English translations of Neun Lieder und Gesänge, opus 32

by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897)

Return to the original list

1. Wie rafft' ich mich auf in der Nacht
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Wie rafft' ich mich auf in der Nacht", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 1 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie rafft' ich mich auf in der Nacht, in der Nacht,
Und fühlte mich fürder gezogen,
Die Gassen verließ ich vom Wächter bewacht,
Durchwandelte sacht
In der Nacht, in der Nacht,
Das Tor mit dem gotischen Bogen.

Der Mühlbach rauschte durch felsigen Schacht,
Ich lehnte mich über die Brücke,
Tief unter mir nahm ich der Wogen in Acht,
Die wallten so sacht,
In der Nacht, in der Nacht,
Doch wallte nicht eine zurücke.

Es drehte sich oben, unzählig entfacht,
Melodischer Wandel der Sterne,
Mit ihnen der Mond in beruhigter Pracht,
Sie funkelten sacht
In der Nacht, in der Nacht,
Durch täuschend entlegene Ferne.

Ich blickte hinauf in der Nacht, in der Nacht,
Und blickte hinunter aufs neue:
O wehe, wie hast du die Tage verbracht,
Nun stille du sacht
In der Nacht, in der Nacht,
Im pochenden Herzen die Reue!

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by August von Platen-Hallermünde (1796 - 1835)
1. How I roused myself in the night
Language: English 
Oh, how I roused myself in the night, in the night,
And felt myself drawn farther;
I left the alleys, guarded by the watchmen,
And wandered through quietly,
In the night, in the night,
The gate with the gothic arch.

The millbrook rushed through the rocky gorge,
I leaned over the bridge,
Observing far below me the waves,
Which rolled so quietly,
In the night, in the night,
Yet never did one roll back.

Overhead wanders the infinite, flickering,
melodic traffic of the stars,
With them, the moon in calm splendor;
They gleam quietly
In the night, in the night,
At a deceptively remote distance.

I gaze up into the night, in the night,
And gaze down again anew:
Alas, how have you spent the day!
Now, softly you try to still, 
In the night, in the night,
the remorse of your pounding 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.


Based on:

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: 144

Translation © by Emily Ezust
2. Nicht mehr zu dir zu gehen
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Nicht mehr zu dir zu gehen", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 2 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nicht mehr zu dir zu gehen
Beschloß ich und beschwor ich,
Und gehe jeden Abend,
Denn jede Kraft und jeden Halt verlor ich.

Ich möchte nicht mehr leben,
Möcht' augenblicks verderben,
Und möchte doch auch leben
Für dich, mit dir, und nimmer, nimmer sterben.

Ach, rede, sprich ein Wort nur,
Ein einziges, ein klares;
Gib Leben oder Tod mir,
Nur dein Gefühl enthülle mir, dein wahres!

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Georg Friedrich Daumer (1800 - 1875)
2. To visit you no longer
Language: English 
To visit you no longer
Did I resolve and swear. 
Yet I go to you each evening,
For all strength and resolve have I lost.

I long to live no longer,
I long to perish instantly
And yet I also long to live
For you, with you, and never, never die.

Ah, speak, say only one word,
A single word, a clear one;
Give me life or death,
Only reveal your feelings to me - your true feelings!

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.


Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2003-11-04
Line count: 12
Word count: 77

Translation © by Emily Ezust
3. Ich schleich' umher
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Ich schleich' umher", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 3 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich schleich umher, 
Betrübt und stumm,
Du fragst, o frage 
Mich nicht, warum?
Das Herz erschüttert
So manche Pein!
Und könnt' ich je
Zu düster sein?

Der Baum verdorrt,
Der Duft vergeht, 
Die Blätter liegen
So gelb im Beet,
Es stürmt ein Schauer
Mit Macht herein,
Und könnt ich je
Zu düster sein?

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by August von Platen-Hallermünde (1796 - 1835)
3. I creep about
Language: English 
I creep about, 
sad and mute. 
You ask, o ask 
me not, why?
My heart shakes 
with so much pain!
Could I ever be 
too gloomy?

The tree withers and dies, 
the breeze fades away,
The leaves lie 
so yellow in the yard,
A shower storms 
with might toward us;
Could I ever be
too gloomy?

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.


Based on:

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: 56

Translation © by Emily Ezust
4. Der Strom, der neben mir verrauschte
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Der Strom, der neben mir verrauschte", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 4 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Strom, der neben mir verrauschte, wo ist er nun?
Der Vogel, dessen Lied ich lauschte, wo ist er nun?
Wo ist die Rose, die die Freundin am Herzen trug? 
Und jener Kuß, der mich berauschte, wo ist er nun?
Und jener Mensch, der ich gewesen, und den ich längst
Mit einem andern ich vertauschte, wo ist er nun?

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by August von Platen-Hallermünde (1796 - 1835)
4. The stream that rolled past me
Language: English 
The stream that rolled past me, where is it now?
The bird to whose song I listened, where is it now?
Where is the rose that my sweetheart wore on her heart?
And that kiss that intoxicated me, where is it now?
And that man that I once was, whom long ago I exchanged
for another self - where is he now?

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.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 6
Word count: 61

Translation © by Emily Ezust
5. Wehe, so willst du mich wieder
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Wehe, so willst du mich wieder", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 5 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wehe, so willst du mich wieder,
Hemmende Fessel, umfangen?
Auf, und hinaus in die Luft!
Ströme der Seele Verlangen,
Ström' es in brausende Lieder,
Saugend ätherischen Duft!

Strebe dem Wind nur entgegen
Daß er die Wange dir kühle,
Grüße den Himmel mit Lust!
Werden sich bange Gefühle
Im Unermeßlichen regen?
Athme den Feind aus der Brust!

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by August von Platen-Hallermünde (1796 - 1835)
5. Alas, so you would again
Language: English 
Alas, so you would again,
You hindering shackles, imprison me?
Up and out into the air!
Out streams the longing of the soul,
flowing out in clamorous songs,
Inhaling ethereal fragrances!

Struggle against the wind,
That it might cool your cheeks,
Greet the heavens with joy!
Will timid emotions
Move you as you gaze upon the Infinite?
Exhale the foe from out of your breast!

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.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 65

Translation © by Emily Ezust
6. Du sprichst, daß ich mich täuschte
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Du sprichst, daß ich mich täuschte", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 6 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Du sprichst, daß ich mich täuschte,
Beschworst es hoch und hehr,
Ich weiß ja doch, du liebtest,
Allein du liebst nicht mehr!

Dein schönes Auge brannte,
Die Küsse brannten sehr,
Du liebtest mich, bekenn es,
Allein du liebst nicht mehr!

Ich zähle nicht auf neue,
Getreue Wiederkehr;
Gesteh nur, daß du liebtest,
Und liebe mich nicht mehr!

Text Authorship:

See other settings of this text.

by August von Platen-Hallermünde (1796 - 1835)
6. You say that I deluded myself
Language: English 
You say that I deluded myself,
You swear it imposingly;
I know however, that you loved me,
Only now you love me no more.

Your lovely eyes glowed bright,
Your kisses burned greatly;
You loved me, confess it,
Only now you love me no more!

I count on nothing new,
No return to faithfulness;
Just admit that you did love,
And now love me no more!

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.


Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 66

Translation © by Emily Ezust
7. Bitteres zu sagen denkst du
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Bitteres zu sagen denkst du", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 7 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  Bitteres zu sagen denkst du;
Aber nun und nimmer kränkst du,
Ob du noch so böse bist.
Deine herben Redetaten
Scheitern an korallner Klippe,
Werden all zu reinen Gnaden,
Denn sie müssen, um zu schaden,
Schiffen über eine Lippe,
Die die Süße selber ist.

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Georg Friedrich Daumer (1800 - 1875)
7. You are thinking of something bitter to say
Language: English 
You are thinking of something bitter to say [to me]
But neither now nor ever might you cause offence,
Although you are so angry.
Your sharp speech
Founders on coral rocks,
And becomes pure grace,
For it must, in order to cause shame,
Sail over a pair of lips
Which is Sweetness itself.

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.


Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2003-11-04
Line count: 9
Word count: 53

Translation © by Emily Ezust
8. So stehn wir, ich und meine Weide
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "So stehn wir, ich und meine Weide", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 8 (1864), published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
  So steh'n wir, ich und meine Weide,
So leider mit einander beide:

  Nie kann ich ihr was thun zu Liebe,
Nie kann sie mir was thun zu Leide.

  Sie kränket es, wenn ich die Stirn ihr
Mit einem Diadem bekleide;

  Ich danke selbst, wie für ein Lächeln
Der Huld, für ihre Zornbescheide.

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Georg Friedrich Daumer (1800 - 1875)
8. So we stand, I and my mistress
Language: English 
 So we stand, I and my mistress,
 So unfortunate with each other!

 Never can I do anything to please her;
 Never can she do anything to pain me.

 It hurts her feelings when upon her brow
 I adorn her with a diadem;

 I myself am thankful, as much for a smile
 of favor, as for a furious reply.

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.


Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2003-11-04
Line count: 8
Word count: 59

Translation © by Emily Ezust
9. Wie bist du, meine Königin
 (Sung text)
by Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897), "Wie bist du, meine Königin", op. 32 (Neun Lieder und Gesänge) no. 9, published 1865 [ voice and piano ], Winterthur, Rieter-Biedermann
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie bist du, meine Königin,
  Durch sanfte Güte wonnevoll!
Du lächle nur -- Lenzdüfte weh'n
  Durch mein Gemüte wonnevoll.

Frisch aufgeblühter Rosen Glanz,
  Vergleich ich ihn dem deinigen?
Ach, über alles, was da blüht,
  Ist deine Blüthe wonnevoll!

Durch tote Wüsten wandle hin,
  Und grüne Schatten breiten sich,
Ob fürchterliche Schwüle dort
  Ohn' Ende brüte, wonnevoll.

Laß mich vergeh'n in deinem Arm!
  Es ist ihm ja selbst der Tod,
Ob auch die herbste Todesqual
  Die Brust durchwüte, wonnevoll.

Text Authorship:

Based on:

See other settings of this text.

by Georg Friedrich Daumer (1800 - 1875)
9. How blissful you are, my queen
Language: English 
How blissful you are, my queen,
When you are gentle and good!
Merely smile, and spring fragrance wafts
Through my spirit blissfully!

The brightness of freshly blooming roses,
Shall I compare it to yours?
Ah, soaring over all that blooms
Is your bloom, blissful!

Wander through dead wastelands,
And green shadows will be spreading,
Even if fearful sultriness
Broods there without end... blissfully!

Let me die in your arms!
It is in them that Death itself,
Even if the sharpest pain
Rages in my breast... is blissful!

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.


Based on:

Based on:

Go to the general single-text view


This text was added to the website: 2003-11-04
Line count: 16
Word count: 87

Translation © by Emily Ezust