Taganka.

A composition of Vladimir Vysotsky.

An old Gypsy with cards... Soon there’ll be a long trail,
A long trail and, moreover, a home from the state.
It appears that again our old central jail
Waits for her unpretended and faithful inmate.
It appears that again our old central jail
Waits for her unpretended and faithful inmate.

Taganka! all of thy nights are full of light.
Taganka! what for hast thou wrecked my life?
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.

Be aware, my beloved, we’ll be parted sometimes —
Even for years, our paths will be laid quite aside.
And I can’t promise thee that there’ll be many times
When we meet — and I’ll see bitter tears in thy eyes.
And I can’t promise thee that there’ll be many times
When we meet — and I’ll see bitter tears in thy eyes.

Taganka! all of thy nights are full of light.
Taganka! what for hast thou wrecked my life?
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.

We’ve been sent to the North with the terms more than life,
If you ask any one — he’s committed no crime.
Take a look, O my love, in my rigorous eyes,
There may happen such a case that it’ll be the last time.
Take a look, O my love, in my rigorous eyes,
There may happen such a case that it’ll be the last time.

Taganka! all of thy nights are full of light.
Taganka! what for hast thou wrecked my life?
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste.
Taganka, I’m thy perennial inmate,
Behind thy walls, my youth and talent are to waste...