Winter journey

Translations © by Arthur Rishi

Song Cycle by Franz Peter Schubert (1797 - 1828)

View original-language texts alone: Winterreise

1. Gute Nacht
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Fremd bin ich eingezogen,
Fremd zieh' ich wieder aus.
Der Mai war mir gewogen
Mit manchem Blumenstrauß.
Das Mädchen sprach von Liebe,
Die Mutter gar von Eh' -
Nun ist die Welt so trübe,
Der Weg gehüllt in Schnee.

Ich kann zu meiner Reisen
Nicht wählen mit der Zeit:
Muß selbst den Weg mir weisen
In dieser Dunkelheit.
Es zieht ein Mondenschatten
Als mein Gefährte mit,
Und auf den weißen Matten
Such' ich des Wildes Tritt.

Was soll ich länger weilen,
Daß man mich trieb' hinaus?
Laß irre Hunde heulen
Vor ihres Herren Haus!
Die Liebe liebt das Wandern, -
Gott hat sie so gemacht -
Von Einem zu dem Andern -
Fein Liebchen, gute Nacht!

Will dich im Traum nicht stören,
Wär' Schad' um deine Ruh',
Sollst meinen Tritt nicht hören -
Sacht, sacht die Thüre zu!
Schreib' im Vorübergehen
An's Thor dir gute Nacht,
Damit du mögest sehen,
An dich hab' ich gedacht.

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First published in Urania (see above) with the title "Gute Nacht!" as no. 1 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
1. Good Night
Language: English 
As a stranger I arrived,
As a stranger again I leave.
May was kind to me
With many bunches of flowers.
The girl spoke of love,
Her mother even of marriage, -
Now the world is bleak,
The path covered by snow.

I cannot choose the time
Of my departure;
I must find my own way
In this darkness.
With a shadow cast by the moonlight
As my traveling companion
I'll search for animal tracks
On the white fields.

Why should I linger, waiting
Until I am driven out?
Let stray dogs howl
Outside their master's house;
Love loves to wander
God has made her so
From one to the other.
Dear love, good night!

I will not disturb you in your dreaming,
It would be a pity to disturb your rest;
You shall not hear my footsteps
Softly, softly shut the door!
On my way out I'll write
"Good Night" on the gate,
So that you may see
That I have thought of you.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 32
Word count: 164

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
2. Die Wetterfahne
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Wind spielt mit der Wetterfahne
Auf meines schönen Liebchens Haus.
Da dacht' ich schon in meinem Wahne,
Sie pfiff' den armen Flüchtling aus.

Er hätt' es eher bemerken sollen,
Des Hauses aufgestecktes Schild,
So hätt' er nimmer suchen wollen
Im Haus' ein treues Frauenbild.

Der Wind spielt drinnen mit den Herzen,
Wie auf dem Dach, nur nicht so laut.
Was fragen sie nach meinen Schmerzen?
Ihr Kind ist eine reiche Braut.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 2 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
2. The weather-vane
Language: English 
The wind plays with the weathervane
Atop my beautiful beloved's house.
In my delusion I thought
It was whistling at the poor fugitive.

If he had seen it before,
The crest above the house,
Then he never would have looked for
A woman's fidelity in that house.

The wind plays with hearts within
As on the roof, but not so loudly.
What is my suffering to them?
Their child is a rich bride.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 12
Word count: 73

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
3. Gefrorne Tränen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Gefrorne Tropfen fallen
Von meinen Wangen ab:
Ob es mir denn entgangen, 
Daß ich geweinet hab'?

Ei Thränen, meine Thränen, 
Und seid ihr gar so lau,
Daß ihr erstarrt zu Eise,
Wie kühler Morgenthau?

Und dringt doch aus der Quelle 
Der Brust so glühend heiß,
Als wolltet ihr zerschmelzen 
Des ganzen Winters Eis.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 3 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

Note for stanza 3, line 1: in the repetition, "Und" becomes "Ihr" in Schubert's song.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
3. Frozen tears
Language: English 
Frozen tear drops 
fall from my cheeks:
Can it be that, without knowing it, 
I have been weeping?

O tears, my tears, 
are you so lukewarm,
That you turn to ice 
like cold morning dew? 

Yet you spring from a source, 
my breast, so burning hot,
As if you wanted to melt
 all of the ice of winter!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 12
Word count: 58

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
4. Erstarrung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich such' im Schnee vergebens
Nach ihrer Tritte Spur,
Wo sie an meinem Arme 
 Durchstrich die grüne Flur.

Ich will den Boden küssen,
Durchdringen Eis und Schnee
Mit meinen heißen Thränen,
Bis ich die Erde seh'.

Wo find' ich eine Blüthe,
Wo find' ich grünes Gras?
Die Blumen sind erstorben,
Der Rasen sieht so blaß.

Soll denn kein Angedenken
Ich nehmen mit von hier?
Wenn meine Schmerzen schweigen,
Wer sagt mir dann von ihr?

Mein Herz ist wie erstorben,
Kalt starrt ihr Bild darin:
Schmilzt je das Herz mir wieder,
Fließt auch ihr Bild dahin.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 4 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
4. Numbness
Language: English 
I search in the snow in vain
For a trace of her footsteps
When she, on my arm,
Wandered about the green field.

I want to kiss the ground,
Piercing the ice and snow
With my hot tears,
Until I see the earth below.

Where will I find a blossom?
Where will I find green grass?
The flowers are dead,
The turf is so pale.

Is there then no souvenir
To carry with me from here?
When my pain is stilled,
What will speak to me of her?

My heart is as if [frozen]1,
Her image is cold within,
If my heart should one day thaw,
So too would her image melt away!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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1 Schubert's version: "dead"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 115

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
5. Der Lindenbaum
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Am Brunnen vor dem Thore
Da steht ein Lindenbaum:
Ich träumt' in seinem Schatten
So manchen süßen Traum.

Ich schnitt in seine Rinde
So manches liebe Wort;
Es zog in Freud' und Leide
Zu ihm mich immer fort.

Ich mußt' auch heute wandern
Vorbei in tiefer Nacht,
Da hab' ich noch im Dunkeln
Die Augen zugemacht.

Und seine Zweige rauschten,
Als riefen sie mir zu:
Komm her zu mir, Geselle,
Hier findst du deine Ruh'!

Die kalten Winde bliesen
Mir grad' in's Angesicht,
Der Hut flog mir vom Kopfe,
Ich wendete mich nicht.

Nun bin ich manche Stunde
Entfernt von jenem Ort,
Und immer hör' ich's rauschen:
Du fändest Ruhe dort!

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 5 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
5. The linden tree
Language: English 
By the fountain, near the gate,
There stands a linden tree;
I have dreamt in its shadows
So many sweet dreams.

I carved on its bark
So many loving words;
I was always drawn to it,
Whether in joy or in sorrow.

Today, too, I had to pass it
In the dead of night.
And even in the darkness
I had to close my eyes.

And its branches rustled
As if calling to me:
"Come here, to me, friend,
Here you will find your peace!"

The frigid wind blew
Straight in my face,
My hat flew from my head,
I did not turn back.

Now I am many hours
Away from that spot,
And still I hear the rustling:
There you would have found peace!

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 24
Word count: 125

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6. Wasserflut
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Manche Thrän' aus meinen Augen
Ist gefallen in den Schnee;
Seine kalten Flocken saugen
Durstig ein das heiße Weh.

Wenn die Gräser sprossen wollen,
Weht daher ein lauer Wind,
Und das Eis zerspringt in Schollen,
Und der weiche Schnee zerrinnt.

Schnee, du weißt von meinem Sehnen:
Sag, wohin doch geht dein Lauf?
Folge nach nur meinen Thränen,
Nimmt dich bald das Bächlein auf.

Wirst mit ihm die Stadt durchziehen,
Muntre Straßen ein und aus:
Fühlst du meine Thränen glühen,
Da ist meiner Liebsten Haus.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 6 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
6. Torrent
Language: English 
Many tears from my eyes
Have fallen into the snow;
Whose icy flakes thirstily drink
My burning grief.

When the grass begins to sprout,
A mild wind will blow there,
And the ice will break up
And the snow will melt.

Snow, you know my longing,
Tell me, to where will you run?
Just follow my tears
And then before long the brook will take you in.

It will take you through the town,
In and out of the lively streets.
When you feel my tears glow,
That will be my beloved's house.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 16
Word count: 93

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
7. Auf dem Flusse
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der du so lustig rauschtest,
Du heller, wilder Fluß,
Wie still bist du geworden,
Giebst keinen Scheidegruß.

Mit harter, starrer Rinde
Hast du dich überdeckt,
Liegst kalt und unbeweglich
Im Sande ausgestreckt.

In deine Decke grab' ich
Mit einem spitzen Stein
Den Namen meiner Liebsten
Und Stund' und Tag hinein:

Den Tag des ersten Grußes,
Den Tag, an dem ich ging,
Um Nam' und Zahlen windet
Sich ein zerbrochner Ring.

Mein Herz, in diesem Bache
Erkennst du nun dein Bild?
Ob's unter seiner Rinde
Wohl auch so reißend schwillt?

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 7 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
7. On the stream
Language: English 
You who rushed along so merrily,
You clear, wild stream,
How quiet you have become,
You offer no parting words.

With a hard, solid crust
You have clothed yourself.
You lie cold and motionless
Stretched out in the sand.

On your surface I carve
With a sharp stone
The name of my beloved
And the hour and the day:

The day of our first meeting,
The day I went away:
Name and numbers entwined
By a broken ring.

My heart, in this brook
Do you recognize your own image?
Is there, under your surface, too,
A surging torrent?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 20
Word count: 98

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
8. Rückblick
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es brennt mir unter beiden Sohlen,
Tret' ich auch schon auf Eis und Schnee.
Ich möcht' nicht wieder Athem holen,
Bis ich nicht mehr die Thürme seh'.

Hab' mich an jeden Stein gestoßen,
So eilt' ich zu der Stadt hinaus;
Die Krähen warfen Bäll' und Schloßen
Auf meinen Hut von jedem Haus.

Wie anders hast du mich empfangen,
Du Stadt der Unbeständigkeit!
An deinen blanken Fenstern sangen
Die Lerch' und Nachtigall im Streit.

Die runden Lindenbäume blühten,
Die klaren Rinnen rauschten hell,
Und ach, zwei Mädchenaugen glühten! -
Da war's geschehn um dich, Gesell!

Kömmt mir der Tag in die Gedanken,
Möcht' ich noch einmal rückwärts sehn,
Möcht' ich zurücke wieder wanken,
Vor ihrem Hause stille stehn.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 8 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
8. Backward glance
Language: English 
A fire burns under the soles of my feet,
Though I walk on ice and snow;
Yet I'll not pause for a breath
Until the towers are out of sight.

I have stumbled on every stone,
So hastily did I leave the town;
The crows threw snowballs and hailstones
at my hat from every house.

How differently did you welcome me,
You town of infidelity!
At your bright windows sang
The lark and the nightingale in competition.

The round linden trees were blooming,
The clear streams rushed by,
And, ah, two maiden eyes were glowing, -
Then you were done for, my friend.

When that day comes into my thoughts
I wish to glance back once more,
I wish I could stumble back
And stand in silence before her house.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 20
Word count: 129

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
9. Irrlicht
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
In die tiefsten Felsengründe
Lockte mich ein Irrlicht hin:
Wie ich einen Ausgang finde,
Liegt nicht schwer mir in dem Sinn.

Bin gewohnt das irre Gehen,
'S führt ja jeder Weg zum Ziel:
Unsre Freuden, unsre Leiden,
Alles eines Irrlichts Spiel!

Durch des Bergstroms trockne Rinnen
Wind' ich ruhig mich hinab -
Jeder Strom wird's Meer gewinnen,
Jedes Leiden auch sein Grab.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 9 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
9. Will‑o'‑the‑wisp
Language: English 
Into the deepest chasms
A will-o'-the-wisp enticed me;
How I will discover a path
Does not concern me much.

I am used to going astray;
Every path leads to one goal;
Our joys, our woes,
Are all a will-o'-the-wisp game!

Down the mountain stream's dry course
I will calmly wend my way.
Every stream finds the sea,
Every sorrow finds its grave.

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Translation of title "Irrlicht" = "Will‑o'‑the‑wisp"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 12
Word count: 62

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
10. Rast
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Nun merk' ich erst, wie müd' ich bin,
Da ich zur Ruh' mich lege;
Das Wandern hielt mich munter hin
Auf unwirthbarem Wege.

Die Füße frugen nicht nach Rast,
Es war zu kalt zum Stehen,
Der Rücken fühlte keine Last,
Der Sturm half fort mich wehen.

In eines Köhlers engem Haus
Hab' Obdach ich gefunden;
Doch meine Glieder ruhn nicht aus:
So brennen ihre Wunden.

Auch du, mein Herz, in Kampf und Sturm
So wild und so verwegen,
Fühlst in der Still' erst deinen Wurm
Mit heißem Stich sich regen!

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 10 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
10. Rest
Language: English 
Now I first notice how weary I am
As I lie down to rest;
Wandering had sustained me
As I walked a desolate road.
My feet do not ask for rest,
It was too cold to stand still;
My back felt no burden,
The storm helped me blow along.

In a coal-burner's narrow hut
I have found shelter.
Still, my limbs cannot rest,
So fiercely my wounds burn.
You too, my heart, in struggles and storm
So wild and so bold,
Only now in the quiet do you feel the sharp sting
of the worm that lives within you!

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  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 16
Word count: 99

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11. Frühlingstraum
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ich träumte von bunten Blumen,
So wie sie wohl blühen im Mai,
Ich träumte von grünen Wiesen,
Von lustigem Vogelgeschrei.

Und als die Hähne krähten,
Da ward mein Auge wach;
Da war es kalt und finster,
Es schrieen die Raben vom Dach.

Doch an den Fensterscheiben,
Wer malte die Blätter da?
Ihr lacht wohl über den Träumer,
Der Blumen im Winter sah?

Ich träumte von Lieb' um Liebe,
Von einer schönen Maid,
Von Herzen und von Küssen,
Von Wonne und Seligkeit.

Und als die Hähne krähten,
Da ward mein Herze wach;
Nun sitz' ich hier alleine
Und denke dem Traume nach.

Die Augen schließ' ich wieder,
Noch schlägt das Herz so warm.
Wann grünt ihr Blätter am Fenster?
Wann halt' ich mein Liebchen im Arm?

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Note: in stanza 3, modern German would change the spelling of "mahlte" to "malte" (this spelling appeared in posthumous editions as early as 1864 - cf. Ausgewählte Gedichte von Wilhelm Müller, Leipzig: F. A. Brockhaus, 1864).

First published in Urania (see above) as no. 11 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
11. A dream of springtime
Language: English 
I dreamt of colorful flowers
Such as bloom in May;
I dreamt of green meadows,
Of merry bird songs.

And when the roosters crowed,
My eyes awoke;
It was cold and dark,
The ravens were shrieking on the roof.

But there on the window panes,
Who painted those leaves?
Do you laugh at the dreamer,
Who saw flowers in winter?

I dreamt of requited love,
Of a beautiful girl,
Of hearts and of kisses,
Of bliss and happiness.

And when the roosters crowed,
My heart awoke.
Now I sit here alone,
And think about my dream.

I shut my eyes again,
My heart still beats warmly.
When will you leaves on the window turn green?
When will I hold my beloved in my arms?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 24
Word count: 124

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
12. Einsamkeit
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie eine trübe Wolke
Durch heitre Lüfte geht,
Wenn in der Tannen Wipfel
Ein mattes Lüftchen weht:

So zieh' ich meine Straße
Dahin mit trägem Fuß,
Durch helles, frohes Leben,
Einsam und ohne Gruß.

Ach, daß die Luft so ruhig!
Ach, daß die Welt so licht!
Als noch die Stürme tobten,
War ich so elend nicht.

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First published in Urania (see above) as no. 12 of Wanderlieder von Wilhelm Müller. Die Winterreise. In 12 Liedern.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
12. Loneliness
Language: English 
As a dark cloud 
Passes through clear skies,
When a faint breeze wafts
Through the tops of the pine trees:

So I make my way
With heavy steps,
Through bright, joyful life,
Alone and ungreeted.

Ah, the air is so calm,
Ah, the world is so bright!
When the tempests were raging,
I was not so miserable.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 12
Word count: 57

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
13. Die Post
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Von der Straße her ein Posthorn klingt.
Was hat es, daß es so hoch aufspringt,
Mein Herz?

Die Post bringt keinen Brief für dich:
Was drängst du denn so wunderlich,
Mein Herz?

Nun ja, die Post kommt aus der Stadt,
Wo ich ein liebes Liebchen hatt',
Mein Herz!

Willst wohl einmal hinüber sehn,
Und fragen, wie es dort mag gehn,
Mein Herz?

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by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
13. The post
Language: English 
A posthorn sounds from the street.
What is it that makes you leap so,
My heart?

The post brings no letter for you.
Why do you surge, then, so wonderfully,
My heart?

And now the post comes from the town
Where once I had a true beloved,
My heart!

Do you want to look out
And ask how things are back there,
My heart?

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14. Der greise Kopf
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Der Reif hat einen weißen Schein
Mir über's Haar gestreuet.
Da glaubt' ich schon ein Greis zu sein,
Und hab' mich sehr gefreuet.

Doch bald ist er hinweggethaut,
Hab' wieder schwarze Haare,
Daß mir's vor meiner Jugend graut -
Wie weit noch bis zur Bahre!

Vom Abendroth zum Morgenlicht
Ward mancher Kopf zum Greise.
Wer glaubt's? Und meiner ward es nicht
Auf dieser ganzen Reise!

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First published in Deutsche Blätter(see above) as no. 1 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
14. The grey head
Language: English 
The frost sprinkled a white coating
All through my hair;
It made me think I was already grey-haired,
And that made me very happy.

But soon it thawed,
Again my hair is black,
And so I grieve to have my youth -
How far still to the funeral bier!

From dusk to dawn
Many a head has turned grey.
Who would believe it? And mine has not
In the whole course of this journey!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 12
Word count: 73

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15. Die Krähe
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Eine Krähe war mit mir
Aus der Stadt gezogen,
Ist bis heute für und für
Um mein Haupt geflogen.

Krähe, wunderliches Thier,
Willst mich nicht verlassen?
Meinst wohl bald als Beute hier
Meinen Leib zu fassen?

Nun, es wird nicht weit mehr gehn
An dem Wanderstabe.
Krähe, laß mich endlich sehn
Treue bis zum Grabe!

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 3 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
15. The crow
Language: English 
A crow was with me
From out of the town,
Even up to this moment
It circles above my head.

Crow, strange creature,
Will you not forsake me?
Do you intend, very soon,
To take my corpse as food?

Well, it is not much farther
That I wander with my staff in hand.
Crow, let me see at last 
A fidelity that lasts to the grave!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Word count: 66

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16. Letzte Hoffnung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Hie und da ist an den Bäumen
Manches bunte Blatt zu sehn,
Und ich bleibe vor den Bäumen
Oftmals in Gedanken stehn.

Schaue nach dem einen Blatte,
Hänge meine Hoffnung dran;
Spielt der Wind mit meinem Blatte,
Zittr' ich, was ich zittern kann.

Ach, und fällt das Blatt zu Boden,
Fällt mit ihm die Hoffnung ab,
Fall' ich selber mit zu Boden,
Wein' auf meiner Hoffnung Grab.

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 2 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
16. Last hope
Language: English 
Here and there may a colored leaf
Be seen on the trees.
And often I stand before the trees
Lost in thought.

I look for a single leaf
On which to hang my hope;
If the wind plays with my leaf,
I tremble all over.

Ah! if the leaf falls to ground,
My hope falls with it;
And I, too, sink to the ground,
Weeping at my hope's grave.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 12
Word count: 69

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17. Im Dorfe
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Es bellen die Hunde, es rasseln die Ketten.
Es schlafen die Menschen in ihren Betten,
Träumen sich Manches, was sie nicht haben,
Thun sich im Guten und Argen erlaben:
Und Morgen früh ist Alles zerflossen. -
Je nun, sie haben ihr Theil genossen,
Und hoffen, was sie noch übrig ließen,
Doch wieder zu finden auf ihren Kissen.

Bellt mich nur fort, ihr wachen Hunde,
Laßt mich nicht ruhn in der Schlummerstunde!
Ich bin zu Ende mit allen Träumen -
Was will ich unter den Schläfern säumen?

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 4 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
17. In the village
Language: English 
The hounds are barking, their chains are rattling;
Men are asleep in their beds,
They dream of the things they do not have,
Find refreshment in good and bad things.
And tomorrow morning everything is vanished.
Yet still, they have enjoyed their share,
And hope that what remains to them,
Might still be found on their pillows.

Bark me away, you waking dogs!
Let me not find rest in the hours of slumber!
I am finished with all dreaming 
Why should I linger among sleepers?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Word count: 85

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18. Der stürmische Morgen
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Wie hat der Sturm zerrissen
Des Himmels graues Kleid!
Die Wolkenfetzen flattern
Umher im mattem Streit.

Und rothe Feuerflammen
Ziehn zwischen ihnen hin.
Das nenn' ich einen Morgen
So recht nach meinem Sinn!

Mein Herz sieht an dem Himmel
Gemahlt sein eignes Bild -
Es ist nichts als der Winter,
Der Winter kalt und wild!

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Confirmed with Gedichte aus den hinterlassenen Papieren eines reisenden Waldhornisten. Herausgegeben von Wilhelm Müller. Zweites Bändchen. Deßau 1824. Bei Christian Georg Ackermann, page 95; and with Deutsche Blätter für Poesie, Litteratur, Kunst und Theater. Herausgegeben von Karl Schall und Karl von Holtei. Breslau 1823, bei Graß, Barth und Comp. No. XLI. 13. März 1823, page 162.

First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 5 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.


by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
18. The stormy morning
Language: English 
See how the storm has torn apart
Heaven's grey cloak!
Shreds of clouds flit about
In weary strife.

And fiery red flames
Burst forth among them:
This is what I call a morning
Exactly to my liking!

My heart sees its own image
Painted in the sky 
It is nothing but winter,
Winter, cold and savage!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 12
Word count: 56

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19. Täuschung
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Ein Licht tanzt freundlich vor mir her;
Ich folg' ihm nach die Kreuz und Quer;
Ich folg' ihm gern, und seh's ihm an,
Daß es verlockt den Wandersmann.
Ach, wer wie ich so elend ist,
Giebt gern sich hin der bunten List,
Die hinter Eis und Nacht und Graus
Ihm weist ein helles, warmes Haus,
Und eine liebe Seele drin -
Nur Täuschung ist für mich Gewinn!

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Confirmed with Gedichte aus den hinterlassenen Papieren eines reisenden Waldhornisten. Herausgegeben von Wilhelm Müller. Zweites Bändchen. Deßau 1824. Bei Christian Georg Ackermann, page 96.


by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
19. Deception
Language: English 
A friendly light dances before me,
I followed it this way and that;
I follow it eagerly and watch its course
As it lures the wanderer onward.
Ah! one that is wretched as I
Yields himself gladly to such cunning,
That portrays, beyond ice, night, and horror,
A bright warm house.
And inside, a loving soul. - 
Ah, my only victory is in delusion!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 10
Word count: 63

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
20. Der Wegweiser
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Was vermeid' ich denn die Wege,
Wo die andern Wandrer gehn,
Suche mir versteckte Stege
Durch verschneite Felsenhöhn?

Habe ja doch nichts begangen,
Daß ich Menschen sollte scheun -
Welch ein thörichtes Verlangen
Treibt mich in die Wüstenein?

Weiser stehen auf den Wegen,
Weisen auf die Städte zu,
Und ich wandre sonder Maßen,
Ohne Ruh', und suche Ruh'.

Einen Weiser seh' ich stehen
Unverrückt vor meinem Blick;
Eine Straße muß ich gehen,
Die noch Keiner ging zurück.

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 7 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
20. The signpost
Language: English 
Why do I avoid the routes
Which the other travelers take,
To search out hidden paths
Through snowy cliff tops?

I have truly done no wrong
That I should shun mankind.
What foolish desire
Drives me into the wastelands?

Signposts stand along the roads,
Signposts leading to the towns;
And I wander on and on,
Restlessly in search of rest.

One signpost stands before me,
Remains fixed before my gaze.
One road I must take,
From which no one has ever returned.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Word count: 82

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21. Das Wirtshaus
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Auf einen Todtenacker
Hat mich mein Weg gebracht.
Allhier will ich einkehren:
Hab' ich bei mir gedacht.

Ihr grünen Todtenkränze
Könnt wohl die Zeichen sein,
Die müde Wandrer laden
In's kühle Wirthshaus ein.

Sind denn in diesem Hause
Die Kammern all' besetzt?
Bin matt zum Niedersinken,
Bin tödtlich schwer verletzt.

O unbarmherz'ge Schenke,
Doch weisest du mich ab?
Nun weiter denn, nur weiter,
Mein treuer Wanderstab!

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 8 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
21. The inn
Language: English 
My path has brought me 
to a graveyard.
Here would I lodge, 
I thought to myself.

You green death-wreaths 
might well be the signs,
That invite the weary traveler 
into the cool inn.

But in this house 
are all the rooms taken?
I am weak enough to drop, 
fatally wounded.

O unmerciful innkeeper, 
do you turn me away?
Then further on, further on, 
my faithful walking stick.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Translation of title "Das Wirtshaus" = "The inn"


This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 16
Word count: 67

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
22. Mut
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Fliegt der Schnee mir in's Gesicht,
Schüttl' ich ihn herunter.
Wenn mein Herz im Busen spricht,
Sing' ich hell und munter.

Höre nicht, was es mir sagt,
Habe keine Ohren.
Fühle nicht, was es mir klagt,
Klagen ist für Thoren.

Lustig in die Welt hinein
Gegen Wind und Wetter!
Will kein Gott auf Erden sein,
Sind wir selber Götter.

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 9 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
22. Courage
Language: English 
The snow flies in my face,
I shake it off.
When my heart cries out in my breast,
I sing brightly and cheerfully.

I do not hear what it says,
I have no ears,
I do not feel what it laments,
Lamenting is for fools.

Merrily stride into the world
Against all wind and weather!
If there is no God on earth,
We are gods ourselves!

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Word count: 66

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23. Die Nebensonnen
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Drei Sonnen sah' ich am Himmel stehn,
Hab' lang' und fest sie angesehn;
Und sie auch standen da so stier,
Als wollten sie nicht weg von mir.
Ach, meine Sonnen seid ihr nicht!
Schaut Andern doch in's Angesicht!
Ach, neulich hatt' ich auch wohl drei:
Nun sind hinab die besten zwei.
Ging' nur die dritt' erst hinterdrein!
Im Dunkeln wird mir wohler sein.

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 6 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
23. The phantom suns
Language: English 
I saw three suns in the sky,
I stared at them long and hard;
And they, too, stood staring
As if unwilling to leave me.
Ah, but you are not my suns!
Stare at others in the face, then:
Until recently I, too, had three;
Now the best two are gone.
But let the third one go, too!
In the darkness I will fare better.

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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Line count: 10
Word count: 65

Translation © by Arthur Rishi
24. Der Leiermann
 (Sung text)
Language: German (Deutsch) 
Drüben hinter'm Dorfe
Steht ein Leiermann,
Und mit starren Fingern
Dreht er was er kann.

Baarfuß auf dem Eise
Wankt er hin und her;
Und sein kleiner Teller
Bleibt ihm immer leer.

Keiner mag ihn hören,
Keiner sieht ihn an;
Und die Hunde knurren
Um den alten Mann.

Und er läßt es gehen
Alles, wie es will,
Dreht, und seine Leier
Steht ihm nimmer still.

Wunderlicher Alter, 
Soll ich mit dir gehn?
Willst zu meinen Liedern
Deine Leier drehn?

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First published in Deutsche Blätter (see above) as no. 10 of the installment of Die Winterreise. Lieder von Wilhelm Müller.

by Wilhelm Müller (1794 - 1827)
24. The hurdy-gurdy-man
Language: English 
There, behind the village, 
stands a hurdy-gurdy-man,
And with numb fingers 
he plays the best he can.

Barefoot on the ice, 
he staggers back and forth,
And his little plate 
remains ever empty.

No one wants to hear him, 
no one looks at him,
And the hounds snarl 
at the old man.

And he lets it all go by, 
everything as it will,
He plays, and his hurdy-gurdy
is never still.

Strange old man, 
shall I go with you?
Will you play your hurdy-gurdy 
to my songs?

Text Authorship:

  • Translation from German (Deutsch) to English copyright © by Arthur Rishi, (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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This text was added to the website between May 1995 and September 2003.
Line count: 20
Word count: 87

Translation © by Arthur Rishi