To the Rhine, to the Rhine, do not go to the Rhine,
My son, I am counselling you well:
There you would imbibe life too beautifully,
Your spirit would blossom too happily.

You would see the maidens so fair you would see the men so square
As if they were of noble blood;
And with fervent soul you would immediately be in their midst:
Thus you would consider it right and proper.

And aboard ship, how the castles would greet you so beautifully
And the city with the eternal cathedral!
And in the mountains, how you would climb to dizzying heights
And gaze down into the river.

And in the river the Nixie would rise from the depths,
And once you have seen her smile,
And if the Lorelei sang for you with her pale mouth,
My son, then you would be lost:

The sound would enchant you, her radiance would beguile you,
Rapture would seize you and horror.
Then you would only sing ever after: by the Rhine, by the Rhine,
And would never return home.