The Decembrists' Song (1921)

Don't forget how we got here.
We've built this on the backs of the unrewarded.
The saved their sacrifice and died a fruitless death.
So with my dying breath I beseech you, soldiers.
Don't lose your nerve as you get older.
The battle that you fight today is the most important.

Though their numbers seemed so strong that winter afternoon,
before the end they all stood on their own.
Don't make the mistake of ideological compromises.
Consensus won't do you justice.
Your passion for your cause does all the talking.

Men without conscience will deceive your mind,
but not your heart-unless you let them.
The struggle will go on as long as you keep fighting.
Just don't forget how we got here.

The Decembrists' struggle of so many years ago
was a battle to convince themselves the cause they chose was worthy of their blood.
When faced with odds they didn't like they stood and paused in indecision.
Our hearts and dreams sank faster than the sun.