Pjesnikove želje

The Poet's Wishes

Javlja vam se sad uživo,iz Valpova Benak Ivo.Da bi bolje znali za me,ja pozdravljam dvije dame.

Coming to you live, and so:Benak Ivo, from Valpovo.So you'll know me well tonight,I greet two ladies, as is right.

Josipu i Doris sada,večerašnja naša nada.Svu ljepotu nama dajui publiku zabavljaju.

Josipa and Doris: theyare tonight's own hope, I'd say.All their loveliness they share,entertaining viewers there.

Sad ošini po tamburi!Neka žice ciknu za me.Tamburaše Đentlmene,nek' pronađu mile dame.

Now then, strike the tambura!Let the strings squeal out with glee.And the band, the Đentlmeni:may the ladies find them for me.

Da svirajte meni znano,NE BUDI ME, MAJKO, RANO!Nek mi bude na veselje,eto, to su moje želje.

Play the one I know, no other:DON'T WAKE ME EARLY, MOTHER!Let it be for my delight:there, my wishes for tonight.

Valpovo, 16. 11. 2014.

Valpovo, November 16, 2014

Translator's note. A request he sent to "Ošini po tamburi" (roughly "Strike Up the Tambura"), a music programme on STV hosted by Josipa and Doris, with the tamburica band Đentlmeni ("The Gentlemen"). The song he asks for is his own "Ne budi me, majko, rano" ("Don't Wake Me Early, Mother").