Песня про первых [Pesnya pro pervykh] [English translation]

All our stages’re made of blood and troubles

we can’t forget them even once by chance,

but often praise first heroes of the struggles

and don’t know that in fact they’re second ones.

When once a reconnaissance was required

and under bullets someone had to go,

two fearless guys stepped into wind and fire

to pave the way for making common road.

First moved as battle tank without care,

rushed to the dark with no light, no one ray…

He almost got the aim and sank somewhere

left only circles on the waterway.

That second followed first in careful manner -

he didn’t sink and didn’t break his neck.

He overcame the path and sent a message,

became the first and hit the podium’s deck.

So, we print posters of the real second.

I cannot blame him, ‘cause it's not his fault.

He’s our hero and all children of the planet

take on his act of bravery to exalt.

I’d only ask you, while we’re living here,

once at the meeting makig speech or toast,

when glorifying first well-known hero,

do not forget unknown real first.