Song of the Jester

[igenlode]

I know I said I wasn't going to do any more of these (I always say that) -- but having said that I couldn't do this one because the chorus was just not amenable to translation, I naturally had to find a way of doing it :-p

Watch on YouTube

Original lyrics (including a middle verse that Boyarsky doesn't sing here): https://sovetskaya-estrada.ru/load/bojarskij_mikhail/quot_pesenka_shuta_quot/36-1-0-1474

Literal translation:

If someone needs to be made to laugh,
Then I'll make you laugh for sure --
My job is a very simple one:
By night and day I play the fool.

CHORUS:
Enter the jester -- that means
There will be fun for everyone
But they will see that I am crying:
(But they will see that I am crying)
I'll say that it is from laughter.


I made successful jokes at one time,
And now for quite a few years already
My station in life requires me to be funny
Even if I don't feel like it.

(CHORUS)

I lightly juggle words,
I know how to tell anecdotes.
Laugh! Well, I am laughing at you,
Only scarcely anyone understands that.

(CHORUS)

---

Verse translation:

If there's someone seeking for enjoyment,
I'm the one to make you laugh for sure--
Mine is not the trickiest employment
Day and night I simply play the fool

CHORUS:
When the jester enters leaping
Fun for all comes after
Though they see that I am weeping--
(Though they see that I am weeping)
Say it's tears of laughter.

Once my jokes exceeded expectation
And for years now, really quite a while
I'm obliged to joke by rank and station,
Even when I've no desire to smile.

(CHORUS)

I can juggle words and phrases lightly
Anecdotes I'm skilful to dispense
Laugh, oh yes, and I will laugh back brightly,
Few suspect that it's at your expense!

(CHORUS)