Words and music by B. Okudzhava

My horse is exhausted, my shoes are worn down at the heel.
Which way shall I ride, will you tell me, which way shall I ride?
Along the Red River, my joy, down towards the Blue Hill,
Keep riding towards the Blue Hill, by the Red River’s side.

But where is that river? My horse is exhausted tonight.
And how do I get to the hill, will you answer me, please?
Just head for the bright light, my joy, yes just head for the light,
Just head for the bright light, my joy, you will find it with ease.

But where is that bright light, pray tell me, why doesn’t it gleam?
I’ve carried the sky on my shoulders for many a night.
The lamplighter lights it, but he is asleep, it would seem
He must be asleep, and I’ve nothing to do with the light.

He melts in the night like a stone through a bottomless lake,
With nothing to guide him, not even a star in the sky.
But what are you after, my joy? I exclaim in his wake.
Good heavens, if only I knew it myself, he replies.