Если б я был султан [Esli b ya byl sultan] [English translation]

If a sultan I were, three wives I would have

And with triple beauty I'd surround myself

With a setup like that, on the other hand

Many troubles and ills I'd have to withstand

Having three pretty wives isn't bad at all

But coping with them takes a heavy toll

Zulfiya washes clothes, dries them on hot rocks

Gyuli does the sewing, Fatma mends my socks

It's a bliss to parade with three wives in tow

But, the downside is: three mothers-in-law!

Having three pretty wives isn't bad at all

But coping with them takes a heavy toll

If each wife lets me have just one drink per night

That together makes three -- which makes it alright

But, when I stumble in late and very drunk

I should certainly expect a fight with every one

Having three pretty wives isn't bad at all

But coping with them takes a heavy toll

How must sultans behave must be clarified

Should one marry three wives, or is one just right?

The answer to this question is simple and plain

If a sultan I were, single I'd remain

Being without a wife isn't bad at all

Life is good all-around, I'm having a ball!