English translation of Wiegenlied im Kahn

by Walter von Goethe (1817 - 1885), "Wiegenlied im Kahn", op. 5 (Vier Gesänge) no. 4, published 1840 [ voice and piano ], Hannover: Nagel

Note: this is a translation of one multi-text setting.

Schlaf sanft und wohl, mein liebes Kind, 
Dieweil die Engel bei dir sind;
Sie sehen Gottes Angesicht; 
Sie wachen hier und schlummern nicht.

 ...

Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author, "Wiegenlied"

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Confirmed with Sammlung Geistlicher Lieder. Nebst einem Anhang von Gebeten, Basel: bei C.F. Spittler, 1831, pages 277-278.


Researcher for this page: Sharon Krebs [Senior Associate Editor]
Fahr leis und leicht mein kleiner Kahn, 
Dir sind die Wogen unterthan. 
Maria sendet ihren Stern, 
Sie schützt des Kindes Schlummer gern. 

Und wenn wir einst im Hafen sind, 
Dann sind wir all' noch einmal Kind, 
Und uns're Wiege war die Welt, 
Bey der Maria Wache hält.

Text Authorship:

  • by Anonymous / Unidentified Author

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Researcher for this page: Sharon Krebs [Senior Associate Editor]
Author(s): Anonymous/Unidentified Artist 
Sleep softly and well, my dear child,
Since the angels are with you;
They see the face of God;
They keep watch here and do not slumber.

 ...

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2025 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
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Go quietly and lightly, my little barque.
The waves are subservient to you.
The Virgin Mary sends her star,
She gladly protects the child's slumber.

And when we are someday in the harbour,
Then we are all a child again,
And our cradle was the world,
Beside which the Virgin Mary kept watch.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © 2025 by Sharon Krebs, (re)printed on this website with kind permission. To reprint and distribute this author's work for concert programs, CD booklets, etc., you may ask the copyright-holder(s) directly or ask us; we are authorized to grant permission on their behalf. Please provide the translator's name when contacting us.
    Contact: 

Based on:

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Translation © by Sharon Krebs