Demyan Bedny
Under the banner of the Pravda

Unite, O family of workers,
Your fate is in your own strong hands.
No room is there for lords and bosses
Where slavery’s forever banned.

The foes’ devices will be futile.
They cannot overcome your might.
With steady stride, dissent uprooting,
Advance along one road, unite!

That enemies might not beguile you,
May this plain truth your doubts dispel:
Remember — he who is not with you
Will be against you-mind it well!

There’s no return for chains discarded.
The road ahead’s your only road.
You will distinguish your true leaders
By howls they draw from one-time lords.

To guard your liberty and labour
From bitter enemy attacks,
Around your cause s stalwart champions
In steel formation close your ranks!

Let your red flag glow bright with glory,
A beacon shining for all time,
So that its crimson-glowing splendour
All other standards may outshine.

One flame burns in the hearts of workers,
One urge lives in each breast and head —
So let the Pravda — let your banner
Soar freely, leading you ahead!

Translated by Dorian Rottenberg