Фантом [Phantom] [English translation]

I am running ‘long the thirsty land

Having shut the helmet on my head;

My swift “Phantom”’s like an arrow

With its wings so widely spread;

Roaring, it is climbing straight ahead.

Far away I see a blueish land:

Devastating it I’d feel so sad.

‘Tis a pity you can’t see it:

My long way is rather hard;

My swift “Phantom”’s rushing eastwards, bud.

Now I’m turning left, ground’s on the bow;

Not a pilot, I’m a gunman now.

I am pressing the right button -

I take aim, and missiles cut down -

I am making just another run.

In the sky I see a line, it’s white.

Oh my God, my “Phantom”’s losing height!

Panic spring’s my only rescue,

Cords are taut—a picturesque view;

Heart in mouth, I’m spinning down awry.

At the moment when I hit the ground

I heard someone’s bellowing around.

Yellow faces – Vietnamese glee’s

Yelling like ferocious grizzlies.

I fell down without making a sound.

Yet again I stomp on this damned land

Having no more helmet on my head.

Soldiers poke me with the barrels

Of their guns, my eye is wary:

I am hanging by a single thread.

“Who’s the pilot that has cut me down?” -

Asking Vietnamese, I gave my tongue.

And the chief interrogator

Told me a preposterous matter:

“That was our brave pilot Lee Xi Tsin”.

Find another bullshit to declare!

I’ve distinctly heard this on the air:

“Kolya, rush, and I will mix it!”

“Vanya, fire, I‘ll get your six, kid!”

Russian Vanya made my “Phantom” flare.

Texas, my sweet home, it’s far away.

Mom and Dad are there, they’re doomed to wait.

My swift “Phantom”’s blown up quickly

In the sky that’s blue so deeply.

I will never see them all again.