AAudio Video
VLADIMIR VYSOTSKY (1938-1980)
REINCARNATION IN SONG
Vladimir Vysotsky in his songs appeared in many different images. He would sing on behalf of a human being, an animal, even an object. No wonder then that he wrote a few songs showing up as a woman. He penetrated into a female's heart and soul and created unforgettable representations of women's characters and fates.
Here goes my translation of one of the "female" songs. Performed by Heather Morris (USA).
MISFORTUNE
Ice was shaky on the lake
Where I walked with my heartbreak,
Ice split up – my heart and soul drowned, anguishing;
But misfortune didn’t sink,
Clinging tightly to the brink,
It remained on ice, since then never languishing.
And from that unlucky day
Grief awaits me on my way,
Rumors spread and gossip treats me unfairly;
Only willows on the hill
And blue grouse in the field
Knew I could survive that day, though barely.
Who had brought this rumor then
To my Master, to that Man,
Whom I dreamed of, so handsome and cheering,
And to me he hurried fast,
Driven by his boiling lust,
But behind his back misfortune was sneering.
My, he spelled me with his charms,
I was melting in his arms
But behind his back grief grunted infernally;
For too long he couldn’t stay,
Spent with me one single day,
But misfortune in my life stays eternally.
Performance
Heather Morris (USA).
Translated by George Tokarev
© GEORGE TOKAREV 1999
REICARNATION IN SONG