Lancers, those are frivolous ware,
Here today and tomorrow over there,
When they have barely decided that they have kissed enough,
Then they already ride off.
     Adieu my darling, trala, adieu,
     And if I never see you again, 
     It was lovely nevertheless.

The heavy troopers, sturdy and tall,
Are all exactly like that,
Today they act as if they are madly in love here
And tomorrow, who knows where.
     Adieu my darling, etc.

Dragoons and hussars even,
They are like the wind,
They have learned to ride quickly,
And they kiss quickly too.
     Adieu my darling, etc.

The members of the infantry act exactly
Like the troopers;
Before taps a quick kiss yet,
And tomorrow it's over.
     Adieu my darling, etc.

Even those of the heavy artillery
Do not take faithfulness so seriously,
With kissing and cannons they
Travel all over the country.
     Adieu my darling, etc.

In short, all who, in a colourful uniform,
Run, ride, or drive,
In terms of faithfulness
They are not worth a penny.
     Adieu my darling, etc.

And despite all that, there is nothing so fine
As the military;
I wish that all year long
There was nothing but military exercises.
     Adieu my darling, trala, adieu
     And if I never see you again, 
     It was lovely nevertheless.