AAudio Video
VLADIMIR VYSOTSKY (1938-1980)
LIFE PHILOSOPHY IN SONG
Thousands of philosophers and thinkers all over the world tried to explain the meaning of Man’s existence, the main value in Man’s life.
Not a single one could present a theory which would be universally accepted.
Vladimir Vysotsky managed to create his own concept of what is the most important principle of our being in this world.
Here goes my translation of this life philosophy song which has been arranged and performed in English by Michael Ohlsson (Sweden).
GRATEFULNESS
Big deal — somebody robbed you on the corner,
Big deal — your wife is telling you a lie,
Big deal — you feel as if you are a goner ...
Be thankful, man, that you are still alive!
So what if you are tortured by sarcoma?
So what if you were not let in at five?
So what if you boozed off into a coma?
Be thankful, man, that you are still alive!
Don’t care if your buddy kicked the bucket,
Don’t care if your head would crack and rive,
Don’t care if they stripped you like a sucker ...
Be thankful, man, that you are still alive!
Relax, although your skin is sores and scratches,
Relax, when only troubles boom and thrive,
Relax, when being carried on a stretcher ...
Be thankful, man, that you are still alive!
It’s true —a man must answer for his blunders,
It’s true — it’s up to me which way to drive ...
It’s all so true, but still my soul wonders —
Whom shall I thank that I am still alive?
Performance
Translated by George Tokarev
© GEORGE TOKAREV 1999
LIFE PHILOSOPHY IN SONG