Железнодорожник [Zheleznodorozhnik] [English translation]

The last train bound for heaven will depart at midnight

From a station crowned with a peak of snow.

The railroadman will return to his chamber

and lie down on the cot with his boots still on.

He'll look at a faded photo of someone,

he'll shed a salty tear and drink it for nourishment.

He'll crack open the window, stick out his Berdanka1

And start shooting down star after star.

Meanwhile the train bound for heaven is heading

Off into the distance along a moonlit path.

And it's carrying away everyone

Who can still be saved.

The railroadman will take out of his crumpled pockets

A tryoshka2, an iron spoon, and a ticket for that train which already left.

And when the sun will appear in the East

And extinguish the nighttime misery with its light,

He'll take out his Berdanka, pour some shot into it,

And pump lead into his aching temples.

Meanwhile the train bound for heaven is heading

Off into the distance along a moonlit path.

And it's carrying away everyone

Who can still be saved.

1. an old type of rifle2. a three-ruble note