Saturday, September 8, 2018

Where Are You, Homeland Eternal?

I love this arrangement by Simon Khorolskiy.  He only sings three verses; I, however, found another verse.  They are here translated and versified into English.  (See below for the Russian Lyrics, including the extra verse.)

Where are you beautiful, clean, clear, and spotless
Homeland eternal, my Fatherland!?
My thoughts to you do fly, in higher winged fashion;
Into the blue skies will I focus my gaze!

    --Chorus--
     Over me stretches endless blue heavens;
     A dark flock of cranes fly and wing overhead;
     The cry of the birds is great joy and elation
     To homeland of brightness they return with great joy.

There in the sky above, that cloudless country,
The Shepherd Christ Jesus, waiting for me;
Soon will I come to that Beauty of Holiness,
Then once again my eyes raise up to Heav'n!

     Chorus

I know my Savior is soon coming for me
And then will take home His snowy-white bride!
I only ask of You to keep me on this path
So that I'm spotless in eternity's Day!

     Chorus

Homeland eternal, land of clear blue skies,
Wonderful country, my Fatherland!
Accept my heart and all, the color of my youth,
Into His hands fore'er I give now myself!

     Chorus


Simon Khorolskiy singing a 3-verse version of this song




Где ты прекрасная, светлая ясная
Родина вечная - Отчизна моя
Мысли к тебе летят, в высь устремляются
В синее небо направляю свой взор


         Припев
А надо мною синее небо,
И стаей тёмной летят журавли
В крике их птичьем радости много
В родине светлой возвратились они



Там в вышине небес, в краю безоблачном
Пастырь Иисус Христос ждет уж меня
Скоро ль достигну я той красоты святой
И поднимаю вновь к небу глаза


         Припев


Знаю, Спаситель мой, скоро придешь за мной
И белоснежную церковь возьмешь
Только прошу Тебя, дай устоять в пути
Чтобы без пятнышка в вечность войти

         Припев


Родина вечная, чистое небо
Край мой чудесный, Отчизна моя
Прими мое сердце, цвет моей юности
В руки Иисуса отдаюсь навсегда.

       Припев

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Autumn Comes Upon the Edge of Night

There! Autumn comes upon the edge of night
   With unfurled clouds and hues and sinking sun,
   He broadcasts Summertime's impending flight
   To fairer lands of promised bliss begun.
   But Autumn knows she is the fickle one:
   Her days once started happy, bright, and strong,
   Grew wearisome and dull and overdone.
   Thus Autumn comes to cool the sun-parched throng,
Enliv'ning hearts with crisp and wisp and hue-forged song.

- D. Benning

'Highland Sunset' Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle Of Lochalsh, Scotland
Photo by Christopher Story