AAudio Video
VLADIMIR VYSOTSKY (1938-1980)
REINCARNATION OF SOULS
Though different religions may differ significantly from one another, they all give more or less similar answer to the cornerstone question of our existence - what happens to us after we die. The only religion that offers a very peculiar answer to this question is the Hindu one - we don't die, just after death our souls reincarnate into new objects and continue living as new substances. Vysotsky could not leave this curious theory unexplored and suggested his own interpretation of this matter. My translation of this song is performed by Dan Bern (USA).
REINCARNATION OF SOULS
Some people worship Allah, others — Buddha, others — Jesus,
Some others care not a hoot about this holy brood ...
A very smart religion was invented by the Hindus
That when we kick the bucket we don’t seem to die for good.
Your soul was noble, great and big —
The same you will be gaining
But if you lived just like a pig —
A swine you will be remaining!
If people disapprove of you — it’s not the cause for crying,
When born anew you’ll get a tongue as sharp as hunter’s knife;
And if —when living your first life — you saw your foe dying,
You’ll get a pair of keen eyes in your forthcoming life.
Enjoy your life and don’t be cross,
You will achieve your goal —
When straight into a bigwig boss
Reincarnates you soul!
So who was what and who is who — we never know the answer;
Biologists went crazy with those chromosomes and genes.
This blighted cat — just look at him! — could be a nasty rascal,
And that kind gentleman could be a shark with fangs and fins.
To my delight I give free vent,
Behaving like a pigeon …
The clever Hindus did invent
A cozy religion!
Translated by George Tokarev
© GEORGE TOKAREV 1999
REINCARNATION OF SOULS