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The Old Jacket

Words and music by B. Okudzhava

I’ve worn my jacket far too long,
It’s getting shabbier and frailer.
And so I take it to a tailor
To see if something can be done.

I tell him, “Now it’s up to you
To remedy the situation.
The magic art of alteration
Should make my life as good as new.”

It was a joke - but he takes on
The task with single-minded passion,
Bringing my jacket up to fashion
As best he can. The funny man.

He trims and sews without a word,
With such meticulous precision,
As if upon a sacred mission
To have my happiness restored

He thinks I’ll try the jacket on,
And then - the clouds will part above me,
And I’ll believe that you still love me…
Well, think again. The funny man.

Comments

kirillka

January 17, 2010 at 4:31 pm

Very nicely done!
admin

January 19, 2010 at 12:56 pm

Thanks
Lena Berman

February 10, 2010 at 5:03 pm

Mika, fantastic!
You are really talented…

Have you had this published?
It really should be, if it has not been done already.
Lena
Sender Fridland

October 20, 2010 at 12:47 pm

I’ve tried to translate this song more then once - could not (I am just an amateur).

This translation is far beyond ‘nicely done’ - I cannot imagine anyone could do it better!

I will link to it from my site,

thank you.
admin

October 27, 2010 at 9:06 am

Thank you very much