VLADIMIR VYSOTSKY (1938-1980)
Vysotsky wrote about 600 songs. Except very few, the others are stories and ballads told by different people – by soldiers, sailors, sportsmen, mobsters, etc. Though not always by people. Very often in his songs the stories are told by objects or animals. The narrator could be a horse, a wolf, a parrot, a ship, a plane, even a microphone. In songs like these Vysotsky reincarnates into an object or animal and recites the story from its point of view.
That was natural for him as he used to be an outstanding theatrical actor and had to perform likewise transformations on stage, showcasing different characters. This time I am presenting a song where Vysotsky turns into a war fighter plane of the WWII. This plane is called “YAK” – one of the most successful Soviet war planes.
Though it is a war song, the confrontation and collision is not against the German enemies. The plane confronts its own… pilot!! A plane is a piece of metal. A pilot is body made of flesh. In the song we see that flesh is stronger than iron!
My English translation of the “YAK” song is performed by BO HOSS (USA).
A Soviet plane “YAK” was one of the best fighter
“YAK” — THE FIGHTER
I’m “Yak” the fighter. My engine’s in glee,
Heavens make me almighty;
But he, who’s sitting inside of me,
He reckons that he is a fighter.
I have brought down the “Messerschmitt”,
That fight was rather a bore!
But he, who’s sitting inside of me, —
I can’t bear him any more.
Mechanics went crazy when they came to see
Shell splinters in my metal skin,
But he, who’s sitting inside of me,
Again makes me dive in a spin.
From out the bomber the bomb down brings
Death to the airdrome,
It sounds as though the stabilizer sings
“P -e-e-e-eace to your home!”
A “Messer” pursues me. I’m going to flee —
So tired of wounds I am;
But he, who’s sitting inside of me,
I see he’s decided to ram!
Oh, what is he doing!? I’ll split into bits !!
But no! I won’t burn on the sand!
Overcoming all limits and speeds
Up from the dive I ascend!
I’m leading! Behind me — God damn all my sins! —
Where’s my second, who covers?
He’s flaming, he’s fuming, and, diving, he sings
“P -e-e-e-eace to your house!”
Alone my tenant has now to strive,
He’s got himself in the soup.
At first he misled me, then led me to dive
Right after looping the loop.
He jerks the controls and doubles the load —
On this ace I won’t stake a dime!
Today I obey in my usual mode,
But it’s only for the last time!
Performance
Bo Hoss & Cindy Lou
Translated by George Tokarev
© GEORGE TOKAREV 2001
Audio Video
REINCARNATION IN SONGS