A mutiny. Above us gulls are screaming! A day before, because of golden coin, Two bullyboys were hoisted on the rigging, But two is not enough, we need two more! Now catch the wind with every sail you carry! Since every vessel is your dreadful foe! Our fortune is a myth that we created The moment when we raised black flags galore! A brawl is on the deck from stern to forecastle; Men’s pride and revelries are left behind. The jitters showing in their howling voices, They all unsheathed their slender boarding knives. Now catch the wind with every sail you carry! Since every vessel is your dreadful foe! Our fortune is a myth that we created The moment when we raised black flags galore! Now two old salts are pointing at their captain: “Let’s get him now!” - They aren’t afraid a thing. And facing men, the captain acted aptly, By throwing loot into the restless sea. Now catch the wind with every sail you carry! Since every vessel is your dreadful foe! Our fortune is a myth that we created The moment when we raised black flags galore! A crushing wave, that’s cresting like a tombstone, Has washed it all, and hands have eased their grip. But everything that smears of blood we must throw Into the sea, a modest price to live! Now catch the wind with every sail you carry! Since every vessel is your dreadful foe! Our fortune holds! And that’s what we expected The moment when we raised black flags galore!
© Kirill Tolmachev. Translation, 2021