The Prayer of Francois Villon
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.
Comments
Alexey B
February 10, 2010 at 3:00 pm
Brilliant, Brilliant translation. Can’t imagine it done any better! Thank you!!!
admin
February 12, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Thanks Alexey
Pawel
March 27, 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
alla
August 29, 2010 at 8:04 pm
Very nice! It is such a difficult song to translate. Thanks!!!
admin
August 30, 2010 at 10:24 am
You are right, Alla - It took a great deal of thought - Thanks
Anna
September 12, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I am totally bewitched with your translation and performance… unbelievable enjoyment. Thank you
admin
September 12, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Thank you, Anna - I am glad you enjoy this, this is what it’s all about
Olena
November 14, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Beautiful translation and performance! Thank you with all my heart!
marian
December 11, 2011 at 4:24 pm
beautiful traslation. No way loosely connected, in opposit - very true, sofar my feeling is not deceiving me.
Thank you!
Nika
April 28, 2012 at 10:47 pm
Wow! A simple, beautiful translation! You should send it to Regina Spektor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAL5QuryghI
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