The flags flutter
In the storm of midnight;
The slates rattle
Upon the church tower;
A draught of wind whooshes,
My lantern goes out --
Nevertheless, I must make my way to my beloved!

The funeral chapel
With its house full of bones;
The moon gazes brightly
From out the window;
Every step outside
Is also walked on the inside --
Nevertheless, I must make my way to my beloved!

The Jewish graveyard
Down the mountain there;
A white flickering
Upon every grave;
One owl calls to
Another: scoundrel --
Nevertheless, I must make my way to my beloved!

Yonder by the brook
Upon winter’s ice
A cracking, a crashing,
As if who knows what were walking there;
Now again completely silent;
Let be what will --
Nevertheless, I must make my way to my beloved!

Past the leasehold;
From the dog-house
Two coal-black dogs emerge
Instead of one,
They gape at me
With red-glowing teeth --
Nevertheless, I must make my way to my beloved!

There before the window,
Behind which she sleeps,
Stand two ghosts
And keep watch;
Within sleeps the bride,
Moans loudly in her dreams --
Nevertheless, I must make my way to my beloved!