The meaning of the lyrics of the song "The Song of a Washed-up Sniper" (Pesnya spivschegosya snaypera) the performer of the song "Vladimir Vysotsky"

Hit me if you dare,

Life's a penny to you, but to me a target fair.

You in the fedora, let's make a bet:

I'll stand a hundred meters, you point and set.

The odds are stacked, but fear I do not know,

So here's the ten, the ace of diamonds, go!

You took your shot at point-blank range, it's true,

But I'm a sniper, you're a bungling fool.

Nowhere to run, my bullet flies with a clap,

A nine of hearts, a ten right in your cap!

And on the white sheet, a black dot lies in wait,

That night fell heavy, sealing my fate.

А ну-ка бей-ка, кому не лень.

Вам жизнь копейка, а мне мишень.

Который в фетрах, давай на спор:

Я - на сто метров, а ты - в упор.

Не та раскладка, но я не трус.

Итак, десятка - бубновый туз!

Ведь ты же на спор стрелял в упор,

Но я ведь снайпер, а ты тапер.

Куду вам деться? Мой выстрел - хлоп,

Девятка в сердце, десятка в лоб!

И черной точкой на белый лист

Легла та ночка на мою жизнь.

The song "Song of a Drunken Sniper" by Vladimir Vysotsky tells the story of a man lost in life who resorts to violence as a means of self-affirmation. The lyrical hero, being intoxicated, challenges others to a deadly "game". He is confident in his impunity and superiority, comparing himself to a skilled sniper, while his opponents are likened to clumsy "tapers".

"Ten – ace of diamonds", "nine in the heart, ten in the forehead" – these phrases, resembling card jargon and criminal slang, emphasize the cynicism and moral decline of the hero. He cold-bloodedly takes the lives of people as if playing cards.

The final lines "And a black dot on a white sheet fell that night on my life" – are metaphorical. The "black dot" is the murder committed, a terrible sin that will forever remain on the "white sheet" of the hero's life. The song is filled with tragedy and hopelessness, forcing one to think about the consequences of alcoholism, personality degradation, and the value of human life.