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It is illegal to copy and distribute our copyright-protected material without permission. It is also illegal to reprint copyright texts or translations without the name of the author or translator.

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Eichendorff Songs

Translations © by Emily Ezust

Song Cycle by Hugo Wolf (1860 - 1903)

View original-language texts alone: Eichendorff-Lieder

1. Der Freund
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wer auf den Wogen schliefe,
ein sanft gewiegtes Kind,
kennt nicht des Lebens Tiefe,
vor süßem Träumen blind.

Doch wen die Stürme fassen
zu wildem Tanz und Fest,
wen hoch auf dunklen Straßen
die falsche Welt verläßt:

Der lernt sich wacker rühren,
durch Nacht und Klippen hin -
lernt der das Steuer führen
mit sichrem, ernstem Sinn.

Der ist von echtem Kerne,
erprobt zu Lust und Pein,
der glaubt an Gott und Sterne,
der soll mein Schiffmann sein!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 3. Zeitlieder, in Die Freunde, no. 1

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
1. The friend
Language: English 
 He who can sleep upon the waves
 is a gently lulled infant,
 who knows nothing of life's depths
 and is blind from sweet dreams.
 
 But he whom the storms grab
 for their wild dance and festival,
 whom, high upon the dark streets
 abandons the false world,
 
 he learns to move bravely
 through the night and navigate the cliffs -
 he learns to steer the helm
 with a confident and serious mind.
 
 He is of authentic heart,
 tried by joy and pain;
 he believes in God and the stars -
 this man shall be my helmsman!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 3. Zeitlieder, in Die Freunde, no. 1
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 93

Translation © by Emily Ezust
2. Der Musikant
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wandern lieb' ich für mein Leben,
Lebe eben wie ich kann,
Wollt' ich mir auch Mühe geben,
Paßt' es mir doch gar nicht an.

Schöne alte Lieder weiß ich,
In der Kälte, ohne Schuh'
Draußen in die Saiten reiß' ich,
Weiß nicht, wo ich abends ruh'.

Manche Schöne macht wohl Augen,
Meinet, ich gefiel' ihr sehr,
Wenn ich nur was wollte taugen,
So ein armer Lump nicht wär'. --

Mag dir Gott ein'n Mann bescheren,
Wohl mit Haus und Hof versehn!
Wenn wir zwei zusammen wären,
Möcht mein Singen mir vergehn.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder, in Der wandernde Musikant, no. 1

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
2. I love the wandering life
Language: English 
 I love the wandering life:
 I live how I can.
 If I were to trouble myself about anything,
 it would not suit me at all.
 
 I know lovely old songs;
 in the cold, without shoes,
 I pluck my strings out there
 and do not know where I'll sleep in the evening!
 
 Many a lovely girl makes eyes at me,
 as if to say she would like me well
 if I only made something of myself
 and were not such a poor beggar.
 
 May God provide you with a husband,
 and a house and yard!
 If we two were together,
 my singing would die.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder, in Der wandernde Musikant, no. 1
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 103

Translation © by Emily Ezust
3. Verschwiegene Liebe
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Über Wipfel und Saaten
In den Glanz hinein -
Wer mag sie erraten,
Wer holte sie ein?
Gedanken sich wiegen,
Die Nacht ist verschwiegen,
Gedanken sind frei.

Errät' es nur eine,
Wer an sie gedacht
Beim Rauschen der Haine,
Wenn niemand mehr wacht
Als die Wolken, die fliegen -
Mein Lieb ist verschwiegen
Und schön wie die Nacht.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Verschwiegene Liebe"

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
3. Silent love
Language: English 
Over treetops and crops
and into the splendor -
who may guess them,
who may reel them in? 
Thoughts sway,
the night is mute;
thoughts run free.
 
If only she would guess
who has been thinking of her
by the rustling of the grove,
when no one else is awake
except the clouds that fly by --
[but] my love is silent
and as fair as the night.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Verschwiegene Liebe"
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 14
Word count: 66

Translation © by Emily Ezust
4. Das Ständchen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Auf die Dächer zwischen blassen
Wolken schaut der Mond herfür,
Ein Student dort auf den Gassen
Singt vor seiner Liebsten Tür.

Und die Brunnen rauschen wieder
Durch die stille Einsamkeit,
Und der Wald vom Berge nieder,
Wie in alter, schöner Zeit.

So in meinen jungen Tagen
Hab ich manche Sommernacht
Auch die Laute hier geschlagen
Und manch lust'ges Lied erdacht.

Aber von der stillen Schwelle
Trugen sie mein Lieb zur Ruh,
Und du, fröhlicher Geselle,
Singe, sing nur immer zu!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Das Ständchen", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
4. The serenade
Language: English 
Over the roofs between pale
clouds, the moon gazes across;
a student there in the street
is singing at his beloved's door.

And the fountains murmur again
through the still loneliness,
as do the woods, from the mountain down,
just as in the good old times.

So in my young days,
would I often on summer nights
also play my lute here
and invent many merry songs.

But from her silent threshhold
they have carried my love away to rest.
And you, happy fellow,
sing, sing ever on!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Das Ständchen", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 88

Translation © by Emily Ezust
5. Der Soldat I
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Ist auch schmuck nicht mein Rößlein,
So ist's doch recht klug,
Trägt im Finstern zu 'nem Schlößlein
Mich rasch noch genug.

  Ist das Schloß auch nicht prächtig,
Zum Garten aus der Thür
Tritt ein Mädchen doch allnächtig
Dort freundlich herfür.

  Und ist auch die Kleine
Nicht die Schönst' auf der Welt,
So gibt's doch just Keine,
Die mir besser gefällt.

  Und spricht sie vom Freien:
So schwing' ich mich auf mein Roß --
Ich bleibe im Freien,
Und sie auf dem Schloß.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder, in Der Soldat, no. 1

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
5. The soldier
Language: English 
 Although my horse may not look so handsome,
 he is actually quite clever,
 and will carry me through the dark to a certain little castle
 quickly enough.
 
 Although the castle is not very splendid,
 out of her door and into the garden 
 steps a maiden who, all night,
 will be friendly to me.
 
 And although this small girl
 is not the fairest in the world,
 there is still no other
 that I like better.
 
 But if she speaks of marriage,
 I'll leap onto my horse -
 I'll stay free
 and she'll stay at the castle.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder, in Der Soldat, no. 1
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 94

Translation © by Emily Ezust
6. Der Soldat II
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wagen mußt du und flüchtig erbeuten,
Hinter uns schon durch die Nacht hör' ich's schreiten,
Schwing' auf mein Roß dich nur schnell 
Und küß' noch im Flug mich wildschönes Kind,
Geschwind,
Denn der Tod ist ein rascher Gesell.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder, in Der Soldat, no. 2

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
6. The soldier II
Language: English 
You must be daring and seize every passing opportunity;
already I hear behind us the sound of marching through the night.
Leap onto my horse quickly now
and kiss me in our flight, lovely wild girl,
quickly!
for Death is a swift fellow.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), no title, appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder, in Der Soldat, no. 2
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Translation of title "Der Soldat II" = "The soldier II"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 6
Word count: 43

Translation © by Emily Ezust
7. Die Zigeunerin
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Am Kreuzweg da lausche ich, wenn die Stern'
und die Feuer im Walde verglommen,
und wo der erste Hund bellt von fern,
da wird mein Bräut'gam herkommen.
La, la, la, la.

"Und als der Tag graut', durch das Gehölz
sah ich eine Katze sich schlingen,
ich schoß ihr auf den nußbraunen Pelz,
wie tat die weit überspringen!
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"

Schad' nur ums Pelzlein, du kriegst mich nit!
mein Schatz muß sein wie die andern:
braun und ein Stutzbart auf ung'rischen Schnitt
und ein fröhliches Herze zum Wandern.
La, la, la, la.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Die Zigeunerin", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
7. The Gypsy woman
Language: English 
 At the crossroads, there I listen, when the stars
 and the fires in the forests have died down,
 and where the first hound barks from afar -
 from there will my intended come.
 La, la, la, la.
 
 "And when day broke, through the copse,
 I saw a cat creeping;
 I shot at her nut-brown pelt
 and how far she leapt!
 Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!"
 
 For shame with this little pelt - you shall have me not!
 My darling must be like the others:
 brown and bearded with a Hungarian trim 
 and a merry heart toward wandering.
 La, la, la, la.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Die Zigeunerin", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 15
Word count: 99

Translation © by Emily Ezust
8. Nachtzauber
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Hörst du nicht die Quellen gehen
Zwischen Stein und Blumen weit
Nach den stillen Waldesseen,
Wo die Marmorbilder stehen
In der schönen Einsamkeit?
Von den Bergen sacht hernieder,
Weckend die uralten Lieder,
Steigt die wunderbare Nacht,
Und die Gründe glänzen wieder,
Wie du's oft im Traum gedacht.

  Kennst die Blume du, entsprossen
In dem mondbeglänzten Grund?
Aus der Knospe, halb erschlossen,
Junge Glieder blühend sprossen,
Weiße Arme, roter Mund,
Und die Nachtigallen schlagen,
Und rings hebt es an zu klagen,
Ach, vor Liebe todeswund,
Von versunknen schönen Tagen --
Komm, o komm zum stillen Grund!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Nachtzauber", written 1853, appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
8. Night magic
Language: English 
Do you not hear the spring running
between the stones and flowers far
toward the quiet wood lakes,
where the marble statues stand
in fine solitude?
From the mountains, gently
awakening ancient songs,
the wondrous night descends
and the earth gleams again
as you often see in a dream.

Do you know the flower that blooms
in the moonlit land,
from whose buds, half-open,
young limbs bloom with
white arms and red mouth?
And the nightingale sings,
and all around, a lament is raised;
alas, wounded fatally by love,
by lovely days now gone forever -
come, o come to the silent land!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Nachtzauber", written 1853, appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view

Translation of title "Nachtzauber" = "Night magic"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 102

Translation © by Emily Ezust
9. Der Schreckenberger
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Aufs Wohlsein meiner Dame,
eine Windfahn' ist ihr Panier,
Fortuna ist ihr Name,
das Lager ihr Quartier!

Und wendet sie sich weiter, 
ich kümmre mich nicht drum,
da draußen ohne Reiter,
da geht die Welt so dumm.

Statt Pulverblitz und Knattern
aus jedem wüsten Haus
Gevattern sehn und schnattern
alle Lust zum Land hinaus.

Fortuna weint vor Ärger, 
es rinnet Perl' auf Perl';
»Wo ist der Schreckenberger?
Das war ein andrer Kerl!«

Sie tut den Arm mir reichen,
Fama bläst das Geleit,
so zu dem Tempel steigen
wir der Unsterblichkeit.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Schreckenberger", appears in Gedichte, in 2. Sängerleben

Go to the general single-text view

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
9. The swashbuckler
Language: English 
 A toast to my lady,
 A weathervane is her banner,
 Fortune is her name,
 and the camp is her quarters!
 
 And if she goes somewhere else,
 I will not trouble myself over it;
 without cavalrymen,
 the world is a boring place.
 
 Instead of powder shot and crackling muskets,
 outside each deserted house
 you see gossips chattering; 
 there's no joy in such a land.
 
 Fortune weeps with annoyance:
 tears like pearls run down;
 "Where is my swashbuckler?
 He was a different kind of man!"
 
 She reaches her arm to me
 and accompanying Fame trumpets;
 and so we ascend to the temple
 of immortality.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Schreckenberger", appears in Gedichte, in 2. Sängerleben
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 102

Translation © by Emily Ezust
10. Der Glücksritter
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wenn Fortuna spröde tut,
laß' ich sie in Ruh',
singe recht und trinke gut,
und Fortuna kriegt auch Mut,
setzt sich mit dazu.

Doch ich geb' mir keine Müh':
»He, noch eine her!«
kehr' den Rücken gegen sie,
laß' hoch leben die und die
das verdrießt sie sehr.

Und bald rückt sie sacht zu
mir: »Hast du deren mehr?«
»Wie Sie seh'n, drei Kannen schier,
und das lauter Klebebier!
's wird mir gar nicht schwer.«

Drauf sie zu mir lächelt fein:
»Bist ein ganzer Kerl!«
ruft den Kellner, schreit nach Wein,
trinkt mir zu und schenkt mir ein,
echte Blum' und Perl'.

Sie bezahlet Wein und Bier,
und ich, wieder gut,
führe sie am Arm mit mir
aus dem Haus wie'n Kavalier,
alles zieht den Hut.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Glücksritter", appears in Gedichte, in 2. Sängerleben

Go to the general single-text view

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
10. Fortune's Knight
Language: English 
 If Fortune grows demure,
 I leave her in peace,
 and sing loudly and drink deeply;
 and Fortune gains courage again
 and sits beside me.
 
 But I pay no attention to her:
 "Hey! another drink here!"
 I call and turn my back to her.
 I toast this girl and that -
 this vexes her very much.
 
 And soon she moves gently up to me:
 "Have you any more?"
 "As you see, almost three tankards
 and foaming thick beer!
 it won't be too much for me."
 
 Then she smiles at me:
 "You are quite a chap!"
 She calls the barkeep, orders wine,
 drinks to me and gives me
 a genuine red and white.
 
 She pays for the wine and beer,
 and I, feeling great,
 lead her upon my arm
 from the house, like a cavalier,
 and everyone doffs his hat.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Glücksritter", appears in Gedichte, in 2. Sängerleben
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 25
Word count: 137

Translation © by Emily Ezust
11. Lieber alles
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Soldat sein ist gefährlich, 
studieren sehr beschwerlich,
das Dichten süß und zierlich,
der Dichter gar possierlich
in diesen wilden Zeiten.
Ich möcht' am liebsten reiten,
ein gutes Schwert zur Seiten,
die Laute in der Rechten,
Studentenherz zum Fechten.
Ein wildes Roß ist's Leben,
die Hufe Funken geben,
wer's ehrlich wagt, bezwingt es,
und wo es tritt, da klingt es!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Lieber alles", appears in Gedichte, in 3. Zeitlieder

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
11. I'd rather
Language: English 
 To be a soldier is dangerous,
 and studies are very cumbersome;
 poetry is sweet and delicate,
 but poets are too quaint
 in these wild times.
 I would rather be in the cavalry,
 a good sword at my side,
 a lute in my right hand,
 and a student's heart for the fight.
 Life is a wild charger
 with flashing hoofs:
 he who dares honestly will subjugate it,
 and where it treads, its hoofs ring out!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Lieber alles", appears in Gedichte, in 3. Zeitlieder
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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 13
Word count: 74

Translation © by Emily Ezust
12. Heimweh
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wer in die Fremde will wandern,
Der muß mit der Liebsten gehn,
Es jubeln und lassen die andern
Den Fremden alleine stehn.

Was wisset ihr, dunkle Wipfel,
Von der alten, schönen Zeit?
Ach, die Heimat hinter den Gipfeln,
Wie liegt sie von hier so weit?

Am liebsten betracht' ich die Sterne,
Die schienen, wie ich ging zu ihr,
Die Nachtigall hör' ich so gerne,
Sie sang vor der Liebsten Tür.

Der Morgen, das ist meine Freude!
Da steig' ich in stiller Stund' 
Auf den höchsten Berg in die Weite,
Grüß dich, Deutschland, aus Herzensgrund!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Heimweh", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
12. Homesickness
Language: English 
He who wishes to wander
must go with his beloved,
the others will rejoice and leave
the stranger standing alone.

What do you know, dark treetops,
of the good old days?
Ah, my homeland beyond the mountains -
why does it lie so far from here?

I loved most to look at the stars
that shone as I went to her;
I listened happily to the nightingale
as she sang before my beloved's door.

But morning - that is my joy!
In that peaceful hour I climb
up to the highest mountain
and greet you, German Homeland, from the depths of my heart!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Heimweh", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder
    • Go to the text page.

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Translation of title "Heimweh" = "Homesickness"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 101

Translation © by Emily Ezust
13. Der Scholar
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Bei dem angenehmsten Wetter
singen alle Vogelein,
klatscht der Regen auf die Blätter,
sing ich so für mich allein.

Denn mein Aug' kann nichts entdecken,
wenn der Blitz auch grausam glüht,
was im Wandern könnt' erschrecken
ein zufriedenes Gemüt.

Frei vom Mammon will ich schreiten
auf dem Feld der Wissenschaft,
sinne ernst und nehm' zu Zeiten 
einen Mund voll Rebensaft.

Bin ich müde vom Studieren,
wann der Mond tritt sanft herfür,
pfleg' ich dann zu musizieren 
vor der Allerschönsten Tür.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der wandernde Student", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
13. The scholar
Language: English 
In the most pleasant weather
all the little birds sing,
but when the rain is slapping the leaves,
I sing alone and for myself.

For my eyes can discover nothing,
when lightning flashes so cruelly,
that could appall in its travel
a truly contented mind.

Free from Mammon will I walk
on the fields of knowledge,
thinking seriously and taking, time to time,
a mouth full of grapejuice. 

When I grow weary of study,
when the moon steps softly out,
I'll go to make music
in front of my beloved's door.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der wandernde Student", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder
    • Go to the text page.

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 91

Translation © by Emily Ezust
14. Der verzweifelte Liebhaber
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Studieren will nichts bringen,
mein Rock hält keinen Stich,
meine Zither will nicht klingen,
mein Schatz, der mag mich nicht.

Ich wollt', im Grün spazierte
die allerschönste Frau,
ich wär' ein Drach' und führte
sie mit mir fort durchs Blau.

Ich wollt', ich jagt' gerüstet
und legt' die Lanze aus,
und jagte alle Philister
zur schönen Welt hinaus.

Ich wollt', ich läg' jetztunder
im Himmel still und weit
und fragt' nach all' dem Plunder
nichts vor Zufriedenheit.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der verzweifelte Liebhaber", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
14. The despairing lover
Language: English 
 Studying will not help,
 my coat has no stitching left,
 my zither won't resonate:
 my beloved does not want me.
 
 I wish that on the green,
 the most beautiful woman were strolling,
 and that I were a dragon, and could carry her
 off with me through the blue skies.
 
 I wish I were decked out for the hunt
 and had my lance displayed;
 I would flush all the philistines
 out from this lovely world.
 
 I wish I were lying now
 in the calm, broad sky
 and did not need to think about anything
 but my contentment.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der verzweifelte Liebhaber", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 96

Translation © by Emily Ezust
15. Unfall
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich ging bei Nacht einst über Land,
ein Bürschlein traf ich draußen,
das hat 'nen Stutzen in der Hand
und zielt auf mich voll Grausen.

Ich renne, da ich mich erbos',
auf ihn in vollem Rasen,
da drückt das kecke Bürschlein los
und ich stürzt' auf die Nasen.

Er aber lacht mir ins Gesicht,
daß er mich angeschossen,
Cupido war der kleine Wicht
das hat mich sehr verdrossen.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Landreiter", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
15. Mishap
Language: English 
 Once I was walking in the country at night
 and met a young lad out there:
 he had a rifle in his hand
 and aimed it at me, full of menace.
 
 I ran at him - I was so angry -
 ran at him in full rage,
 but the saucy lad let loose
 and I fell on my nose.
 
 He laughed in my face
 for having shot me;
 Cupid was this little creature -
 and that has annoyed me to no end.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Landreiter", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe
    • Go to the text page.

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 79

Translation © by Emily Ezust
16. Liebesglück
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich hab' ein Liebchen lieb recht von Herzen,
Hellfrische Augen hat's wie zwei Kerzen,
Und wo sie spielend streifen das Feld,
Ach, wie so lustig glänzet die Welt!

Wie in der Waldnacht zwischen den Schlüften
Plötzlich die Täler sonnig sich klüften,
Funkeln die Ströme, rauscht himmelwärts
Blühende Wildnis - so ist mein Herz!

Wie vom Gebirge ins Meer zu schauen,
Wie wenn der Seefalk, hangend im Blauen,
Zuruft der dämmernden Erd', wo sie blieb? -
So unermesslich ist rechte Lieb'!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Glückliche", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
16. Happiness in love
Language: English 
I love a maiden with all my heart:
she has bright fresh eyes like two candles,
and wherever they playfully rest,
ah! how joyously gleams the world!

Just as in the dark woods, between ravines,
abruptly sparkle sunny gaps,
gleaming streams, and blossoming wildernesses
rustling heavenward - so it is in my heart!

Just as one gazes at the sea from the mountains,
just as the seahawk, gliding in the blue,
calls to the twilit earth where it lies:
so immeasurable is true love!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Der Glückliche", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe
    • Go to the text page.

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 83

Translation © by Emily Ezust
17. Seemanns Abschied
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ade, mein Schatz, du mocht'st mich nicht,
ich war dir zu geringe.
Einst wandelst du bei Mondenlicht 
und hörst ein süßes Klingen:
Ein Meerweib singt, die Nacht ist lau,
die stillen Wolken wandern,
da denk' an mich, 's ist meine Frau,
nun such' dir einen Andern!

Ade, ihr Landsknecht', Musketier'!
wir zieh'n auf wildem Roße,
das bäumt und überschlägt sich schier
vor manchem Felsenschloße.
Der Wassermann bei Blitzesschein
taucht auf in dunklen Nächten,
der Haifisch schnappt, die Möven schrei'n,
das ist ein lustig Fechten!

Streckt nur auf eurer Bärenhaut
daheim die faulen Glieder,
Gott Vater aus dem Fenster schaut,
schickt seine Sündflut wieder!
Feldwebel, Reiter, Musketier,
sie müssen all' ersaufen,
derweil mit frischem Winde wir
im Paradies einlaufen.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Seemanns Abschied", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
17. Seaman's Farewell
Language: English 
 Adieu, my love, you do not want me -
 I was too low for you.
 One day you will wander by moonlight
 and hear sweet sounds:
 a mermaid is singing, the night is mild, 
 the quiet clouds are drifting;
 you will think of me. It is my wife,
 so go find yourself someone else!
 
 Adieu, soldiers and musketeers!
 we ride a wild horse
 that rears up and almost flips over
 before many a rocky castle.
 The merman in the lightning flash
 surfaces in dark nights,
 the shark snaps and the seagulls cry:
 this is a merry struggle!
 
 Stretch out your lazy legs
 on your bearskin at home,
 Father God gazes out of his window
 and sends his Deluge again!
 Fieldmarshals, cavalrymen and musketeers,
 all must drown,
 while with a fresh wind 
 we will land in paradise.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Seemanns Abschied", appears in Gedichte, in 1. Wanderlieder
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 24
Word count: 135

Translation © by Emily Ezust
18. Erwartung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Grüß euch aus Herzensgrund:
zwei Augen hell und rein,
zwei Röslein auf dem Mund,
Kleid blank aus Sonnenschein!

Nachtigall klagt und weint,
wollüstig rauscht der Hain,
alles die Liebste meint:
wo weilt sie so allein?

Weil's draußen finster war,
sah ich viel hellern Schein,
jetzt ist es licht und klar,
ich muß im Dunkeln sein.

Sonne nicht steigen mag,
sieht so verschlafen drein,
wünschet den ganzen Tag,
daß wieder Nacht möcht' sein.

Liebe geht durch die Luft,
holt fern die Liebste ein;
fort über Berg und Kluft!
und sie wird doch noch mein!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Steckbrief", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
18. Expectation
Language: English 
I salute you from the bottom of my heart:
two eyes, bright and pure,
two little roses on your mouth,
your gown as lustrous as sunshine!

Nightingales fret and weep,
the grove rustles sensually,
and everything reminds me of my beloved:
where is she lingering so alone?

Even though it was dark outside
I saw much bright light;
now it is light and clear
but I must be in darkness.

The sun should not have risen,
for I only see it sleeping
as I wish the entire day
that it might be night again.

Love floats through the air,
to catch up with my beloved, far away;
go forth, beyond mountain and chasm!
and she shall yet again be mine!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Steckbrief", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe
    • Go to the text page.

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 120

Translation © by Emily Ezust
19. Die Nacht
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nacht ist wie ein stilles Meer,
Lust und Leid und Liebesklagen
Kommen so verworren her
In dem linden Wellenschlagen.

Wünsche wie die Wolken sind,
Schiffen durch die stillen Räume,
Wer erkennt im lauen Wind,
Ob's Gedanken oder Träume? --

Schließ' ich nun auch Herz und Mund,
Die so gern den Sternen klagen:
Leise doch im Herzensgrund
Bleibt das linde Wellenschlagen.

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Die Nachtblume", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe, first published 1833

See other settings of this text.

Confirmed with Joseph von Eichendorff, Sämtliche Gedichte und Versepen, Frankfurt am Main und Leipzig: Insel Verlag, 2001, page 299. First published in Dichter und ihre Gesellen, 1833

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
19. Night is like a quiet sea
Language: English 
 Night is like a quiet sea:
 joy and sorrow and the laments of love
 become tangled up
 in the gentle throbbing of the waves.
 
 Desires are like clouds
 that sail through the quiet space:
 who can recognize in the mild wind
 whether they are thoughts or dreams?
 
 Even if my heart and mouth now are closed,
 that once so easily lamented to the stars,
 still, at the bottom of my heart
 there remains the gentle throbbing of those waves.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Die Nachtblume", appears in Gedichte, in 4. Frühling und Liebe, first published 1833
    • Go to the text page.

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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 79

Translation © by Emily Ezust
20. Waldmädchen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Bin ein Feuer hell, das lodert
Von dem grünen Felsenkranz,
Seewind ist mein Buhl' und fordert
Mich zum lust'gen Wirbeltanz,
Kommt und wechselt unbeständig,
Steigend wild, 
Neigend mild,
Meine schlanken Lohen wend' ich:
Komm nicht nah' mir, ich verbrenn' dich!

Wo die wilden Bäche rauschen 
Und die hohen Palmen stehn,
Wenn die Jäger heimlich lauschen,
Viele Rehe einsam gehn.
Bin ein Reh, flieg' durch die Trümmer,
Über die Höh',
Wo im Schnee
Still die letzten Gipfel schimmern,
Folg' mir nicht, erjagst mich nimmer!

Bin ein Vöglein in den Lüften,
Schwing' mich übers blaue Meer,
Durch die Wolken von den Klüften
Fliegt kein Pfeil mehr bis hieher.
Und die Au'n, die Felsenbogen,
Waldeseinsamkeit 
Weit, wie weit, 
Sind versunken in die Wogen --
Ach, ich habe mich verflogen!

Text Authorship:

  • by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Waldmädchen", appears in Gedichte, in 7. Romanzen

See other settings of this text.

by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857)
20. Forest girl
Language: English 
I am a bright fire blazing
from the green rocky wreath;
the sea wind is my lover and 
summons me to a lusty whirlwind dance.
Constantly moving and changing,
rising wildly, 
bending gently,
I turn my slim blaze:
do not come near me - I'll burn you!

Where the wild brooks roar
and the lofty palms stand,
when the hunter listens secretly,
many deer wander alone.
I am a deer, fleeing through the rubble,
across the heights, 
where in the snow
the last summits glimmer mutely;
do not follow me, do not ever try to hunt me! 

I am a little bird in the sky,
soaring across the blue lake;
through the clouds of the ravine
no arrow flies behind me.
And the floodplains, the rocky arch,
as wide as the lonely forest,
so wide! 
I have sunk into the waves,
ah, I have evaporated!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Emily Ezust

    Emily Ezust permits her translations to be reproduced without prior permission for printed (not online) programs to free-admission concerts only, provided the following credit is given:

    Translation copyright © by Emily Ezust,
    from the LiederNet Archive

    For any other purpose, please write to the e-mail address below to request permission and discuss possible fees.
    licenses@email.lieder.example.net

Based on:

  • a text in German (Deutsch) by Joseph Karl Benedikt, Freiherr von Eichendorff (1788 - 1857), "Waldmädchen", appears in Gedichte, in 7. Romanzen
    • Go to the text page.

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 27
Word count: 144

Translation © by Emily Ezust
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This website began in 1995 as a personal project by Emily Ezust, who has been working on it full-time without a salary since 2008. Our research has never had any government or institutional funding, so if you found the information here useful, please consider making a donation. Your help is greatly appreciated!
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