Cossack's Lullaby (English)

2 years ago
60

This is an English version of a Russian Lullaby, the lyrics are matched as closely as I can while keeping the rhyming nature, lyrics below.

I hope you enjoy!

Lyrics:
Sleep now darling, little baby,
Bayushki-bayu.*
On your crib the moon above thee
Gently sheds her light.
Shall I start to, tell a story,
This melody for you?
Slumber now, a fable for thee,
Bayushki-bayu, Bayushki-bayu.

On it’s stones the Terek falling,
A muddy palisade;
Here the cruel Chechen‘s crawling,
Sharpening a deadly blade;
Battle hardened, is your father,
Wary of no view:a
So sleep then baby, don’t be bothered,
Bayushki-bayu, Bayushki-bayu.

You will know in dawns yet breaking,
What a fearful race you’ll run;
Boldly to the stirrup taking
You’ll pick up your gun.
Yours when you go into battle
Woven of silk threads anew...
Sleep my child, I’ll sew a saddle,
Bayushki-bayu, Bayushki-bayu.

A Hero will you, be tomorrow,
A Cossack there will you stand.
I shall see you leave with sorrow —
You shall wave your hand...
Many bitter tears will follow
Concealing my love for you..
Sleep my angel without sorrow,
Bayushki-bayu, Bayushki-bayu.

I will start to pine and languish,
Unconsoled to wait.
Days will I entreat in anguish,
Nights but guess your fate.
What might, far from home, dismay you,
What worries might you acrew...
Sleep while worries can't betray you,
Bayushki-bayu, Bayushki-bayu.

This icon in your bosom cherish
Sacred and adored:
Keep it that you may not perish,
Pray often to Our Lord;
Gird for battle thinking of me,
Keep me yet in view...
Sleep now, won’t you, Oh my lovely,
Bayushki-bayu, Bayushki-bayu.

*This phrase doesn't really have a good translation into English, so it is left as is
The closest approximation might be "Hushabye" but that's not really very close.

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