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Acht Volkslieder
Translations © by Bertram Kottmann
Song Cycle by (Edward) Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976)
View original-language texts alone: 8 Folk Song Arrangements
1. Lord! I married me a wife
Language: English
Lord! I married me a wife! She gave me trouble all my life! Made me work in the cold rain and snow.
1.
Language: German (Deutsch)
Gott! Mein Weib - kein guter Fang! Sie plagte mich ein Leben lang! Ließ mich schuften in Regen und Schnee.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from English to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in English from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 3
Word count: 19
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
2. She's like the swallow
Language: English
She's like the swallow that flies so high, She's like the river that never runs dry, She's like the sunshine on the lee shore, I love my love and love is no more. 'Twas out in the garden this fair maid did go, A-picking the beautiful primerose; The more she pluck'd the more she pulled Until she got her aperon full. It's out of those roses she made a bed, A stony pillow for her head. She laid her down, no word did say, Until this fair maid's heart did break. She's like the swallow that flies so high, She's like the river that never runs dry, She's like the sunshine on the lee shore, I love my love and love is no more.
2. Sie gleicht einer Schwalbe
Language: German (Deutsch)
Sie gleicht einer Schwalbe, die weit oben fliegt, sie gleicht einem Fluss, der nie versiegt, sie ist wie Sonn’licht am windstillen Strand Ich liebe mein Lieb, doch ein Ende es fand. Feins Mädel ging in den Garten hinaus, die leuchtende Primel zu pflücken je mehr sie pflückte, desto mehr zog sie raus, das tat ihren Schurz entzücken. Aus Rosen bereit’ sie ihr Lager fein zum Kissen wurde ihr ein Stein. sie legte sich hin, kein Wort mehr sie sprach, bis es feins Mädel das Herz zerbrach. Sie gleicht einer Schwalbe, die weit oben fliegt, sie gleicht einem Fluss, der nie versiegt, sie ist wie Sonn’licht am windstillen Strand Ich liebe mein Lieb, doch ein Ende es fand.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from English to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in English from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 16
Word count: 117
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
3. Lemady
Language: English
One midsummer's morn as I were a-walking The fields and the meadows were covered with green, The birds a-sweetly singing so pleasant and so charming, So early in the morning by the break of the day. Arise, arise, go pluck your love a posy of the prettiest flowers that grows in yonder green. O yes I'll arise and pluck lilies, pinks and roses All for my dearest Lemady, the girl I adore. O Lemady, O Lemady what a lovely lass thou art Thou art the fairest creature that ever my eye did see! I'll play you a tune all on the pipes of ivory So early in the morning by the break of the day.
3. Lemady
Language: German (Deutsch)
Eines Sommermorgens, ich ging für mich hin, standen Felder und Auen in sattem Grün. Es sangen die Vögel so lieblich im Hag an diesem Morgen vor Tau und Tag. Steh’ auf, steh’ auf, pflück ein Sträußchen dem Schatz aus den schönsten Blumen am grünen Platz. Ja, ich steh’ auf, pflück’ Lilien, Nelken und Rosen meiner liebsten Lemady, die ich gern würde kosen. Lemady, Lemady, wie lieblich du bist, das schönste Geschöpf, das auf Erden ist! Auf Elfenbeinpfeifen dir zu spielen ich wag an diesem Morgen vor Tau und Tag.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from English to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in English from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 12
Word count: 89
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
4. Bonny at morn
Language: Scottish (Scots)
The sheep's in the meadows,
The kye's in the corn,
Thou's ower lang in thy bed,
Bonny at morn,
Canny at night,
Thou's ower lang in thy bed,
Bonny at morn.
The bird's in the nest,
The trout's in the burn;
Thou hinders thy mother
In many a turn.
Canny at night,
Bonny at morn,
Thou's ower lang in thy bed,
Bonny at morn.
We're all laid idle
Wi' keeping the bairn,
The lad winnot work
And the lass winnot lairn.
Canny at night,
Bonny at morn,
Thou's ower lang in thy bed,
Bonny at morn.
4. Niedlich am Morgen
Language: German (Deutsch)
Auf der Weide die Schafe, das Vieh im Korn, du bleibst zu lang im Bett - niedlich am Morgen. Schön am Abend, niedlich am Morgen, du bleibst zu lang im Bett - niedlich am Morgen. Der Vogel im Nest, die Forelle im Bach, du hältst deine Mutter von jeder Arbeit ab. Schön am Abend, niedlich am Morgen, du bleibst zu lang im Bett - niedlich am Morgen. Wir können alle nichts tun, weil wir das Kind hüten: der Bursche wird nicht arbeiten und das Mädel nicht lernen Schön am Abend, niedlich am Morgen, du bleibst zu lang im Bett - niedlich am Morgen.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from Scottish (Scots) to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in Scottish (Scots) from Volkslieder (Folksongs) , "Bonny at Morn"
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 15
Word count: 99
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
5. Bugeilio'r Gwenith Gwyn
Language: Welsh (Cymraeg)
My sy'n fachgen ifanc ffôl Yn caru'n ôl fy ffansi, Myfi'n bugeilio'r gwenith gwyn, Ac arall yn ei fedi. Pam na ddeui ar fy ôl Rhyw ddydd ar ôl ei gilydd? Gwaith 'rwy'n dy weld, y feinir fach, Yn lanach, lanach beunydd. Tra bo dwr y môr yn hallt, A thra bo'ngwallt yn tyfu; A thra bo calon yn fy mron, Mi fyddai'n ffyddlon iti. Dywed imi'r gwir heb gêl, A rho dan sêl d'atebion: P'run ai myfi, ai arall, Gwen, Sydd orau gen dy galon?
5. Den weißen Weizen hüten
Language: German (Deutsch)
Bin ein Bursche, schlicht und jung, der nichts als Lieb’ begehret; ich schau dem weißen Weizen zu - die Ernt’ ist mir verwehret. Warum denn willst du nicht mit mir geh’n irgendwann im Leben? Wenn ich dich seh’, kann schöner ich dich jedes Mal erleben. Solang das Meer noch salzig schmeckt, solang mir wachsen Haare, solang in mir ein Herz noch schlägt, ich dich im Herz bewahre. Sag es mir, Gwen, sag frank und frei, dass du an mich nur denkest, und halte fest, dass es so sei, und mir dein Herz du schenkest.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from Welsh (Cymraeg) to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in Welsh (Cymraeg) from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 16
Word count: 93
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
6. Dafydd y Garreg Wen
Language: Welsh (Cymraeg)
"Cariwch", medd Dafydd, "Fy nhelyn imi, Ceisiaf cyn marw roi tôn arni hi Codwch fy nwylo i gyrraedd y tant; Duw a'ch bendithio, fy ngweddw a'm plant. Llifai'r alawon o'r tannau yn lli, Melys oedd ceinciau fy nhelyn i mi. Nid oes a erys o'r afiaith a'r tân; Gwywodd yr awen, a thawodd y gân. Neithiwr mi glywais lais angel fel hyn: -- Dafydd, tyrd adref, a channa trwy'r glyn. -- Delyn fy mebyd! ffarwel i dy dant. Duw a'ch bendithio, fy ngweddw a'm plant."
by John Ceiriog Hughes (1832 - 1887)
6. David vom weißen Stein
Language: German (Deutsch)
Holt mir, rief David, die Harfe herbei, dass ich sie spiele, eh’s mit mir vorbei. Helft zu den Saiten mir auf meine Hand Gott segne mein Weib und die mir verwandt. Einst flossen Weisen aus Saiten zum Meer, süß in die Lüfte, doch nun nimmermehr. Kein Feuer mehr in mir, noch Überschwang. Verblüht meine Muse, mein Spiel und mein Sang. Heut’ Nacht ein Engel im Traum mir befahl: David, kehr heim und zieh’ spielend durchs Tal - letztmals die Harfe klingt aus meiner Hand. Gott segne mein Weib und die mir verwandt.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from Welsh (Cymraeg) to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in Welsh (Cymraeg) by John Ceiriog Hughes (1832 - 1887)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 12
Word count: 91
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
7. The False Knight upon the road
Language: English
The knight met the child in the road. O where are you going to? said the knight in the road. I am going to my school, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. I am going to my school, said the child as he stood. O what are you going there for? said the knight in the road. For to learn the Word of God, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. For to learn the Word of God, said the child as he stood. O what have you got there? said the knight in the road. I have got my bread and cheese, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. I have got my bread and cheese, said the child as he stood. O won't you give me some? said the knight in the road. No, ne'er a bite nor crumb, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. No, ne'er a bite nor crumb, said the child as he stood. I wish you was on the sands, said the knight in the road. Yes, and a good staff in my hands, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. Yes, and a good staff in my hands, said the child as he stood. I wish you was in the sea, said the knight in the road. Yes, and a good boat under me, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. Yes, and a good boat under me, said the child as he stood. I think I hear a bell, said the knight in the road. Yes, and it's ringing you to hell, said the child as he stood. He stood and he stood and it's well because he stood. Yes, and it's ringing you to hell, said the child as he stood.
7. Der falsche Ritter am Weg
Language: German (Deutsch)
Am Weg traf der Ritter das Kind. O, wo geht es denn hin, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Zur Schule geht’s geschwind, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Zur Schule geht’s geschwind, sprach am Wege das Kind. Warum geht’s zur Schule geschwind, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Weil Gottes Wort ich dort find’, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Weil Gottes Wort ich dort find’, sprach am Wege das Kind. O, was hast du denn da, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Ich habe Käse und Brot, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Ich habe Käse und Brot, sprach am Wege das Kind. O, gibst du mir davon, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Keinen Bissen davon, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Keinen Bissen davon, sprach am Wege das Kind. Ich wünsche, du wärst im Sand, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Ja, mit ’nem Stock in der Hand, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Ja, mit ’nem Stock in der Hand, sprach am Wege das Kind. Ich wünsche, du wärst im Meer, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Auf ’nem Schiff wär das kein Beschwer, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Auf ’nem Schiff wär das kein Beschwer, sprach am Wege das Kind . Ich mein’, es läutet hier, sprach der Ritter zum Kind. Ja, es läutet zur Hölle dir, sprach am Wege das Kind. Es stand, und es stand, es war gut, weil es stand. Ja, es läutet zur Hölle dir, sprach am Wege das Kind.
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from English to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in English from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 50
Word count: 305
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann
8. Bird Scarer's song
Language: English
Shoo all 'er birds you be so black, When I lay down to have a nap. Shoo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo birds. Hi shoo all 'er birds! Out of master's ground into Tom Tucker's ground, Out of Tom Tucker's ground into Luke Coles's ground Out of Luke Coles's ground into Bill Veater's ground. Shoo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo arlo birds. Ha! Ha!
8. Vogelscheuchenlied
Language: German (Deutsch)
Husch, all ihr schwarzen Vögel, weg, wenn ich zum Schläfchen mich hinleg’. Husch, husch, fort, fort, ihr Vögel. Fort mit euch, ihr Vögel! Fort aus meines Herren Grund, fliegt zu Tom Tuckers Grund fort aus Tom Tuckers Grund, fliegt zu Luke Coles Grund, fort aus Luke Coles Grund, fliegt zu Bill Veaters Grund. Husch, husch, fort, fort, ihr Vögel. Ha, ha!
Text Authorship:
- Singable translation from English to German (Deutsch) copyright © 2015 by Bertram Kottmann, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you must ask the copyright-holder(s) directly for permission. If you receive no response, you must consider it a refusal.
Bertram Kottmann. Contact: BKottmann (AT) t-online.de
If you wish to commission a new translation, please contact: licenses@email.lieder.example.net
Based on:
- a text in English from Volkslieder (Folksongs)
Go to the general single-text view
This text was added to the website: 2015-09-09
Line count: 9
Word count: 61
Translation © by Bertram Kottmann