It’s smoky, so smoky the mirror’s grown dim now
And faces just opposite seem indistinct;
And couples have no more desire to spin round,
But still to the end of my song I will sing.

The notes that were needed have long
been played out,
The wine in the glass burned so strong
its flame’s out,

The minute-long urge to explain
has passed,
And I’d better silently drain
my glass.

The weather’s not spoilt us with sun for a half-year,
And under the ice crust lie frozen numb souls;
I’ve waited in vain so it seems for the thaw here
And memories can’t be warmed up in the cold.

The notes that were needed have long
been played out,
The wine in the glass burned so strong
its flame’s out,

The minute-long urge to explain
has passed,
And I’d better silently drain
my glass.

So weary, the orchestra loses its timing,
The circle is closing, I can’t break the ring.
Stay calm now! I’d much better take my leave smiling
But still to the end of my song I will sing.

The notes that were needed have long
been played out,
The wine in the glass burned so strong
its flame’s out,

The mirrors’ grins darken,
their passion’s passed,
And I would do better
to smash my glass.