There's a lodger seated on a suitcase
And he's thoughtfully examining the floor:
The same chairs, a table and a bed.
The upholstery's the same upon the sofa
And the borscht for lunch is just as red. 
But now there's new light one can't ignore...   Ah!

The full calves of Fyokla – she's the laundress –
Shine as she leans over in the yard.
And the glasses squeal, they're scrubbed so hard,
Singing out of tune just like a chorus.
Patches of blue sky that's over us
Fill with promises miraculous.

Lodger! Lodger!

The same lodger's sitting on his suitcase. 
Glasses washed, and once again now all is still.
Fyokla, Fyokla, why are you so quiet?
At the least, be strong and be resilient. 
Come and take him.  Grab him by the forelock
And then burn him with your lips.  Come, try it!   Ah!

Fyokla and the lodger on the sofa.
O, how solemn is this moment.  How!
"I'm intelligentsia; you're a peasant."
That's his words, 'mid kisses rather pleasant.
"But we understand each other well, 
For we are together here and now!
Yes, we understand each other 
For we are together here and now!"