There behind the mountain, there sparkles a castle
With courtyards and bridges and battlements,
There peacocks spread their tails, there many a horse whinnies,
And it is glorious to live within [the castle];
It is half made of marble, and yet it is half
Made of sugar and marzipan,
The stairs are so wide and the halls are so lofty,
From the tower there waves a flag.
 
There the animals speak as intelligently as people,
There the flowers nod and sing,
There one finds plenty to eat and plenty of toys
For laughing and dancing and leaping about,
The most gorgeous dolls and hoops and balls
And shields and spears and lances,
There birds romp about in a cage of crystal
And little fish splash in silver basins.
 
In a splendid hall upon a golden throne,
Surrounded by merry little people,
There sits a prince with curly blond hair
With his little bride of a princess;
Many prankish boys and such pretty girls,
They weave about in a roundelay,
And ever and always there is a lovely sound
Of cymbals and harps and violins.
 
There behind the mountain, there behind the mountain,
You shall want nothing in the castle,
There a cute little dwarf awaits you
And bows down and asks for your commands.
Soon you shall see the twinkling roof of the castle,
You shall never rue the journey,
Come, come, dear children, and follow me
Very secretly and quietly and softly.