Translation of one of Bulat Okudzhava’s popular songs into English. If this is your first time listening to this song, here is how the original sounds:
It’s an interesting way to honor the military by showing the good and the bad, and the naive and what people learn in hindsight. This song is gentle, yet it doesn’t hold back and has beautiful lyrics. This is a good song for Veteran’s day or Memorial Day. This is a song about the military.
English lyrics for this war song:
VERSE 1:
Our life is just a game.
Played by someone else…
Parade uniforms – joyful horses.
Oh dear cadets, kids yesterday
Today disappeared into battle
Oh dear cadets, kids yesterday
Tonight won’t come back from battle
VERSE 2
Gentlemen cadets, who were you yesterday?
Without an officer’s title.
Oh you can still recall but hurts to recall
River strolls holding hands with your lady.
VERSE 3
We’re parting with a regimental hurrah!
But the farewells don’t cost very much.
In the first world war, only cannons have worth.
As another man comforts your lady.
VERSE 4
Our life is a game. Bayonet charge, hurrah!
Now our trenches are empty and frozen.
Gentlemen cadets, in love yesterday
You’ll remain romantics forever