If a friend turns out in the end Not a friend or a foe - just so... If you can’t at once conclude If he’s bad or good, Take the guy to the hills - Be brave! Don’t leave him alone - Be brave! Let him face the same view with you; There you’ll learn who’s who. If you find in the peaks, he’s weak... If you find that he flops, then drops... If his legs start to go on snow... If he stumbles and cries, you’ll know. He’s a stranger to you; it’s true. Don’t let your rage show, let him go. He shouldn’t be here, it’s clear - No song will hold him dear. But if he didn’t moan or groan And though upset kept on, and on. And when from the cliff, you slipped, He cursed but held his grip. Like to a fight you walk side by side And on the peaks he could be your guide You can depend on him all day As on yourself, I say.
© John Farndon + Olga Nakston. Translation, 2022