,
The way every breathing being
Believes in your gentle word,
The way, in our utter oblivion,
We keep on believing, oh Lord.
My all-wise, my all-merciful,
My sweet Lord of sea-green eyes,
As long as the world’s still turning
To its eternal surprise,
As long as it still has plenty of
Fire and destiny,
Give a little to everyone,
And don’t forget about me.
February 10th, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Brilliant, Brilliant translation. Can’t imagine it done any better! Thank you!!!
February 12th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Thanks Alexey
March 27th, 2010 at 7:34 pm
somehow i sense
that this translation is very loosely connected to the original
interesting translation; however,
not very useful to feel and follow Russian original
Pawel
August 29th, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Very nice! It is such a difficult song to translate. Thanks!!!
August 30th, 2010 at 10:24 am
You are right, Alla - It took a great deal of thought - Thanks