Контрданс [Kontrdans] [English translation]

Soon the Century ends, how the Century’s short;

You are waiting for it, are you not?

But it snowed today and to you I can’t get

Not leaving a trace; and my trace is in vain…

There is a party today in the comfort of home,

In our absence the party is fine;

Here somebody came, and brought someone along,

But They are They, You are You, I am I.

And by chance in this world happens nothing at all,

Of my life I should never complain.

He is playing for all; you are playing for him,

But for you there is no one to play.

And I am asking of you: should your house be full

Of velvet and silk and of ivory chests,

To forget and forgive - me, for how I’ve lived,

And for being a lousy guest.

I’ll get drunk as a pig; fall asleep on the floor;

With your friends I am always amiss.

Though I never knew how to be the first of them all,

Being second was never for me.

And by chance in this world happens nothing at all,

Of my life I should never complain.

He is playing for all; you are playing for him,

If you let me, for you I will play.