What a former life! -
And above and below -
you go without a convoy, -
You smoke Plan,
you go for a haul
And fleece passengers.

And at a robbery
you take with you
A reliable accomplice,
Then you pick
someone’s pocket
And make off quietly.

Until we are followed,
until we are threatened
We endure this.
You’ve lived well,
but then beckoned
"Petrovka, thirty-eight".

I went through children’s home, prison, shelter
and I didn’t fear penitentiary,
When I was brought before the people’s court,
I was a bit excited

Why lie to us
about the "People’s court"! -
I didn’t see any people,
The judge means freedom
and the public prosecutor
Offended me at once.

I answered the questions,
But judgement was given with scorn, -
And I did not agree in the least
With such a formulation!

I do not deny my guilt -
I didn’t time only once
But it was described that
I treated people roughly.

That’s not true! - You approach quietly
and ask for a hundred rubles...
What’s that to do with a knife, what’s that to do with robbery?
Modify the formulation!

Oh, had been in the hall -
When I spoke:
"Comrades of the people!
Why make reproaches -
You’ve after all
fed me and gave me to drink!

Everybody gave me money
whithout tears, threats and blood...
I’m awfully thankful to you
for all the good words!"

And in that hall there would be applauded stamdingly
And I would interrupt sobbing
Telling them in a low voice:
"Thank you for the attention!

It’s true - isn’t it,
That I am a quick robber?
How could I look into people’s eyes
With such a formulation?!