The Sandpit Generals (Генералы Песчаных Карьеров)

 

I started life within the city slums

I never heard a pleasant word.

While you were showering your babes with love,

I begged for food, and I was cold.

So when I pass, don’t cringe at what you see.

It’s not my fault, the fault is not on me.

 

Why have you abandoned me here to brood?

Where is my home? Where is my hearth?

You do not recognize my brotherhood.

But I’m a man. I’m your brother.

So when your brother knocks, open the door.

For, none of this has ever been my fault.

 

In this place of skyscrapers and villas,

The window light is blinding me.

But if I could find the strength to get up,

You’d all answer for everything.

You always pray up to your dieties.

Your dieties forgive you all your sins.

 

You knew the caresses of your mothers.

I never did. Only in dreams,

Within my childish visions made of gold,

Occasionally, Mom would appear.

Oh mommy, if you were with me here now,

My bitter fate would sweeten up somehow.

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What Did You Mean By That? (Что Ты Имела в Виду?)

 

So you and I, we met about two springs ago,

And on the very next day, you brought me home.

You told me to sit, you told me to stand,

And then you said, “Okay!” and laid down on the bed.

I understand, it’s a hint! Of course I understand.

But please explain, dear, what exactly did you mean by that?

 

REFRAIN:

I just don’t get it (What did you mean by that?)

No, I don’t get it (What did you mean by that?)

Of course, I get it, (What did you mean by that?)

But, what exactly? (What did you mean by that?)

What did you mean by that, what did you mean by that, what did you mean…?

 

When I had barely had the time to remember your grin,

You took me shopping and we bought a couple of rings,

The organ played, the guests drank wine,

And your mother called me “son”, but I don’t know why!

Of course, I know it’s a hint. Of course, I understand.

But I don’t get it, what exactly did you mean by that?

 

REFRAIN

 

One day you thought I was asleep, but I was peering at you

As you were pouring some strange powder into my soup.

What a strange taste! It gets dark in my eyes!

And then you said, “Okay! I’ll see you in the skies!”

I understand, it’s a hint, of course I understand.

But I don’t get it what exactly…?

 

REFRAIN

 

How is my life without you? All the mute sorrow is gone

Everything up here is good, yes, it’s all wonderful, hon.

But as you’re walking down there, I am flying up here

And you’re not really in a hurry to join me, my dear.

But it’s all right, it’s okay, I will wait

Because I still need to find out, what was that powder, hon?

Why was it really that your mother went and called me “son”?

Well, I was asking around, they all keep smirking their brows.

Of course, they’re angels, but how could they possibly know?

But it’s all right, it’s okay. I will patiently wait.

Although, you know…although, you know…

I think I’m starting to understand all of the things that you meant!

 

REFRAIN

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