Bulat Okudjava (May 9, 1924 – June 12, 1997) was a Russian and Soviet poet, novelist, singer and song-writer. He was an author of approximately 200 songs that he himself set to music. At the time when majority of Soviet art was directed at the masses, his songs were hauntingly original and personal. It was this quality that attracted his listeners and helped to establish him as one of Russia's most beloved bards.This is a small selection of his songs translated into English.