Earworms





All translations are by me, except where otherwise noted. Corrections and comments are welcome: send them by e-mail or drop me a line here.


BLANCHE COMME LA NEIGE
(Trad., arr. e chantée par Bertrand Gosselin)

La belle s'est endormie sur un beau lit de roses
La belle s'est endormie sur un beau lit de roses
Blanche comme la neige belle comme le jour
Ils sont trois capitaines qui vont lui faire l'amour

Le plus jeune des trois la prend par sa main blanche
Le plus jeune des trois la prend par sa main blanche
Montez montez princesse dessus mon cheval gris
A Paris j'vous mène dans un fort beau logis

Finissant ce discours le capitaine rentre
Finissant ce discours le capitaine rentre
Mangez buvez la belle selon votre appétit
Avec un capitain vous passerez la nuit

Au milieu du repas la belle a tombée morte
Au milieu du repas la belle a tombée morte
Sonnez Sonnez les cloches tambours au régiment
Ma maîtresse elle est morte a l'âge de quinze ans

Mais au bout de trois jours son père s'y promène
Mais au bout de trois jours son père s'y promène
Ouvrez ma tombe mon père si vous m'aimez
Trois jours j'ai fait la morte pour mon honneur garder


SNOW WHITE
(Trad., arr. and sung by Bertrand Gosselin)

The beauty fell asleep on a fine rose bed
The beauty fell asleep on a fine rose bed
White as snow, nice as day
There are three captains who want to make love to her

The youngest of the three takes her by the hand
The youngest of the three takes her by the hand
Come up ye princess on my grey steed
To Paris I'll take you, to a very nice place

As he ends his speech the captain steps back in
As he ends his speech the captain steps back in
Eat and drink to your will
With a captain you are to spend the night

In the middle of her meal the beauty falls struck dead
In the middle of her meal the beauty falls struck dead
O ring the bells and roll the army drums
My mistress died at the age of fifteen

But on the third day her father walks
But on the third day her father walks
Open my tomb, my father, if you love me
Three days I faked dead to save my honour


BIANCA COME LA NEVE


La bella s'è addormentata su un bel letto di rose
La bella s'è addormentata su un bel letto di rose
Bianca come la neve, bella come il giorno
Sono tre capitani che vogliono far l'amore con lei

Il più giovane dei tre la prende per la sua mano bianca
Il più giovane dei tre la prende per la sua mano bianca
Salite, salite, bella, sul mio cavallo grigio
A Parigi vi conduco, in un alloggio bello e sicuro

Finito il suo discorso, il capitano rientra
Finito il suo discorso, il capitano rientra
Mangiate, bevete, bella, secondo il vostro appetito
Con un capitano passerete la notte

Nel mezzo del pasto la bella è caduta morta
Nel mezzo del pasto la bella è caduta morta
Suonate, suonate le campane, i tamburi al regimento
La mia signora è morta, all'età di quindici anni

Ma alla fine di tre giorni suo padre passeggia
Ma alla fine di tre giorni suo padre passeggia
Aprite la mia tomba, padre mio, se mi amate
Tre giorni ho fatto la morta per conservarmi l'onore.

RITURNELLA
(Trad. arr. da Antonello Ricci per Eugenio Bennato / Musicanova)

Tu rinnina che vai
Tu rinnina che vai
Lu maru maru
Oi riturnella
Tu rinnina che vai lu maru maru

Ferma quanno te dico
Ferma quanno te dico
Dui paroli
Oi riturnella
Ferma quanno te dico dui paroli

Corri a jettari lu
Corri a jettari lu
Suspiro a mari
Oi riturnella
Corri a jettari lu suspiro a mari

E vididi se mi rispunna
E vididi se mi rispunna
Lu mio beni
Oi riturnella
E vididi se mi rispunna lu mio beni

Non mi rispunna - No
Non mi rispunna - No
È troppo lontano -
Oi riturnella
Non mi rispunna - No è troppo lontano

E sotto a na friscura
E sotto a na friscura
Che sta dormendo
Oi riturnella
E sotto a na friscura che sta dormendo

Poi si ripiglia cu
Poi si ripiglia cu
Nu chianto all'occhi
Oi riturnella
Poi si ripiglia cu nu chianto all'occhi

Se struja l'occhi e li
Se struja l'occhi e li
Passa lu chianto
Oi riturnella
Se struja l'occhi e li passa lu chianto

Piglia tu muccaturo
Piglia tu muccaturo
Lu vai a lavu
Oi riturnella
Piglia tu muccaturo lu vai a lavu

Poi ti lu spanno a lu
Poi ti lu spanno a lu
Pero de rosa
Oi riturnella
Poi ti lu spanno a lu pero de rosa

Poi ti lu manno a Na-
Poi ti lu manno a Na-
-poli a stirare
Oi riturnella
Poi ti lu manno a Napoli a stirare

Poi ti lu cogliu a la
Poi ti lu cogliu a la
Napulitana
Oi riturnella
Poi ti lu cogliu a la napulitana

Poi ti lu mannu cu
Poi ti lu mannu cu
Ventu a purtari
Oi riturnella
Poi ti lu mannu cu ventu a purtari

Ventu và portacello
Ventu và portacello
A lu mio beni
Oi riturnella
Ventu và portacello a lu mio beni

Mera che nun ti cada
Mera che nun ti cada
Pé supra mari
Oi riturnella
Mera che nun ti cada pé supra mari

Ca perdo li sigilli
Ca perdo li sigilli
De stu cori
Oi riturnella
Ca perdo li sigilli de stu cori

LA RITORNELLA
(Versione italiana di Raffaele Morgese)


Tu rondine che vai serena serena
Fermati perché ti dica due parole.
Corri a gettare in mare un sospiro
E senti se il mio bene mi risponde.
Non mi risponde, no, troppo lontano.
Sotto un albero sta dormendo.
Poi si risveglia col pianto agli occhi.
Gli occhi si struscia e passa il pianto.
Prendi il fazzoletto che vai a lavare
Poi lo stendo al piede di una rosa
Poi lo raccolgo alla napolitana
Poi lo mando a Napoli a stirare
Poi lo affido al vento per portartelo.
O vento, va e portalo al mio bene,
Attento che non ti cada in mare
Sennò perdo i sigilli di questo cuore.

LITTLE SWALLOW
(English version by Raffaele Morgese)


Little swallow as you go gently
Stop if only the time I may speak to you
Dash away and scatter a sigh over the sea
And watch out for my beloved’s reply.
She replies not, no, too far away.
Under a tree she's sleeping
She awakens with tears in her eyes
She rubs her eyes and the cry stops.
Fetch her handkerchief, wash it
Then put it down at the foot of a rose
Then fold it in the Neapolitan way
Then despatch it to Naples to be pressed
Then trust it to the wind to carry.
O wind, go and take it to my beloved,
Beware you don't drop it in the sea
For I will mislay the seals of this my heart.

ZWEI SCHWESTERN
(Bären Gässlin; text by H.C. Hartman & M. Korth after Jaidhofer's version of the Scottish ballad "Two Sisters")

Er:
Zwei Schwestern sangen auf einer Burg
Und um sie freit ein junger Lord
Der älteren schenkt er einen Ring
Die jüngere liebt er über alle Ding
Die ältere ist krank vor Neid
Sie wünscht der jüngeren das Totenkleid

Sie:
Komm mit, komm mit, du Schwester mein
Heut’ laufen des Vaters Schiffe ein

Er:
sie nimmt sie bei der ihren Hand
Und führt sie nachts durch Gras und Sand
Die jüngere steht auf einem Stein
Die ältere stösst sie ins Wasser hinein

Sie:
Oh Schwester, Schwester, reich mir die Hand
Ich schenke Dir mein halbes Land

Er:
Nein Schwester, die Hand die reich' ich Dir nicht
Dein halbes Land und ich brauch' es nicht

Sie:
Erbarme Dich du Schwester mein
Lord William soll der deine sein

Er:
Vergebens muss dein Flehen sein
Schon morgen ist Lord William mein

Beide:
Bei der Meerfrau ist ein weisser Schwan
Die Schwester treibt zum Mühlendamm
Das Wasser glitzert im Sonnenlicht
Das Mühlrad ihr die Knochen bricht

Er:
Ans Ufer sie das Wasser treibt
Da findet ein Harfner ihren Leib
Er blickt sie an, er seufzet schwer
Er schneidet ab ihr güldnes Haar

Beide:
Die Rippen sollen die Harfe sein
Die Saiten die locken so golden und fein

Er:
Er trägt die Harfe in des Königs Saal
Da jemand zur Hochzeit versammelt war
Er stellt die Harfe auf einen Stein
Sie tönt so hell, sie singt so rein

Sie:
Dort sitzt mein Vater auf seinem Thron
Und dort meine Mutter die Königin
Da steht mein Bruder dachwo (?) Geleit
Und Prinz William mein geliebter ihm zur seit

Beide:
Beim letzten Lied das die Harfe sang
Der falschen Schwester das Herz zersprang


TWO SISTERS



Male:
Two sisters sang in a castle
And a young lord courts them
He gives the elder a ring
He loves the younger more than everything
The elder is sick with envy
She wishes death for the younger

Female:
Come, come with me, my sister
Today our father's ship is arriving.

Male:
She took her by the hand
And lead in the night her through grass and sand
The younger sat on a stone
The elder threw her into the waters

Female:
O sister, sister, lend my your hand
I'll give you my half of the land

Male:
No, sister, I won't lend you my hand
You half of the land is no use for me

Female:
You shabby sister of mine
Lord William shall be yours then

Male:
All your pleas are in vain
By tomorrow will Lord William be mine

Both:
By the mermaid is a white swan
The sister floats to the Mill
The water glistens in the sunshine
The mill wheel breaks her bones

Female:
The stream takes her to the shore
There a harp-maker finds her body
He observes her, sighs loud
He cuts her golden hair off

Both:
The ribs shall become the harp
The golden fine locks shall become the strings

Male:
He takes the harp in the King's hall
There were all gathered for a wedding
He sets the harp on a stone
It sounds so bright, it sings so pure

Female:
There sits my father on his throne
And there my mother the queen
There stands my brother as the bestman [?]
My beloved Lord William by his side

Both:
By the last song that the harp played
The false sister's heart was broken in pieces.


UN BLASFEMO
(dietro ogni blasfemo c'è un giardino incantato)

(Fabrizio De André, "Non al denaro non all'amore né al cielo", liberamente tratto dall'Antologia di Spoon River)


Mai più mi chinai e nemmeno su un fiore,
più non arrossii nel rubare l'amore
dal momento che Inverno mi convinse che Dio
non sarebbe arrossito rubandomi il mio.

Mi arrestarono un giorno per le donne ed il vino,
non avevano leggi per punire un blasfemo,
non mi uccise la morte, ma due guardie bigotte,
mi cercarono l'anima a forza di botte.

Perché dissi che Dio imbrogliò il primo uomo,
lo costrinse a viaggiare una vita da scemo,
nel giardino incantato lo costrinse a sognare,
a ignorare che al mondo c'è il bene e c'è il male.

Quando vide che l'uomo allungava le dita
a rubargli il mistero d'una mela proibita
per paura che ormai non avesse padroni
lo fermò con la morte, inventò le stagioni.

Mi cercarono l'anima a forza di botte.

E se furon due guardie a fermarmi la vita,
è proprio qui sulla terra la mela proibita,
e non Dio, ma qualcuno che per noi l'ha inventato,
ci costringe a sognare in un giardino incantato,
ci costringe a sognare in un giardino incantato.



A BLASPHEMOUS
(behind every blasphemous there's a charmed garden)

(Fabrizio De André, "Non al denaro non all'amore né al cielo", free adaptation from the Spoon River Anthology)

Never more I bowed and not even on a flower,
no more did I blush for stealing love
since Winter told me God
wouldn't blush for stealing mine.

They arrested me one day for women and wine,
they had no laws to punish a blasphemous,
no death killed me, but two bigot cops,
they chased my soul by beatings.

For I said that God deceived the first man,
forced him to travel a fool's life,
in the charmed garden forced him to dream,
to ignore the world's good and evil.

When he saw the man stretch out his fingers
to steal him the mystery of a forbidden apple
fearing he would have no more masters
stopped him with death, invented seasons.

They chased my soul by beatings.

And if they were two cops to stop my life,
it's just here on earth the forbidden apple,
and not God, but someone who invented him for us,
forces us to dream in a charmed garden,
forces us to dream in a charmed garden.
WENDELL P. BLOYD
(Edgar Lee Masters, Spoon River Anthology)




They first charged me with disorderly conduct,
There being no statute on blasphemy.
Later they locked me up as insane
Where I was beaten to death by a Catholic guard.
My offence was this:
I said God lied to Adam, and destined him
To lead the life of a fool,
Ignorant that there is evil in the world as well as good.
And when Adam ourwitted God by eating the apple
And saw through the lie,
God drove him out of Eden to keep him from taking
The fruit of immortal life.
For Christ's sake, you sensible people,
Here's what God Himself says about it in the book of Genesis:
"And the Lord God said, behold the man
Is become as one of us" (a little envy, you see),
"To know good and evil" (the all good lie exposed):
"And now lest he put forth his hand and take
Also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever:
Therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden."
(The reason I believe God crucified His Own Son
To get out of the wretched tangle is, because it
sounds just like Him.)

CROW ON THE CRADLE
(Sidney Carter, sung by Jackson Browne)

The sheep's in the meadow
The cow's in the corn
Now is the time for a child to be born
He'll laugh at the moon
And cry for the sun
And if it's a boy he'll carry a gun
Sang the crow on the cradle

And if it should be that this baby's a girl
Never you mind if her hair doesn't curl
With rings on her fingers
And bells on her toes
And a bomber above her wherever she goes
Sang the crow on the cradle

The crow on the cradle
The black and the white
Somebody's baby is born for a fight
The crow on the cradle
The white and the black
Somebody's baby is not coming back
Sang the crow on the cradle

Your mother and father will sweat and they'll slave
To build you a coffin and dig you a grave
Hush-a-bye little one, never you weep
For we've got a toy that can put you to sleep
Sang the crow on the cradle

Bring me my gun, and I'll shoot that bird dead
That's what your mother and father once said
The crow on the cradle, what can we do
Ah, this is a thing that I'll leave up to you
Sang the crow on the cradle
Sang the crow on the cradle


IL CORVO SULLA CULLA

Le pecore sono nel prato
E le mucche al pascolo
È il momento che nasca un bambino
Sorriderà al sole
E piangerà per la luna
E se è un maschio porterà una pistola
Cantò il corvo sulla culla

E se dovesse essere una bambina
Non datevi mai pensiero per i capelli che non sono ricci
Con gli anelli alle dita
E campanellini alle caviglie
E l'ombra di un bombardiere che la segue dovunque andrà
Cantò il corvo sulla culla

Il corvo sulla culla
Il bianco e il nero
Il bambino di qualcuno è nato per una guerra
Il corvo sulla culla
Il nero e il bianco
Il bambino di qualcuno non tornerà mai più
Cantò il corvo sulla culla

Tua madre e tuo padre suderanno sangue
Per costruirti una bara e scavarti una tomba
Shh, dormi, piccolino, non piangere mai
Ché abbiamo un giocattolo che ti farà addormentare
Cantò il corvo sulla culla

Portami la pistola, ché ammazzo quel corvo
Dissero una volta tua madre e tuo padre
Corvo sulla culla, che cosa possiamo fare
Ah, questa è una risposta che lascio a voi
Cantò il corvo sulla culla
Cantò il corvo sulla culla



LE RENARD ET LA BELETTE - LA JUMENT DE MICHAUD
(Trad. française, here sung by Laïs)

C'est dans dix ans je m'en irai
J'entends le loup et le renard chanter
C'est dans dix ans je m'en irai
J'entends le loup et le renard chanter

J'entends le loup, le renard et la belette
J'entends le loup et le renard chanter
J'entends le loup, le renard et la belette
J'entends le loup et le renard chanter


C'est dans neuf ans je m'en irai
La jument de Michaud est passée dans le pré
La jument de Michaud et son petit poulain
Sont passés dans le pré, ont mangé tout le foin
La jument de Michaud et son petit poulain
Sont passés dans le pré, ont mangé tout le foin

L'hiver viendra, le gars, l'hiver viendra
La jument de Michaud elle s'en repentira
L'hiver viendra, le gars, l'hiver viendra
La jument de Michaud elle s'en repentira


THE FOX AND THE WEASEL - MICHAUD'S MARE (French children song, arr. and sung by Laïs



And in ten years I'll be gone
I can hear the wolf and the fox sing
And in ten years I'll be gone
I can hear the wolf and the fox sing

I can hear the wolf, the fox and the weasel
I can hear the wolf and the fox sing
I can hear the wolf, the fox and the weasel
I can hear the wolf and the fox sing


And in nine years I'll be gone
Michaud's mare has passed on the meadow
Michaud's mare and her foal
Have passed on the meadow and eaten all hay
Michaud's mare and her foal
Have passed on the meadow and eaten all hay

Winter will come, my boys, winter will come
Michaud's mare shall repent
Winter will come, my boys, winter will come
Michaud's mare shall repent
LA VOLPE E LA DONNOLA - LA GIUMENTA DI MICHAUD



E tra dieci anni me ne andrò
Sento il lupo e la volpe cantare
E tra dieci anni me ne andrò
Sento il lupo e la volpe cantare

Sento il lupo, la volpe e la donnola
Sento il lupo e la volpe cantare
Sento il lupo, la volpe e la donnola
Sento il lupo e la volpe cantare


E tra nove anni me ne andrò
La giumenta di Michaud è passata sul prato
La giumenta di Michaud e il suo piccolo puledro
Sono passati nel prato, han mangiato tutto il fieno
La giumenta di Michaud e il suo piccolo puledro
Sono passati nel prato, han mangiato tutto il fieno

L'inverno verrà, ragazzi, l'inverno verrà
La giumenta di Michaud se ne pentirà.
L'inverno verrà, ragazzi, l'inverno verrà
La giumenta di Michaud se ne pentirà.

GEORDIE
(Ballata trad. inglese, tradotta e arrangiata da Fabrizio De André)

Uomo
Mentre attraversavo London Bridge
un giorno senza sole
vidi una donna pianger d'amore,
piangeva per il suo Geordie.
Donna
Impiccheranno Geordie con una corda d'oro,
è un privilegio raro.
Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re
vendendoli per denaro.
Uomo
Sellate il suo cavallo dalla bianca criniera
sellatele il suo pony
cavalcherà fino a Londra stasera
ad implorare per Geordie
Donna
Geordie non rubò mai neppure per me
un frutto o un fiore raro.
Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re
vendendoli per denaro.
Insieme
Salvate le sue labbra, salvate il suo sorriso,
non ha vent'anni ancora
cadrà l'inverno anche sopra il suo viso,
potrete impiccarlo allora
Uomo
Né il cuore degli inglesi né lo scettro del re
Geordie potran salvare,
anche se piangeran con te
la legge non può cambiare.
Insieme
Così lo impiccheranno con una corda d'oro,
è un privilegio raro.
Uomo
Rubò sei cervi nel parco del re
vendendoli per denaro.


--- GEORDIE WILL BE HANG'D IN A GOLDEN CHAIN
(Trad. English ballad)
(Thomas D'Urfey, Pills to Purge Melancholy, 1719-1720)

As I walk'd o'er London Bridge
1
One misty morning early
I overheard a fair pretty maid,
Was lamenting for her Geordie.
"O, my Geordie will be hang'd in a golden chain,
2
'tis not the chain of many,
He was born from King's royal breed
And lost to a virtuous lady.
"Go bridle me my milk-white steed,
3
Go bridle me my pony,
I will ride to London's Court
To plead for the life of Geordie.
"O Geordie never stole nor cow, nor calf,
4
He never hurted any,
Stole sixteen of the King's royal deer
And he sold them in Bohenny.
"Two pretty babes have I born,
5
The third lies in my body,
I'd freely part to them ev'ry one
If you'd spare the life of Geordie."
The judge look'd over his left shoulder,
6
He said, "Fair maid, I'm sorry,
So, fair maid, you must be gone,
For I cannot pardon Geordie."
O my Geordie will be hang'd in a golden chain,
7
'tis not the chain of many,
Stole sixteen of the King's royal deer
And he sold them in Bohenny.


DANS LES PRISONS DE NANTES
(Trad. bretonne, arr. par Tri Yann)

Dans les prisons de Nantes
lan digue digue dain, lan di, lan digue digue dain
Dans les prisons de Nantes
Y avait un prisonnier,
Y avait un prisonnier.

Personne ne le va vouère,
Personne ne le va vouère
Que la fille du geôlier,
Que la fille du geôlier.

Un jour il lui demande,
Un jour il lui demande:
Oué, que dit-on de moué,
Oué, que dit-on de moué?

On dit de vous en ville,
On dit de vous en ville
Que vous serez pendu,
Et vous serez pendu.

Mais s'il faut qu'on me pende,
Mais s'il faut qu'on me pende
Déliez-moi les pieds,
Déliez-moi les pieds.

La fille était jeunette,
La fille était jeunette,
Les pieds lui a délié,
Les pieds lui a délié.

Le prisonnier alerte,
Le prisonnier alerte
A la Loir' s'est jeté,
A la Loir' s'est jeté.

Dès qu'il fut sur les rives,
Dès qu'il fut sur les rives
Il se prit à chanter,
Il se prit à chanter:

Je chante pour les belles,
Je chante pour les belles
Surtout celle du geôlier,
Surtout celle du geôlier.

Si je reviens à Nantes,
Si je reviens à Nantes
Oui, je l'épouserai,
Oui, je l'épouserai.

Dans les prisons de Nantes,
Dans les prisons de Nantes
Y avait un prisonnier,
Y avait un prisonnier.


IN NANTES JAIL


In Nantes jail
lan digue digue dain, lan di, lan digue digue dain
In Nantes jail
There was a prisoner
There was a prisoner

Noone comes to visit him
Noone comes to visit him
But the gaoler's daughter
But the gaoler's daughter

One day he asks her
One day he asks her
So, what do they say about me
So, what do they say about me?

About you they say in town
About you they say in town
That you'll be hung
That you'll be hung

Then if I'm to be hung
Then if I'm to be hung
Untie my feet
Untie my feet

The girl was young
The girl was young
His feet she untied
His feet she untied

The prisoner quick
The prisoner quick
Into the Loire leapt
Into the Loire leapt

As he reached the shore
As he reached the shore
Then he started to sing
Then he started to sing

I sing for the beauties
I sing for the beauties
Mostly those of gaoler's
Mostly those of gaoler's

If I come back to Nantes
If I come back to Nantes
Well I will marry her
Well I will marry her

In Nantes jail
In Nantes jail
There was a prisoner
There was a prisoner

NELLE PRIGIONI DI NANTES
(Tr. it. di Riccardo Venturi)

Nelle prigioni di Nantes,
lan digue digue dain, lan di, lan digue digue dain
Nelle prigioni di Nantes
C'era un prigioniero,
C'era un prigioniero.

Nessuno va a vederlo,
Nessuno va a vederlo
Che la figlia del carceriere,
Che la figlia del carceriere.

Un giorno lui le chiede,
Un giorno lui le chiede:
Eh, che si dice di me,
Che si dice di me?

Si dice di voi in città,
Si dice di voi in città
Che sarete impiccato,
E sarete impiccato.

Ma se devono impiccarmi,
Se devono impiccarmi,
Slegatemi i piedi,
Slegatemi i piedi.

La ragazza era proprio giovane,
La ragazza era proprio giovane,
I piedi gli ha slegato,
I piedi gli ha slegato.

Il prigioniero, svelto,
Il prigioniero, svelto,
Nella Loira s'è gettato,
Nella Loira s'è gettato.

E quando fu a riva,
E quando fu a riva
Si mise a cantare,
Si mise a cantare:

Io canto per le belle,
Io canto per le belle,
Specie quella del carceriere,
Specie quella del carceriere.

Se ritorno a Nantes,
Se ritorno a Nantes,
Sì che la sposerò,
Sì che la sposerò.

Nelle prigioni di Nantes,
Nelle prigioni di Nantes
C'era un prigioniero,
C'era un prigioniero.

LE PLAT PAYS
(Jacques Brel)

Avec la mer du Nord pour dernier terrain vague
Et des vagues de dunes pour arrêter les vagues
Et de vagues rochers que les marées dépassent
Et qui ont à jamais le coeur à marée basse
Avec infiniment de brumes à venir
Avec le vent de l'est écoutez-le tenir
Le plat pays qui est le mien

Avec des cathédrales pour uniques montagnes
Et de noirs clochers comme mâts de cocagne
Où des diables en pierre décrochent les nuages
Avec le fil des jours pour unique voyage
Et des chemins de pluie pour unique bonsoir
Avec le vent d'ouest écoutez le vouloir
Le plat pays qui est le mien

Avec un ciel si bas qu'un canal s'est perdu
Avec un ciel si bas qu'il fait l'humilité
Avec un ciel si gris qu'un canal s'est pendu
Avec un ciel si gris qu'il faut lui pardonner
Avec le vent du nord qui vient s'écarteler
Avec le vent du nord écoutez-le craquer
Le plat pays qui est le mien

Avec de l'Italie qui descendrait l'Escaut
Avec Frida la blonde quand elle devient Margot
Quand les fils de novembre nous reviennent en mai
Quand la plaine est fumante et tremble sous juillet
Quand le vent est au rire quand le vent est au blé
Quand le vent est au sud écoutez-le chanter
Le plat pays qui est le mien.



MIJN VLAKKE LAND
(Jacques Brel)

Wanneer de Noordzee koppig breekt, op hoge duinen
en witte vlokken schuim, uiteenslaan op de kruinen,
wanneer de Noordvloed beukt aan het zwart basalt
en over dijk en duin, de grijze nevel valt
wanneer bij eb, het strand woest is, als een woestijn
en natte Westenwinden gieren van venijn,
dan vecht mijn land...Mijn vlakke land...

Wanneer de regen daalt, op straten, pleinen, perken,
op dak en torenspits van eeuwenoude kerken,
die in dit vlakke land de enige bergen zijn,
wanneer onder de wolken, mensen dwergen zijn,
wanneer de dagen gaan, in domme regelmaat
en barre Oostenwind het land nog vlakker slaat,
dan wacht mijn land...Mijn vlakke land...

Wanneer de lage lucht vlak over het water scheert,
wanneer de lage lucht ons nederigheid leert,
wanneer de lage lucht er grijs als leisteen is,
wanneer de lage lucht er vaal als keileem is,
wanneer de noordewind de vlakte vierendeelt,
wanneer de noordewind er onze adem steelt,
dan kraakt mijn land...Mijn vlakke land...

Wanneer de Schelde blinkt, in zuidelijke zon
en elke Vlaamse vrouw flaneert in zonjapon
wanneer de eerste spin zijn lente-webben weeft
en dansend door het veld het juli zonlicht beeft,
wanneer de zuidenwind, schatert door het graan
wanneer de zuidenwind, jubelt langs de baan,
dan juicht mijn land...Mijn vlakke land...


THE FLAT LAND
(Jacques Brel)

When the North sea stubbornly breaks, on high dunes
and white flakes of foam, break up on the tops,
when the Northtide pounds at the black basalt
and over dike and dune, the grey haze falls
when at lowtide, the beach is wild like a desert
and wet Westwinds howl in fury,
then my land fights... My flat land...

When the rain descends, on streets, squares, gardens,
on roof and towertips of ageold churches,
which in this flat land are the only mounts,
when under the clouds, men are dwarves,
when the days go, in dumb regularity
and raw Eastwind hits the land even flatter,
then my land waits... My flat land...

When the low air races right over the water,
When the low air teaches us humbleness,
When the low air there is gray like slate,
when the low air there is sallow like clay,
when the Northwind parts the plain in four,
when Northwind there steals our breath,
then my land cracks... my flat land...

When the Schelde glares, in southern sun
and every Flemish girl strolls in sundress
when the first spider weaves its spring-webs
and dancing through the field the juli sunlight shakes,
when the southernwind, roars through the grain
when the southernwind, rejoices by the course,
then my land cheers... My flat land...


IL RE FA RULLARE I TAMBURI
(Trad. francese, arr. da Fabrizio De André)

Il re fa rullare i tamburi,
Il re fa rullare i tamburi
Vuol sceglier fra le dame
Un nuovo e fresco amore
Ed è la prima che ha veduto
Che gli ha rapito il cuore.

Marchese, la conosci tu?
Marchese, la conosci tu?
Chi è questa graziosa?
Ed il marchese gli ha risposto:
Maestà, e' la mia sposa.

Tu sei più felice di me,
Tu sei più felice di me
D'aver donna sì bella,
signora sì compita;
Se tu vorrai cederla a me
Sarà la favorita.

Signore, se non foste il re,
Signore, se non foste il re
V'intimerei prudenza;
Ma siete il sire, siete il Re.
Vi devo l'obbedienza.

Marchese, vedrai, passerà
Marchese, vedrai, passerà
D'amor la sofferenza;
Io ti farò nelle mie armate
Maresciallo di Francia.

Addio per sempre, mia gioia,
Addio per sempre, mia bella,
Addio, dolce amore;
Devi lasciarmi per il re,
Ed io ti lascio il cuore.

La regina ha raccolto dei fiori,
La regina ha raccolto dei fiori
Celando la sua offesa;
Ed il profumo di quei fiori
Ha ucciso la marchesa.


THE KING LETS THE DRUMS ROLL
(Traditional French ballad, arr. by Fabrizio De André)

The king lets the drums roll,
The king lets the drums roll
He wants to choose out of the ladies
One new and fresh love
And the first one he saw
Has taken his heart away.

Marquis, do you know her?
Marquis, do you know her?
Who is that gracious one?
And the marquis answered:
My lord, she is my bride.

You are happier than me,
You are happier than me
For you have such a beautiful woman,
Such a graceful lady,
Should you like to let me have her
She'd be the favourite.

My lord, were you not the king,
My lord, were you not the king
I should summon you prudence;
But you are my lord, you are the king.
I owe you obedience.

Marquis, you'll see, it will pass
Marquis, you'll see, it will pass
This love's labour;
I will make you in my army
Marshall of France.

Farewell for ever, my joy,
Farewell for ever, my beauty,
Farewell, sweet love;
You must leave me for the king,
And with you leaves my heart.

The queen has plucked flowers,
The queen has plucked flowers
Hiding her offence;
And those flowers smell
Has killed marquise.
LE ROI A FAIT BATTRE TAMBOUR
(Trad.)

Le Roi a fait battre tambour,
Le Roi a fait battre tambour,
Pour voir toutes ces dames,
Et la première qu'il a vu
Lui a ravi son âme.

Marquis, dis-moi, la connais-tu ?
Marquis, dis-moi, la connais-tu?
Qui est cett' jolie dame ?
Le marquis lui a répondu :
Sire roi, c'est ma femme.

Marquis, tu es plus heureux que moi,
Marquis, tu es plus heureux que moi,
D'avoir femme si belle.
Si tu voulais me l'accorder,
Je me chargerais d'elle.

Sire, si vous n'étiez pas le roi,
Sire, si vous n'étiez pas le roi
J'en tirerais vengeance.
Mais puisque vous êtes le roi,
A votre obéissance.

Marquis, ne te fâche donc pas,
Marquis, ne te fâche donc pas,
T'auras ta récompense :
Je te ferai dans mes armées
Beau maréchal de France.

Adieu, ma mie, adieu, mon cour,
Adieu, ma mie, adieu, mon cour,
Adieu mon espérance !
Puisqu'il faut servir le roi,
Séparons-nous d'ensemble.

Le roi l'a prise par la main,
Le roi l'a prise par la main
L'a menée dans sa chambre ;
La belle en montant les degrés
A voulu se défendre.

Marquise, ne pleurez pas tant !
Marquise, ne pleurez pas tant!
Je vous ferai princesse ;
De tout mon or et mon argent,
Vous serez la maîtresse.

Gardez votre or ! Et votre argent
Gardez votre or ! Et votre argent
N'appartient qu'à la Reine ;
J'aimerais mieux mon doux Marquis
Que toutes vos richesses !

La reine a fait faire un bouquet,
La reine a fait faire un bouquet,
De belles fleurs de lyse
Et la senteur de ce bouquet,
A fait mourir marquise.

VÄNNER OCH FRÄNDER
(Swedish medieval ballad, arr. by Folk och Rackare)

Vänner och fränder de lade om råd
Hur de skulle gifta bort sin fränka i år
Uti rosen
Lade om råd
Hur de skulle gifta bort sin fränka i år

Dig vill vi giva en kungason till man
Och han har mera guld än lille Roland haver land
Uti rosen
Kungason till man
Och han har mera guld än lille Roland haver land

Om lördan och söndan budet utgick
Om måndan och tisdan skull skådas vad hon fick
Uti rosen
Budet utgick
Om måndan och tisdan skull skådas vad hon fick

Om onsdan och torsdan blandades vin
Om fredan och lördan dracks hedersdagen in
Uti rosen
Blandades vin
Om fredan och lördan dracks hedersdagen in

De drucko i dagar de drucko i två
Men inte ville bruden åt sängarne gå
Uti rosen
Drucko i två
Men inte ville bruden åt sängarne gå

De drucko i dagar de drucko i tre
Men inte ville bruden åt sängarne se
Uti rosen
Drucko i tre
Men inte ville bruden åt sängarne se

Då kom där in en liten sjödräng
Och han var allt klädd uti blå kjortelen
Uti rosen
En liten sjödräng
Och han var allt klädd uti blå kjortelen

Han ställde sig vid bordet och talade så
Jag ser endast masterna som där gå
Uti rosen
Talade så
Jag ser endast masterna som där gå

Så lyster det Jungfrun åt högan loftet gå
Så springer hon den vägen mot sjöastranden låg
Uti rosen
Högan loftet gå
Så springer hon den vägen mot sjöastranden låg

Hon sprang uppå stenar hon sprang uppå tå
Men aktade sig väl för böljorna de blå
Uti rosen
Sprang uppå tå
Men aktade sig väl för böljorna de blå

Så togo de henne i skeppet in
Och bjöd henne att dricka både mjöd och vin
Uti rosen
I skeppet in
Och bjöd henne att dricka både mjöd och vin

Jag ser jag ser på dina vita fingrar små
Att vigselring ej suttit på den förrän igår
Uti rosen
Vita fingrar små
Att vigselring ej suttit på den förrän igår

Jag ser jag ser på dina guldgula hår
Att brudekrans ej suttit på dem förrän igår
Uti rosen
Guldgula hår
Att brudekrans ej suttit på dem förrän igår

Jag ser jag ser på dina snövita bröst
Att de ej har varit någon småbarnatröst
Uti rosen
Snövita bröst
Att de ej har varit någon småbarnatröst

Och Jungfrun hon lägger sig vid lille Rolands sida
Hon känner sig varken sorgsen eller kvida
Uti rosen
Lille Rolands sida



FRIENDS AND KIN
(Swedish medieval ballad, arr. by Folk och Rackare)

Friends and kinsfolk met to deliberate
To whom would they marry off their kinswoman this year
Rosy youth
They deliberated
To whom would they marry off their kinswoman this year

We want you to wed the son of a king
And he has more gold than poor Roland has land
Rosy youth
Wed the son of a king
And he has more gold than poor Roland has land

On Saturday and Sunday the word it was spread
Monday and Tuesday will show what she gets
Rosy youth
Word was spread
Monday and Tuesday will show what she gets

On Wednesday and Thursday the wine was made
Friday and Saturday the wedding was cheered
Rosy youth
Wine was made
Friday and Saturday the wedding was cheered

They drank for days, they drank for two,
But the bride wouldn't to the chamber go
Rosy youth
They drank for two
But the bride wouldn't to the chamber go

They drank for days, they drank for three
But the bridal bed she refused for to see
Rosy youth
They drank for three
But the bridal bed she refused for to see

Then entered in a poor ship's hand
Wore a blue blouse both tattered and torn
Rosy youth
Poor ship's hand
Wore a blue blouse both tattered and torn

He stood at the table and he spoke
I see only masts and the places where they go
Rosy youth
And he spoke
I see only masts and the places where they go

And the maiden went up to the high loft
And ran down the path to the broad sea shore
Rosy youth
Went to the high loft
And ran down the path to the broad sea shore

She ran on the rocks, she ran on tiptoe
But took great care to mind the blue waves below
Rosy youth
Ran on tiptoe
But took great care to mind the blue waves below

And they brought her on board the ship
And there they bade her drink both mead and wine
Rosy youth
On board ship
And there they bade her drink both mead and wine

I see I see on your white fingers small
The wedding band has not been there for long
Rosy youth
White fingers small
The wedding band has not been there for long

I see I see on your golden hair
That before yesterday the wreath was not there
Rosy youth
Golden hair
That before yesterday the wreath was not there

I see I see on your lily white breasts
That small children they have not consoled
Rosy youth
Lily white breasts
That small children they have not consoled

And now the maiden lays at poor Roland's side
She feels neither sorrow nor anguish
Rosy youth
At poor Roland's side

 
ZEVEN STEKEN
(Lyrics from the 'Keukenmeidenzangboek' (Kitchen Maid Songbook), Melody by Laïs)

Hij was een jongeling van achttien jaren
Die bij z'n meisje de liefde kwam verklaren
Maar toen hij haar had van haar eer ontrukt
Liet hij haar zitten met haar ongeluk

's Morgens kwam hij om haar te spreken
Men zag de tranen van droefheid breken
Zij sprak : Jongeman ziet wat gij doet
Hetgeen ik draag is van uw vlees en bloed

Hij nam haar dadelijk mee naar buiten
In 't groen waar al die vogels fluiten
Hij nam haar mee naar een rivier
En sprak : uw laatste rustplaats is hier

Hij heeft haar dadelijk vastgegrepen
En nam een mes en gaf haar zeven steken
Ja zeven steken, zij viel voor zijn voet
Zij lag te baden in haar eigen bloed

Adieu mijn vader, adieu mijn moeder
Adieu mijn zuster, adieu mijn broeder
Nu ga ik scheiden van de wereld af
En ik ga rusten in het duister graf

Ziet nu zo een moordenaar eens lopen
Geen rust of duur om iets te hopen
Nu loopt hij met zijn ogen vol getraan
En kan z'n leven naar de gevangenis gaan



SEVEN STABS
(Lyrics from the 'Keukenmeidenzangboek' (Kitchen Maid Songbook), Melody by Laïs)

It was a young boy of eighteen
Who courted a young girl
But after he debauched her
He forsook her to her fate

One morning he came to speak to her
And she could not keep her tears
She said: my friend, see what you do
I bear in mine your flesh and blood

He took her outdoors
In the green where birds sang
He lead her by a river
Said: here shall be your last rest

He held her fast
Took a knife and gave her seven stabs
Seven stabs, and she fell to his feet
Lying on her own blood

Farewell my father, farewell my mother
Farewell my sister, farewell my brother
Now I leave this world
To rest in the darkness of a grave

There flees the murderer
Never can he hope for rest
He flees with eyes full of tears
He's living in prison till death.
SEPT COUPS DE POIGNARD
(Version française par Nanok)


C'était un garçon de dix-huit ans
qui courtisait une jeune fille
Mais quand il l'eut déshonorée
Il l'abandonna à son malheur

Un matin il vint lui parler
Et ne pouvant contenir ses larmes
Elle dit : mon ami, vois ce que tu fais
Je porte en moi ta chair et ton sang

Il l'emmena au dehors
Dans les prés où chantent les oiseaux
Il la mena près d'une rivière
Disant : ici tu dormiras de ton dernier sommeil

Il la saisit fermement
Prit un couteau et par sept fois frappa
Sept coups de poignard ; elle tomba à ses pieds
Baignant dans son sang

Adieu mon père, adieu ma mère
Adieu ma sour, adieu mon frère
Je dois maintenant quitter ce monde
Pour reposer dans la noirceur de la tombe

Voyez le meurtrier qui s'enfuit
Pour lui plus jamais de repos
Il fuit, les yeux plein de larmes
C'est en prison qu'il va finir sa vie

TRI MARTELOD
(Trad. bretonne, arr. par Tri Yann)


Tri martelod yaouank
O lonia ladiguetra
Tri martelod yaouank
O voned da voyagi

O voned da voyagi gué
O voned da voyagi,
O voned da voyagi gué
O voned da voyagi

Gant'el oant bet kaset
O lonia ladiguetra
Gant'el oant bet kaset
Betek an douar nevez.

Betek an douar nevez gué
Betek an douar nevez,
Betek an douar nevez gué
Betek an douar nevez

E kichen mein ar veil
O lonia ladiguetra
E kichen mein ar veil
Odeus mouliet o erioù.

Odeus mouliet o erioù gué
Odeus mouliet o erioù,
Odeus mouliet o erioù gué
Odeus mouliet o erioù

Ag e-barz ar veil-se
O lonia ladiguetra
Ag e-barz ar veil-se
E oa eur servijourez.

E oa eur servijourez gué
E oa eur servijourez,
E oa eur servijourez gué
E oa eur servijourez

Hag hi goulen ganin
O lonia ladiguetra
Hag hi goulen ganin
Pelec'h peus gret konesans.

Pelec'h peus gret konesans gué
Pelec'h peus gret konesans
Pelec'h peus gret konesans gué
Pelec'h peus gret konesans

E Naoned d'ar mar'had
O lonia ladiguetra
E Naoned d'ar mar'had
Hi d'oa choaset eur walenn

Hi d'oa choaset eur walenn gué
Hi d'oa choaset eur walenn,
Hi d'oa choaset eur walenn gué
Hi d'oa choaset eur walenn

Gwalenn ar bromesans
O lonia ladiguetra
Gwalenn ar bromesans
A pavont da zimezi.

A pavont da zimezi gué
A pavont da zimezi,
A pavont da zimezi gué
A pavont da zimezi

Ne zimezo d'an daou
O lonia ladiguetra
Ne zimezo d'an daou
Ha ni a sont tiegez

Ha ni a sont tiegez gué
Ha ni a sont tiegez,
Ha ni a sont tiegez gué
Ha ni a sont tiegez

Echu e ma chanson
O lonia ladiguetra
Echu e ma chanson
An hini oar e-gontinu!



THREE YOUNG SAILORS
(Trad. from Brittany, arr. by Tri Yann)


Three young sailors
O lonia ladiguetra
Three young sailors
Set out for a journey

They set out for a journey, yes
They set out for a journey
They set out for a journey, yes
They set out for a journey

Pushed by the wind, yes
O lonia ladiguetra
Pushed by the wind, yes
Till a new land

Till a new land, yes
Till a new land
Till a new land, yes
Till a new land

By the stones of a mill
O lonia ladiguetra
By the stones of a mill
They dropped anchor

They dropped anchor, yes
They dropped anchor
They dropped anchor, yes
They dropped anchor

And inside that mill
O lonia ladiguetra
And inside that mill
There stood a servant

There stood a servant, yes
There stood a servant
There stood a servant, yes
There stood a servant

And she asked me
O lonia ladiguetra
And she asked me
Where had we met

Where had we met, yes
Where had we met
Where had we met, yes
Where had we met

In Nantes, at the market
O lonia ladiguetra
In Nantes, at the market
We chose a ring

We chose a ring, yes
We chose a ring
We chose a ring, yes
We chose a ring

An engagement ring
O lonia ladiguetra
An engagement ring
For those who will marry

For those who will marry, yes
For those who will marry
For those who will marry, yes
For those who will marry

And we will marry
O lonia ladiguetra
And we will marry
And will have a family

And will have a family, yes
And will have a family
And will have a family, yes
And will have a family

And my song ends here
O lonia ladiguetra
And my song ends here
Who knows the following sing on!
TRE MARINAI
(Trad. bretone, arr. da Tri Yann)
(Tr. it. di Riccardo Venturi)

Tre giovani marinai,
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
Tre giovani marinai
Partirono in viaggio

Partirono in viaggio, sì,
Partirono in viaggio
Partirono in viaggio, sì
Partirono in viaggio

Spinti dal vento, sì,
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
Spinti dal vento, sì
Fino a una nuova terra.

Fino a una nuova terra, sì,
Fino a una nuova terra
Fino a una nuova terra, sì
Fino a una nuova terra

Accanto alle pietre d'un mulino
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
Accanto alle pietre d'un mulino
Hanno gettato l'ancora.

Hanno gettato l'ancora, sì,
Hanno gettato l'ancora
Hanno gettato l'ancora, sì,
Hanno gettato l'ancora

E dentro quel mulino,
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
E dentro quel mulino
C'era una servetta.

C'era una servetta, sì,
C'era una servetta
C'era una servetta, sì,
C'era una servetta

E lei mi domandò,
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
E lei mi domandò
Dove ci eravamo conosciuti.

Dove ci eravamo conosciuti, sì,
Dove ci eravamo conosciuti,
Dove ci eravamo conosciuti, sì
Dove ci eravamo conosciuti

A Nantes, al mercato
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
A Nantes, al mercato,
Aveva scelto un anello.

Aveva scelto un anello, sì,
Aveva scelto un anello,
Aveva scelto un anello, sì
Aveva scelto un anello

Un anello di fidanzamento.
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
Un anello di fidanzamento,
Per quelli che si sposeranno.

Per quelli che si sposeranno, sì,
Per quelli che si sposeranno,
Per quelli che si sposeranno, sì,
Per quelli che si sposeranno

E noi ci sposeremo,
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
E noi ci sposeremo
E avremo una famiglia.

E avremo una famiglia, sì,
E avremo una famiglia,
E avremo una famiglia, sì,
E avremo una famiglia

E la mia canzone è finita
O lo-nià là-di-ghe-trà
La mia canzone è finita
E continui chi ne conosce il seguito!


LE GRAND COUREUR
(Chanson à vire de la tradition bretonne, ici dans la version jouée par Daniele Sepe)



Le corsaire le Grand Coureur
Est un navire de malheur
Quand il s'en va croisière
Pour aller chasser l'Anglais
Le vent, la mer et la guerre
Tournent contre le Français.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Il est parti de Lorient
Avec mer belle et bon vent
Il cinglait babord amure
Naviguant comme un poisson
Un grain tombe sur sa mâture
v'la le corsaire en ponton.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement

Il nous fallut remâter
Et bougrement relinguer
Tandis que l'ouvrage avance
On signale par tribord
Un navire d'apparence
A mantelets de sabords.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

C'était un Anglais vraiment
A double rangée de dents
Un marchand de mort subite
Mais le Français n'a pas peur
Au lieu de brasser en fuite
Nous le rangeons à l'honneur.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Les boulets pleuvent sur nous
Nous lui rendons coups pour coups
Pendant que la barbe en fume
A nos braves matelots
Dans un gros bouchon de brume
Il nous échappe aussitôt.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Nos prises au bout de six mois
Ont pu se monter à trois
Un navir' plein de patates
Plus qu'à moitié chaviré
Un deuxième de savates
Et le dernier de fumier.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement

Pour nous refaire des combats
Nous avions à nos repas
Des gourganes, du lard rance
Du vinaigre au lieu du vin
Du biscuit pourri d'avance
Et du camphre le matin.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement

Pour finir ce triste sort
Nous venons périr au port
Dans cette affreuse misère
Quand chacun s'est vu perdu
Chacun selon sa manière
S'est sauvé comme il a pu.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Le cap'taine et son second
S'ont sauvé sur un canon
Le maître sur la grande ancre
Le commis dans son bidon
Ah le sacré vilain cancre
Le voleur de rations.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Il eût fallu voir le coq
Et sa cuisine et son croc
Il s'est mis dans un' chaudière
Comme un vilain pot au feu
Il est parti vent arrière
attérit au feu de Dieu.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

De notre horrible malheur
Seul le calfat est l'auteur
En tombant de la grand'hune
Dessus le gaillard d'avant
A rebondi dans la cambuse
A crevé le bâtiment.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Si l'histoire du Grand Coureur
A su vous toucher le cour
Ayez donc belles manières
Et payez-nous largement
Du vin, du rack, de la bière
Et nous serons tous contents.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!



THE PRIVATEER "GRAND COUREUR"
("Chanson à vire" or capstan song from Brittany
English version by Riccardo Venturi)



The privateer Grand Coureur
Is a poor, unlucky ship,
When she sets out so bold
To chase the English at sea
Alas! The wind, sea and war
Turn their back to the French.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

She sailed out from Lorient
With still sea, and fair winds
That drove her from larboard
Making her sail like a fish.
But there it comes a storm
And, alas! She's made a wreck.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

All the masts had we to mend
Working hard like negro slaves,
And as work is still going on
Someone calls from starboard.
Here comes a ship boarding,
And she's full of cannonguns.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

It was just an English ship
showing her two rows of guns.
Looked like a true deathmonger,
but the French do not fear her.
So, instead of taking flight,
we'll engage in the fight.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

The balls flying o'er our heads,
we repaid 'em one by one,
our brave sailormen's beards
are steaming in the great toil!
Then the English ship it sneaks
in a fog bank and disappears.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

Here's what we picked up
in six months roving at sea:
a ship loaded with potatoes
just half-wrecked, as you see,
and another carrying slippers,
and the last loaded with dung.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

To recover from the fight
We got a nice meal indeed:
A slop, rancid lard in slices,
Sour vinegar instead of wine,
Mouldy biscuits gone long since,
Camphor brandy for breakfast.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

To get rid of our bad fate
We're drawing to the port
To put an end to disgraces
By death, seeing how it'll end.
Everyone of us is trying
to reach safety his own way!
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

The captain and his adjutant
Clinging to a floating gun,
The boatswain to the big anchor,
The storekeeper to a barrel,
That bloody old motherfucker!
He always stole our allowance.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

Behold now the ship's cook
With his kitchen and his hooks,
How he's hidden in a big pot
just like stale bread soup,
sailing away with the wind
as if pursued by the hell fire.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

All our bad luck, I tell ye,
is the caulker's fault, you see:
he fell down from the maintop
on to th' slippery stemdeck,
bounced back down the caboose
and the girders he did break.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

If the story of Grand Coureur
your heart it did move to weep
be so kind as to repay us
by your gratefulness so deep!
Give us wine, brandy and beer
and we'll drink your health to keep!
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

IL GRAND COUREUR
(Chanson à vire, canto tradizionale che i marinai bretoni intonano girando l'arganetto per tirar su e giù il canapo dell'ancora, che si chiama cabestano)
(Tr. it. di Riccardo Venturi)

Il Grand Coureur
È una nave pirata sfortunata !
Quando se ne va per mare
A dar la caccia agli Inglesi
Il vento, il mare e la guerra
Cambiano in peggio contro i Francesi.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

È partita da Lorient
Col mare calmo e buon vento,
Faceva vela a babordo
Navigando come un pesce
Quando si becca una burrasca
Ed eccola ridotta a un relitto.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Ci è toccato rifar l'alberatura
E lavorar come degli schiavi,
E mentre il lavoro va avanti
Ci segnalano a tribordo
Una nave, all'apparenza
Piena di bocche di cannoni.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Era davvero una nave inglese
Con una doppia fila di cannoni,
Un mercante di morte improvvisa,
Ma i francesi non hanno paura,
E invece di battere in fuga
Ingaggiamo la battaglia.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Le palle ci piovono addosso,
Ma noi gli rendiamo colpo per colpo,
E mentre ai nostri marinai
Fuma la barba per lo sforzo
In un gran banco di nebbia
S'infila e subito ci scappa.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Le nostre prede, in sei mesi,
Ammontano ben a tre:
Una nave carica di patate
Gia' mezza affondata,
Un'altra di ciabatte
E l'ultima di letame.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Per riprendersi dai combattimenti
Abbiamo come pasto
Una sbobba, del lardo rancido,
Aceto invece di vino,
Del biscotto marcio già da prima
E, il mattino, spirito di canfora.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Per finirla con questa scalogna
Veniamo a morire al porto,
E in questa disgrazia spaventosa
Quando tutti si son visti perduti
Ognuno alla sua maniera
S'è messo in salvo come ha potuto.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Il capitano e il suo aiutante
Si son salvati sopra un cannone,
Il nostromo sulla grande ancora,
Il cambusiere in un bidone,
Ah! Quel gran pezzo di merda,
Quel ladro di razioni.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Avreste dovuto vedere il cuoco,
La sua cucina e i suoi ganci,
S'è infilato in un pentolone
Come un volgare minestrone,
È partito col vento in poppa
Come avesse il fuoco al culo.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Della nostra orribile sfortuna
Solo autore è il calafato:
È caduto dalla coffa
Sopra al castello di prua,
Poi è rimbalzato nella cambusa
Spaccando tutta la travatura.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !

Se la storia del Grand Coureur
Vi ha saputo toccare il cuore
Siate dunque assai gentili
E dateci in abbondanza
Vino, rack e birra
E saremo tutti contenti.
Andiamo, su, ragazzi, allegri!
Su, ragazzi, allegri !


LE GRAND VENT
(Laïs & Ludo Vandeau)

Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente
Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente

Trois demoiselles y vont danser
Elles ont mangé mon coeur
Elles m'ont mis la tête à l'envers
Et m'ont montré toutes les couleurs
Du grand vent qui vente

Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente
Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente

La première est vêtue de blanc
J'aurai son coeur
je ne veux qu'elle et si je mens
C'est qu'elle a mêlé les couleurs
Dans le grand vent qui vente

Je danse l'eau et les serments
La nuit entre mes mains
Les promesses des amants
Les regrets du matin
Dans le grand vent qui vente

S'il veut les trois il n'aura rien
Que le grand vent qui vente

Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente
Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente

La deuxième est vêtue de bleu
J'aurai son coeur
Avec les autres si je peux
Je mêlerai les couleurs
Dans le grand vent qui vente

Je danse la joie et le doute
Les perles de rosée
Pour les arbres sur les routes
Les amitiés
Dans le grand vent qui vente

S'il veut les trois il n'aura rien
Que le grand vent qui vente

Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente
Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente

La troisième est vêtue de noir
J'aurai son coeur
Je n'aurai besoin d'aller voir
Aucune autre couleur
Dans le grand vent qui vente

Je dansais la cendre et le feu
Les lendemains
Mon amant est devenu trop vieux
Et il s'éteint
Dans le grand vent qui vente

S'il veut les trois il n'aura rien
Que le grand vent qui vente

Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente
Sur la mer il y a un pré
Et le grand vent y vente

Trois demoiselles sont parties
Elles ont mangé mon coeur
Et n'ont laissé que leurs habits
Mais ils ont perdu leurs couleurs
Dans le grand vent qui vente

Sur la mer il y a un pré
Sur la mer il y a un pré
Sur la mer il y a un pré



THE STRONG WIND


On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there
On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there

Three maidens are going to dance there
They have eaten my heart
Put my head upside down
Shown me all the colours
Of the strong wind blowing

On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there
On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there

The first one is dressed in white
I will have her heart
I don't want but her and if I'm lying
It's her who mixed the colours
In the strong wind blowing

I dance water and vows
Night in my hands
Lovers' perjures
Morning remorses
In the strong wind blowing

If he wants the three he won't have any
But the strong wind blowing

On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there
On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there

The second one is dressed in blue
I will have her heart
With the others if I can
I will mix the colours
In the strong wind blowing

I dance joy and doubt
And dewdrops
For trees on the roads
And friendships
In the strong wind blowing

If he wants the three he won't have any
But the strong wind blowing

On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there
On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there

The third one is dressed in black
I will have her heart
I won't need to go and see
Any other colour
In the strong wind blowing

I danced ashes and fire
The days after
My lover has grown too old
And passed away
In the strong wind blowing

If he wants the three he won't have any
But the strong wind blowing

On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there
On the sea there is a meadow
And the strong wind blows there

Three maidens have left
They have eaten my heart
And haven't left but their dresses
That have lost all colour though
In the strong wind blowing

On the sea there is a meadow
On the sea there is a meadow
On the sea there is a meadow



IL GRAN VENTO


Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento
Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento

Tre damigelle ci danzeranno
Hanno mangiato il mio cuore
Mi hanno rovesciato la testa
E mi han mostrato tutti i colori
Del gran vento che soffia

Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento
Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento

La prima è vestita di bianco
Avrò il suo cuore
Non voglio che lei e se sto mentendo
È lei che ha mischiato i colori
Nel gran vento che soffia

Danzo l'acqua e i giuramenti
La notte nelle mie mani
Le promesse degli amanti
I rimpianti del mattino
Nel gran vento che soffia

Se le vuole tutt'e tre non avrà niente
Se non il gran vento che soffia

Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento
Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento

La seconda è vestita di blu
Avrò il suo cuore
Con gli altri se posso
Mischierò i colori
Nel gran vento che soffia

Danzo la gioia e il dubbio
Le perle di rugiada
Per gli alberi sulle strade
Le amicizie
Nel gran vento che soffia

Se le vuole tutt'e tre non avrà niente
Se non il gran vento che soffia

Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento
Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento

La terza è vestita di nero
Avrò il suo cuore
Non avrò bisogno di andare a vedere
Alcun altro colore
Nel gran vento che soffia

Danzavo la cenere e il fuoco
L'indomani
Il mio amante è diventato troppo vecchio
E si è spento
Nel gran vento che soffia

Se le vuole tutt'e tre non avrà niente
Se non il gran vento che soffia

Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento
Sul mare c'è un prato
E ci soffia il gran vento

Tre damigelle sono partite
Hanno mangiato il mio cuore
E non hanno lasciato che i loro vestiti
Ma questi hanno perso i loro colori
Nel gran vento che soffia

Sul mare c'è un prato
Sul mare c'è un prato
Sul mare c'è un prato
WARME GARNARS
(Trad. Dutch fishermen's song from Jan Frans Willems' songbook, arr. by Blootland")

Moeder ik wil hebben een man
Warme garnars smory
Die mij den kost wel winnen kan
Warme garnars, warme garnars
Warme garnars, smory

Wel mijn dochter gij zijt te jong
Warme garnars, smory
Gij moet nog wachten een jaar rond
Warme garnars, warme garnars
Warme garnars, smory

Moeder ik ben oud genoeg
Warme garnars smory
Mijn Jan is knap en welbeproefd
Warme garnars, warme garnars
Warme garnars, smory

Moeder, moeder, geef mij ne man
Warme garnars smory
Die mij dees koude winter kan
Warmen, warmen, warmen, warmen
Warme garnars smory



WARM SHRIMPS



Mother I want to have a man
Warm shrimps smoked
Who can earn me my living
Warm shrimps, warm shrimps
Warm shrimps smoked

Well, my daughter, you're too young
Warm shrimps smoked
You will have to wait another year round
Warm shrimps, warm shrimps
Warm shrimps smoked

Mother I'm old enough
Warm shrimps smoked
My Jan is handsome and skilled
Warm shrimps, warm shrimps
Warm shrimps smoked

Mother, mother, give me a man
Warm shrimps smoked
who can keep me warm this winter
Warm me up, warm me
Warm shrimps smoked

 
GRAND JACQUES
(Jacques Brel, chantée aussi par Laïs)

C'est trop facile d'entrer aux églises
De déverser toute sa saleté
Face au curé qui dans la lumière grise
Ferme les yeux pour mieux nous pardonner

Tais-toi donc, grand Jacques
Que connais-tu du Bon Dieu
Un cantique, une image
Tu n'en connais rien de mieux

C'est trop facile quand les guerres sont finies
D'aller gueuler que c'était la dernière
Ami bourgeois vous me faites envie
Vous ne voyez donc point vos cimetières?

Tais-toi donc, grand Jacques
Laisse-les donc crier
Laisse-les pleurer de joie
Toi qui ne fus même pas soldat

C'est trop facile quand un amour se meurt
Qu'il craque en deux parce qu'on l'a trop plié
D'aller pleurer comme les hommes pleurent
Comme si l'amour durait l'éternité

Tais-toi donc, grand Jacques
Que connais-tu de l'amour
Des yeux bleus, des cheveux fous
Tu n'en connais rien du tout

Et dis-toi donc grand Jacques
Dis-le-toi bien souvent
C'est trop facile
C'est trop facile
De faire semblant



BIG JACQUES


It's too easy to step inside a church
And drop all your dirt
Staring at the priest who in the dim light
Closes his eyes to ease his forgiveness

So hush, big Jacques
What do you know of the Good God
A chant, an icon
You don't know anything better

It's too easy when a war is over
To bawl that this was the last
My bourgeous friend I feel envy for you
Don't you see your graveyards then?

So hush, big Jacques
Let them cry at last
Let them cry for joy
You, who were never a soldier

It's too easy when love dies
Fold too much and then broken
To go and cry as men cry
As though love could last for ever

So hush, big Jacques
What do you know of love
Some blue eyes, some unruly locks
You don't know anything at all

So say this, big Jacques,
And repeat it often to yourself
It's too easy
It's too easy
To pretend


GRANDE GIACOMO


È troppo facile entrare nelle chiese
A scaricare tutta la propria lordura
La faccia al curato che nella luce grigia
Chiude gli occhi per meglio perdonarci

Sta' zitto, allora, gran Giacomo
Che conosci tu del Buon Dio
Un cantico, un'immagine
Non ne conosci niente di meglio

È troppo facile quando le guerre sono finite
Mettersi a sbraitare che questa era l'ultima
Amico borghese la invidio
Non li vede proprio i suoi cimiteri?

Sta' zitto, allora, grande Giacomo
Lasciali un po' gridare
Lasciali piangere di gioia
Tu che non sei mai neanche stato soldato

È troppo facile quando muore un amore
Che si spacca in due perché è stato troppo piegato
Mettersi a piangere come piangono gli uomini
Come se l'amore durasse l'eternità

Sta zitto, allora, grande Giacomo
Che conosci tu dell'amore
Degli occhi blu, dei capelli ribelli
Non ne sai proprio niente

E allora ripètitelo, grande Giacomo
Ripètitelo spesso
È troppo facile
È troppo facile
Fare finta

DEN DROOGEN HAERING
(Trad. Flemish fishermen's song, here sung by Wè-nun Henk)

Ja, van de droge haring zullen we zingen
Ter ere van z'n kopje zullen we springen
't is van z'n kop, spring er maar op
't is van de droge haring.

Ja, van de droge haring zullen we zingen
Ter ere van z'n oren zullen we springen
't is van z'n oor, spring er maar op
't is van de droge haring.

Ja, van de droge haring zullen wij zingen.
Ter ere van zijn buikske zullen wij springen.
't Is van zijn buik, springt er maar puik,
't is van de droge haring.

Ja, van de droge haring zullen wij zingen.
Ter ere van zijn stertje zullen wij springen.
't Is van zijn stert, da's 't minste werd,
't is van de droge haring.

Ja, van de droge haring zullen wij zingen.
Ter ere van zijn hartje zullen wij springen.
't Is van zijn hart, springt er maar hard,
't is van de droge haring.

Ja, van de droge haring zullen wij zingen.
Ter ere van zijn liefke zullen wij zingen.
't Is van zijn lief, da's zijn gerief,
't is van de droge haring.

Ja, van de droge haring zullen wij zingen.
Ter ere van zijn wijfke zullen wij springen.
't Is van zijn wijf, da's zijn gekijf,
't is van de droge haring.




THE DRY HERRING



It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little head
It's from the head, and jump right off
It is from dry herring we will sing

It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little ears
It's from the ear, and jump right off
It is from dry herring we will sing

It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little belly
It's from the belly, and jump right ???
It is from dry herring we will sing

It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little ???
It's from the ???, ???
It is from dry herring we will sing

It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little heart
It's from the hart, and jump quick
It is from dry herring we will sing

It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little sweetheart
It's from its love, that's its comfort
It is from dry herring we will sing

It is from dry herring we will sing
Together we are going to jump off its little female
It's from its female, that's its ???
It is from dry herring we will sing


 
DE TVÅ SYSTRARNA
(Swedish medieval ballad, arr. by Folk och Rackare)

Där bodde en bonde vid sjöastrand
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Och tvenne döttrar hade han
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Den ena var vit som den klara sol
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Den andra var svart som den svartaste kol
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Vi tvättar oss bägge i vattnet nu
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Så blir jag väl som viter som du
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Å tvättar du dig både nätter och dar
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Så aldrig du blir som viter som hjag
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Och som de nu stodo på sjöastrand
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Så stötte den fulaste sin syster av sand
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Kära min syster du hjälp mig i land
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Och dig vill jag giva min lille fästeman
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Din fästeman honom får jag ändå
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Men aldrig ska du mer på gröna jorden gå
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Där bodde en spelman vid en strand
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Han såg i vattnet var liket det sam
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Spelemannen henne till stranden bar
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Och gjorde av henne en harpa så rar
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Spelemannen tog hennes guldgula hår
Harporsträngar ravar [?] står
Spelemannen tog hennes fingrar små
Gjorde harpan tapplor på
Spelemannen tog hennes snövita bröst
Harpan hon klinga med ljuvelig röst

Så bar harpan i bröllopsgård
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Där bruden hon dansar med gulleband i hår
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Trenne slag uppå gullharpan rann
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Den bruden har tagit min lille fästeman
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön

Om söndan så satt hon i brudstol röd
Blåser kallt kallt väder över sjön
Om måndan hon brändes i aska och dö


  LE DUE SORELLE


Viveva un contadino presso la spiaggia
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
E due figlie aveva lui
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Una era bianca come il sole chiaro
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
L'altra era nera come il carbone più nero
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Ci laviamo entrambe nell'acqua ora
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Così diverrò io bianca proprio come te
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

E lavati tu giorni e notti
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Così mai diverrai bianca come me
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

E quando stavano in piedi presso la spiaggia
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Allora la più cattiva colpì la sorella con la [?] sabbia
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Cara sorella mia aiutami a tornare a riva
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
E io ti darò il mio fidanzatino
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Il tuo fidanzatino lo posso prendere comunque
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Ma mai più camminerai sulla terra verde tu
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Viveva un suonatore presso una spiaggia
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Vide che nell'acqua c'era il cadavere [?]
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Il suonatore la portò fino alla spiaggia
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
E fece di lei un'arpa così graziosa
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Il suonatore prese i suoi capelli d'oro
Corde dell'arpa stanno ???
Il suonatore prese le sue dita minute
E ci fece ??? per l'arpa
Il suonatore prese i suoi seni candidi come neve
Lei suonava l'arpa con voce meravigliosa

Allora portò l'arpa nel giardino del matrimonio
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Là danza la sposa con i capelli cinti d'oro
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Tre colpi corsero sull'arpa dorata
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
La sposa ha preso il mio fidanzatino
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare

Di domenica era seduta nel rosso seggio di sposa
Soffia freddo vento freddo sul mare
Di lunedì era bruciata in ceneri e morì
AMSTERDAM
(Jacques Brel)


Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui chantent
Les rêves qui les hantent
Au large d'Amsterdam
Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui dorment
Comme des oriflammes
Le long des berges mornes
Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui meurent
Pleins de bière et de drames
Aux premières lueurs
Mais dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui naissent
Dans la chaleur épaisse
Des langueurs océanes

Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui mangent
Sur des nappes trop blanches
Des poissons ruisselants
Ils vous montrent des dents
A croquer la fortune
A décroisser la lune
A bouffer des haubans
Et ça sent la morue
Jusque dans le coeur des frites
Que leurs grosses mains invitent
A revenir en plus
Puis se lèvent en riant
Dans un bruit de tempête
Referment leur braguette
Et sortent en rotant

Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui dansent
En se frottant la panse
Sur la panse des femmes
Et ils tournent et ils dansent
Comme des soleils crachés
Dans le son déchiré
D'un accordéon rance
Ils se tordent le cou
Pour mieux s'entendre rire
Jusqu'à ce que tout à coup
L'accordéon expire
Alors le geste grave
Alors le regard fier
Ils ramènent leur batave
Jusqu'en pleine lumière

Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Y a des marins qui boivent
Et qui boivent et reboivent
Et qui reboivent encore
Ils boivent à la santé
Des putains d'Amsterdarn
De Hambourg ou d'ailleurs
Enfin ils boivent aux dames
Qui leur donnent leur joli corps
Qui leur donnent leur vertu
Pour une pièce en or
Et quand ils ont bien bu
Se plantent le nez au ciel
Se mouchent dans les étoiles
Et ils pissent comme je pleure
Sur les femmes infidèles

Dans le port d'Amsterdam
Dans le port d'Amsterdam.



AMSTERDAM
(Nederlandse versie van Liesbeth List)


In dat Oud-Amsterdam,
in de buurt van de haven
Gaan de zeelui zich laven,
drinken 't hek van de dam
In dat Oud-Amsterdam,
liggen zeelieden dronken
Als een wimpel zo lam,
in de dokken te ronken
In dat Oud-Amsterdam,
krijgt een zeeman de stuipen
Tot hij zich, grauw van gram,
in 't bier wil verzuipen
Maar in Oud-Amsterdam
zie je zeelui ontkatert
Als de ochtendzon schatert,
over Damrak en Dam

In dat Oud-Amsterdam,
zie je zeelieden bikken
Zilv'ren haringen slikken,
bij de staart, uit de hand
Van de hand in de tand
smijten zij met hun knaken
Want ze zullen 'm raken,
als een kat in 't want
En ze stinken naar aal,
in hun grofblauwe truien
En ze stinken naar uien,
daarmee doen ze hun maal
Na dat maal staan ze op,
om hun broek op te hijsen
En dan gaan ze weer hijsen,
tot 't boert in hun krop

In dat Oud-Amsterdam
zie je zeelieden zwieren
En dan de meiden versieren,
lijf aan lijf, warm en klam
En draaien hun bals
als een went'lende zon
Op de klank, dun en vol,
van een accordeon
En zo rood als een kreeft
happen zij naar wat lucht
Tot opeens, met een zucht,
de muziek 't begeeft
Met een air van gewicht
voeren zij met wat spijt
Dan hun Mokumse meid
weer terug in het licht

In dat Oud-Amsterdam
gaan de zeelui aan 't drinken
Aan 't drinken en drinken,
en daar nog 'es op drinken
Tot 't Oude Kerksplein
op een thuishaven lijkt
En de hoer in 't kozijn
net als moedertje kijkt
En haar borst is de borst
van verloofde of vrouw
En daarna weer zo'n dorst,
en de nacht wordt al grauw
Want op terug naar de schuit
en de kater breekt aan
En ze snikken 't uit,
tegen meerpaal en kraam
In dat Oud-Amsterdam,
in 't Oud-Amsterdam
In dat Oud-Amsterdam



AMSTERDAM
(English version by David Bowie)


In the port of Amsterdam
There's a sailor who sings
Of the dreams that he brings
From the wide open sea
In the port of Amsterdam
There's a sailor who sleeps
While the river bank weeps
To the old willow tree
In the port of Amsterdam
There's a sailor who dies
Full of beer, full of cries
In a drunken town fight
In the port of Amsterdam
There's a sailor who's born
On a hot muggy morn
By the dawn's early light

In the port of Amsterdam
Where the sailors all meet
There's a sailor who eats
Only fish heads and tails
And he'll show you his teeth
That have rotted too soon
That can haul up the sails
That can swallow the moon
And he yells to the cook
With his arms open wide
"Hey, bring me more fish
Throw it down by my side"
And he wants so to belch
But he's too full to try
So he stands up and laughs
And he zips up his fly

In the port of Amsterdam
You can see sailors dance
Paunches bursting their pants
Grinding women to porch
They've forgotten the tune
That their whiskey voice croaked
Splitting the night
With the roar of their jokes
And they turn and they dance
And they laugh and they lust
Till the rancid sound of the accordion bursts
And then out of the night
With their pride in their pants
And the sluts that they tow
Underneath the street lamps

In the port of Amsterdam
There's a sailor who drinks
And he drinks and he drinks
And he drinks once again
He'll drink to the health
Of the whores of Amsterdam
Who've given their bodies
To a thousand other men
Yeah, they've bargained their virtue
Their goodness all gone
For a few dirty coins
Well he just can't go on
Throws his nose to the sky
And he aims it up above
And he pisses like I cry
On the unfaithful love

In the port of Amsterdam
In the port of Amsterdam...

LU RUSCIU TE LU MARE
(Trad., Alla Bua)


Nna sira ieu passava te li patuli
E ntisi le cargnoccule cantare
E ntisi le cargnoccule cantare
A una a una ieu le sintia cantare
Ca me pariane lu rusciu te lu mare
Ca me pariane lu rusciu te lu mare.

Lu rusciu te lu mare è mutu forte
La fija te lu re se ta alla morte

Iddra se ta alla morte e ieu alla vita
La fija te lu re sta sse marita

Iddra sta sse marita e ieu me nsuru
La fija te lu re me ta nu fiuru

Iddra me ta nu fiuru e ieu na parma
La fija te lu re sta ba alla Spagna

Iddra sta ba alla Spagna e ieu in Turchia
La fija te lu re la zita mia

E vola vola vola palomma vola
E vola vola vola palomma mia
Ca ieu lu core meu ca ieu lu core meu
Ca ieu lu core meu te l'aggiu dare

Lu rusciu te lu mare è mutu forte
La fija te lu re se ta alla morte
La fija te lu re se ta alla morte



THE ROAR OF THE SEA



One night I was walking along the marsh
And I heard the frogs singing
And I heard the frogs singing
One by one I heard them singing
So that it sounded like the roar of the sea
So that it sounded like the roar of the sea

The roar of the sea is very loud
The king's daughter gives herself to death

She gives herself to death and I to life
The king's daughter is going to get married

She's going to be married and I'll be bridegroom
The king's daughter gives me a flower

She gives me a flower and I give her a palmtree
The king's daughter is going to Spain

She's going to Spain and I'm to Turkey
The kings's daughter my sweetheart

And fly fly fly dove fly
And fly fly fly my dove
For I have got this heart
For I have got this heart to give you

The roar of the sea is very loud
The king's daughter gives herself to death
The king's daughter gives herself to death



IL RUMORE DEL MARE



Nna sire ieu passava te li patuli
E ntisi le cargnoccule cantare
E ntisi le cargnoccule cantare
A una a una ieu le sintia cantare
Ca me pariane lu rusciu te lu mare
Ca me pariane lu rusciu te lu mare.

Lu rusciu te lu mare è mutu forte
La fija te lu re se ta alla morte

Iddra se ta alla morte e ieu alla vita
La fija te lu re sta sse marita

Iddra sta sse marita e ieu me nsuru
La fija te lu re me ta nu fiuru

Iddra me ta nu fiuru e ieu na parma
La fija te lu re sta ba alla Spagna

Iddra sta ba alla Spagna e ieu in Turchia
La fija te lu re la zita mia

E vola vola vola palomma vola
E vola vola vola palomma mia
Ca ieu lu core meu ca ieu lu core meu
Ca ieu lu core meu te l'aggiu dare

Lu rusciu te lu mare è mutu forte
La fija te lu re se ta alla morte
La fija te lu re se ta alla morte



[Unknown Title]
(Dr. Bajan & Brain Drain)





GUESS WHO



RUSKIE NEITSYT
(Värttinä)


Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
konsabo meille gostjah tulloh,
gostjah tulloh?
Mustapiäl pietenisänä, pietenisänä
minun vel'el suovattana, suovattana
minun miiloi pyhänpiän, pyhänpiän.

Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
midäbö heille syötetäh, syötetäh?
Mustapiäl leibiä de leibiä
minunn vel'el kalittoo, kalittoo
minun miiloi piiraidu, piiraidu.

Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
midäpä heille juotetah, juotetah?
Mustapiäl tsoojuo da tsoojuo
minun vel'el kofeidu, kofeidu
minun miiloi piivoa da piivoa.

Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
kunneba heijät muat pannah, muat pannah?
Mustapiäl perttih ja perttih
minun vel'el gornitsaa ja gornitsaa
minun miiloi tsardakkaa ja tsardakkaa.

Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
midapä heille ual pannah, ual pannah?
Mustapiäl posteli, posteli
minun vel'el perinä, perinä
minun miiloi buhovoit, buhovoit.

Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
midäpä heille kattiekse, kattiekse?
Mustapiäl vuattaa da vuattaa
minun vel'el odjuala, odjuala
minun miiloi barhattaa, barhattaa.

Ruskie neitsyt, valkie neitsyt
sano sinä, sano sinä
kedäpä heille rinnalle, rinnalle?
Mustapiäl Muarjaa da Muarjaa
minun vel'el Duarjaa da Duarjaa
minun miiloi itseni, itseni.



BROWN-HAIRED MAIDEN
(English translation by Jaakko Mäntyjärvi)


Brown haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
When shall we have visitors,
Have visitors?
Black-haired one on Friday, Friday
My brother on Saturday, Saturday
My love on Sunday, Sunday.

Brown-haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
What shall we give them to eat?
Black-haired one shall have bread
My brother shall have a stuffed loaf
My love shall have pies.

Brown-haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
What shall we give them to drink?
Black-haired one shall have tea
My brother shall have coffee
My love shall have beer.

Brown-haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
Where shall they sleep?
Black-haired one in the large room
My brother in the granary
My love in the hut.

Brown-haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
What shall they sleep on?
Black-haired one on a straw bolster
My brother on a feather bed
My love on the softest cushions.

Brown-haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
What shall we give them for covers?
Black-haired one a skin
My brother a blanket
My love a soft quilt.

Brown-haired maiden, blond maiden,
Tell me, tell me,
Who shall lie down with them?
Black-haired one with Muarja
My brother with Duarja
My love with myself.





GRAND COUREUR
(Polish version by Cztery Refy)


Wielki korsarz "Grand Coureur"
to był okręt krwawych łez.
Kiedyśmy na morze szli,
żeby tam Anglików bić,
Zdrajca morze, nawet wiatr
obrócił się przeciwko nam.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Wypłynęliśmy z L'Orient,
gładka fala, świeży wiatr.
Jeszcze bracie widać ląd,
a już gnają nas do pomp.
Pierwszy podmuch złamał maszt,
bo zgniły był cholerny wrak.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Nową stengę cieśla dał,
trzeba zapleść kilka want.
A tu znów cholerny bal,
burtą stanąć trza do fal.
Hej tam! Ster prawo na burt!
Odpalić mi ze wszystkich rur!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Angol bardzo blisko był,
lufy w rzędach miał jak kły,
Niósł po morzach nagłą śmierć,
ale Francuz nie bał się.
Hej tam! Ster prawo na burt!
Odpalić mi ze wszystkich rur!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

On kulami pluł nam w nos,
a my w niego cios za cios.
Hej, abordaż! Wczepiaj hak!
Zaraz Angol będzie nasz!
A tu gruby korek mgły Angola
nam na zawsze skrył.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Tak minęło dwieście dni,
zdobyliśmy pryzy trzy:
Pierwszy - wpół przegniły wrak,
drugi - kapeć tyleż wart,
Trzeci - hulk, co woził gnój,
z nim był też cholerny bój.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Żeby nikt nie opadł z sił,
doskonały prowiant był:
Żyły i zjełczały łój,
zamiast wina - octu słój.
Suchar stary, ale był,
choć w każdym robak biały żył.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Srogo los po rufach lał,
w porcie przyjdzie zdychać nam.
Dwieście dni i pusty trzos,
pieski rejs, parszywy los.
Każdy zgubę widzi już i
każdy szuka wyjścia dróg.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Szyper jedną z armat wziął,
skoczył z nią w przepastną toń.
Bosman ruszył w jego ślad,
dzierżąc się kotwicy łap.
Ochmistrz, w wielkiej kłótni drań,
pijany leń i złodziej dań.
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Jaja były, kiedy kuk
łyżką od śmierdzących zup
Sam do kotła wcisnął się,
pierwszy raz był w kotle wieprz.
I odpłynął z wiatrem gdzieś,
a niech go porwie piekła brzeg!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Nawet autor pieśni tej
ze zgryzoty skoczył z rej.
Huknął o kuchenny blat,
prosto do kubryku wpadł.
No a skutek taki był,
że okręt rozbił w drobny pył!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło, chłopcy, hej!

Jeśli tej historii treść
poruszyła kilka serc,
Dobrych manier nie brak wam,
Hej, postawcie wina dzban!
Bo gdy się śpiewa, w gardle schnie,
no a z wyschniętym gardłem źle.
Pijmy chłopcy, hej! Wesoło chłopcy, hej!
Razem chłopcy, hej! Wesoło chłopcy, hej!


LE GRAND COUREUR
(Chanson à vire de la tradition bretonne)


Le corsaire le Grand Coureur
Est un navire de malheur
Quand il s'en va croisière
Pour aller chasser l'Anglais
Le vent, la mer et la guerre
Tournent contre le Français.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Il est parti de Lorient
Avec mer belle et bon vent
Il cinglait babord amure
Naviguant comme un poisson
Un grain tombe sur sa mâture
v'la le corsaire en ponton.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement

Il nous fallut remâter
Et bougrement relinguer
Tandis que l'ouvrage avance
On signale par tribord
Un navire d'apparence
A mantelets de sabords.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

C'était un Anglais vraiment
A double rangée de dents
Un marchand de mort subite
Mais le Français n'a pas peur
Au lieu de brasser en fuite
Nous le rangeons à l'honneur.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Les boulets pleuvent sur nous
Nous lui rendons coups pour coups
Pendant que la barbe en fume
A nos braves matelots
Dans un gros bouchon de brume
Il nous échappe aussitôt.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Nos prises au bout de six mois
Ont pu se monter à trois
Un navir' plein de patates
Plus qu'à moitié chaviré
Un deuxième de savates
Et le dernier de fumier.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement

Pour nous refaire des combats
Nous avions à nos repas
Des gourganes, du lard rance
Du vinaigre au lieu du vin
Du biscuit pourri d'avance
Et du camphre le matin.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement

Pour finir ce triste sort
Nous venons périr au port
Dans cette affreuse misère
Quand chacun s'est vu perdu
Chacun selon sa manière
S'est sauvé comme il a pu.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Le cap'taine et son second
S'ont sauvé sur un canon
Le maître sur la grande ancre
Le commis dans son bidon
Ah le sacré vilain cancre
Le voleur de rations.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Il eût fallu voir le coq
Et sa cuisine et son croc
Il s'est mis dans un' chaudière
Comme un vilain pot au feu
Il est parti vent arrière
attérit au feu de Dieu.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

De notre horrible malheur
Seul le calfat est l'auteur
En tombant de la grand'hune
Dessus le gaillard d'avant
A rebondi dans la cambuse
A crevé le bâtiment.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!

Si l'histoire du Grand Coureur
A su vous toucher le cour
Ayez donc belles manières
Et payez-nous largement
Du vin, du rack, de la bière
Et nous serons tous contents.
Allons les gars gai, gai
Allons les gars gaiement!



THE PRIVATEER "GRAND COUREUR"
("Chanson à vire" or capstan song from Brittany
English version by Riccardo Venturi)

The privateer Grand Coureur
Is a poor, unlucky ship,
When she sets out so bold
To chase the English at sea
Alas! The wind, sea and war
Turn their back to the French.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

She sailed out from Lorient
With still sea, and fair winds
That drove her from larboard
Making her sail like a fish.
But there it comes a storm
And, alas! She's made a wreck.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

All the masts had we to mend
Working hard like negro slaves,
And as work is still going on
Someone calls from starboard.
Here comes a ship boarding,
And she's full of cannonguns.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

It was just an English ship
showing her two rows of guns.
Looked like a true deathmonger,
but the French do not fear her.
So, instead of taking flight,
we'll engage in the fight.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

The balls flying o'er our heads,
we repaid 'em one by one,
our brave sailormen's beards
are steaming in the great toil!
Then the English ship it sneaks
in a fog bank and disappears.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

Here's what we picked up
in six months roving at sea:
a ship loaded with potatoes
just half-wrecked, as you see,
and another carrying slippers,
and the last loaded with dung.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

To recover from the fight
We got a nice meal indeed:
A slop, rancid lard in slices,
Sour vinegar instead of wine,
Mouldy biscuits gone long since,
Camphor brandy for breakfast.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

To get rid of our bad fate
We're drawing to the port
To put an end to disgraces
By death, seeing how it'll end.
Everyone of us is trying
to reach safety his own way!
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

The captain and his adjutant
Clinging to a floating gun,
The boatswain to the big anchor,
The storekeeper to a barrel,
That bloody old motherfucker!
He always stole our allowance.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

Behold now the ship's cook
With his kitchen and his hooks,
How he's hidden in a big pot
just like stale bread soup,
sailing away with the wind
as if pursued by the hell fire.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

All our bad luck, I tell ye,
is the caulker's fault, you see:
he fell down from the maintop
on to th' slippery stemdeck,
bounced back down the caboose
and the girders he did break.
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

If the story of Grand Coureur
your heart it did move to weep
be so kind as to repay us
by your gratefulness so deep!
Give us wine, brandy and beer
and we'll drink your health to keep!
Come on, boys, come on!
Come on, boys, stay merry!

LOS CUATRO GENERALES
(Coplas de la defensa de Madrid, 1936,
Guerra civil española, Ernst Busch)



Los cuatro generales,
Los cuatro generales,
Los cuatro generales
¡Mamita mía!
Se habían alzado,
Se habían alzado.

Para la Nochebuena,
Para la Nochebuena,
Para la Nochebuena,
¡Mamita mía!
Serán ahorcados,
Serán ahorcados.

Madrid que bien resiste,
Madrid que bien resiste,
Madrid que bien resiste,
¡Mamita mía!
Los bombardeos,
Los bombardeos.

De las bombas se ríen,
De las bombas se ríen,
De las bombas se ríen,
¡Mamita mía!
Los Madrileños,
Los Madrileños.

Madrid, Dich wunderbare,
Madrid, Dich wunderbare,
Madrid, Dich wunderbare,
¡Mamita mía!
Dich wollten sie nehmen,
Dich wollten sie nehmen.

Doch deiner treuen Söhne,
Doch deiner treuen Söhne,
Doch deiner treuen Söhne,
¡Mamita mía!
Brauchst Dich nicht zu schämen,
Brauchst Dich nicht zu schämen.

Und alle deine Tränen,
Und alle deine Tränen,
Und alle deine Tränen,
¡Mamita mía!
Die werden wir rächen,
Die werden wir rächen.

Und alle unsre Knechtschaft,
Und alle unsre Knechtschaft,
Und alle unsre Knechtschaft,
¡Mamita mía!
Die werden wir brechen,
Die werden wir brechen.



THE FOUR GENERALS




The four generals,
The four generals,
The four generals,
¡Mamita mía!
Had risen,
Had risen.

By Christmas' Eve,
By Christmas' Eve,
By Christmas' Eve,
¡Mamita mía!
They'll be hanged,
They'll be hanged.

Madrid that holds on well,
Madrid that holds on well,
Madrid that holds on well,
¡Mamita mía!
The bombings,
The bombings.

Bombs make them laugh,
Bombs make them laugh,
Bombs make them laugh,
¡Mamita mía!
People from Madrid,
People from Madrid.

Madrid, you wonderful,
Madrid, you wonderful,
Madrid, you wonderful,
¡Mamita mía!
They wanted to take you,
They wanted to take you.

But of your loyal sons,
But of your loyal sons,
But of your loyal sons,
¡Mamita mía!
You'll never be ahsamed,
You'll never be ahsamed.

And all your tears,
And all your tears,
And all your tears,
¡Mamita mía!
Will be avenged,
Will be avenged.

And all our slavery,
And all our slavery,
And all our slavery,
¡Mamita mía!
Will be broken,
Will be broken.





IN DEN KASERNEN
(Marlene Dietrich)

In den Kasernen, da warten sie.
In den Kasernen, da schult man sie.
So war es immer, und endet nie.
In den Kasernen, da warten sie.

Von schönen Mädchen, da träumen sie
Die schönen Mädchen verlassen sie
So ist es immer, und endet nie.
Von schönen Mädchen, da träumen sie.

Kommt man sie holen, dann gehen sie.
Ob sie auch wollen, das fragt man nie.
So war es immer, das wissen sie.
Kommt man sie holen, dann gehen sie.

Auf Menschen Brüder, da schießen sie.
Und Menschen Brüder befehlen sie.
So war 's schon immer, und endet nie
Auf Menschen Brüder, da schießen sie.

Kreuz unter Kreuzen, so enden sie.
Kreuz unter Kreuzen, wer denkt an sie.
So war es immer, begreift man nie.
Kreuz unter Kreuzen, so enden sie.

In den Kasernen, da warten sie.
Neue Kasernen, baut man für sie
Es ist wie immer, und endet nie.
In den Kasernen, da warten sie.



IN DEN KASERNEN
(English version revised by Riccardo Venturi)

In the barracks they are waiting
In the barracks they are trained
The same old story that never ends
In the barracks they are waiting.

Of nice girls they are dreaming
Of nice girls leaving them one day.
The same old story that never ends
Of nice girls they are dreaming.

If they are called, so they must go
they're never asked if they want to.
The same old story that never ends
If they are called, so they must go.

At fellow men they aim and shoot,
order'd by other fellow men.
The same old story that never ends.
At fellow men they aim and shoot.

Cross amidst crosses, this is their end
cross amidst crosses, who thinks of them.
The same old story that never ends
Cross amidst crosses, this is their end.

In the barracks they are waiting
In the barracks they are trained
The same old story that never ends
In the barracks they are waiting.





DEN BORTSÅLDA
(Trad., Helmi Brenner)

Det bodde en herre på Sordavalla ö
Han sålde sin dotter allt för en halva brö
Du månn nu komma till det judiska land till att vandra

Sjömännerna de kasta sina åror över bord
Skön jungfrun hon vrider sina händer uti blod
Kära mina sjömänner I vänten en stund
Jag ser min moder komma i rosende lund

Å kära min moder du haver ej mer än gulkedjorna två
Den ena kan du sälja och köpa mej igen
Jag vill ej komma till det judiska land till att vandra

Ej haver jag mer än gullkedjorna två
Men ingen kan jag sälja och lösa dej igen
Du må nu komma till det judiska land till att vandra

Sjömännerna de kasta sina åror över bord
Skön jungfrun hon vrider sina händer uti blod
Kära mina sjömänner I vänten en stund
Jag ser min broder komma i rosende lund

Å kära min broder du haver ej mer än gullfålarna två
Den ena kan du sälja och köpa mej igen
Jag vill ej komma till det judiska land till att vandra

Ej haver jag mer än gullfålarna två
Men ingen kan jag sälja och lösa dig igen
Du må nu komma till det judiska land till att vandra

Sjömännerna de kasta sina åror över bord
Skön jungfrun hon vrider sina händer uti blod
Å kära mina sjömänner i vänten en stund
Jag ser min fästman komma i rosende lund

Å kära min fästeman du haver ej mer än gullringarna två
Den ena kan du sälja och lösa mej igen
Jag vill ej komma till det judiska land till att vandra

Ej haver jag mer än gullringarna två
Den ena ska jag sälja, den andra ska du få
Du må ej komma till det Judiska land till att vandra





SOLD AWAY


There lived a gentleman on Sordavalla Island
He sold his daughter off for a half a loaf of bread
May you wander the land of the Jews

The sailors cast their oars overboard
The beautiful virgin she wrings her hands till they bleed
Oh my dear sailors wait a moment
For I see my mother coming in the rosy grove

Oh my dear mother you haven't more than two golden chains
One you can sell, and release me again
I do not want to wander in the lands of the Jews

Oh yes I have only two golden chains
But neither can I sell to release you again
May you come to wander in the land of the Jews

The sailors cast their oars overboard
The beautiful virgin she wrings her hands till they bleed
Oh my dear sailors wait a moment
For I see my brother coming in the rosy grove

Oh my dear brother you haven't more than two shimmering horses
One you can sell, and release me again
I do not want to wander in the lands of the Jews

Oh yes I have only two shimmering horses
But neither can I sell to release you again
May you come to wander in the lands of the Jews

The sailors cast their oars overboard
The beautiful virgin she wrings her hands till they bleed
Oh my dear sailors wait a moment
For I see my loved one coming in the rosy grove

Oh my dear one, you haven't more than two golden rings
One you can sell and release me again
I do not wander in the lands of the Jews

I haven't more than two golden rings
One shall I sell, the other shall you have
You won't be wandering in the land of the Jews





RIN DEL ANGELITO
(Text: Violeta Parra; Inti Illimani)

Ya se va para los cielos
Ese querido angelito,
a rogar por sus abuelos,
por sus padres y hermanitos.
Cuando se muere la carne,
el alma busca su sitio
dentro de una amapola
o dentro de un pajarito.

La tierra lo está esperando
Con su corazón abierto;
por eso es que el angelito
parece que está despierto.
Cuando se muere la carne
el alma busca su centro
en el brillo de una rosa
o de un pececito nuevo.

En su cunita de tierra
lo arrullará una campana,
mientras la lluvia le limpia
su carita en la mañana.
Cuando se muere la carne
el alma busca su diana
en los misterios del mundo
que le ha abierto su ventana.

Las mariposas alegres
de ver al bello angelito
alrededor de su cuna
le caminan despacito.
Cuando se muere la carne
el alma va derechito
a saludar a la luna,
y de paso al lucerito.

¿Adónde se fue su gracia,
dónde se fue su dulzura?
¿Por qué se cae su cuerpo
como la fruta madura?
Cuando se muere la carne
el alma busca en la altura
la explicación de su vida
cortada con tal premura;
la explicación de su muerte,
prisionera en una tumba.

Cuando se muere la carne
el alma se queda oscura.

LITTLE ANGEL'S RIN


He's already raising to the heavens
This beloved little angel
To pray for his grandparents,
for his parents and little brothers.
When the flesh dies
The soul seeks for its place
Inside a poppy
Or a sparrow.

The ground is awaiting him
With its heart open;
therefore the little angel
looks just as he was awake.
When the flesh dies
The soul seeks for its centre
In the brightness of a rose
Or of a young little fish.

In his small ground cradle
A belly will lull him to sleep,
While the rain washes
His face in the morning.
When the flesh dies
The soul seeks its place
In the world's mystery
That opened up its window.

The merry butterflies
As they see the nice little angel
All around his cradle
Walk on the top of their toes.
When the flesh dies
The soul goes straight
To greet the moon
And passing by the morning star.

Where has his grace gone?
Where has his sweetness ended?
Why is his body falling
As ripe fruit?
When the flesh dies
The soul seeks up there
An explanation for his life
So suddenly broken;
An explanation for his death,
prisoner in a tomb.

When the flesh dies
The soul is left in the darkness.
RIN DELL'ANGIOLETTO


Già sale al cielo
l'angioletto tanto amato
a pregare per i nonni,
papà, mamma e i fratellini.
Quando muore la carne
l'anima cerca un posticino
dentro a un papavero
o in un passerotto.

La terra lo sta aspettando
con il cuore aperto;
per questo l'angioletto
sembra proprio sia sveglio.
Quando muore la carne
l'anima cerca il suo centro
nel fulgore di una rosa
o di un pesciolino nuovo.

Nella piccola culla di terra
lo ninnerà una campana,
mentre la luna gli lava
il visetto la mattina.
Quando muore la carne
l'anima cerca il suo posto
nel mistero del mondo
che le ha spalancato la finestra.

Le farfalle tutte allegre
al vedere il bell'angioletto
attorno alla culla
vanno in giro pian pianino.
Quando muore la carne
l'anima va dritta dritta
a salutare la luna,
passando per la stella del mattino.

Dove è andata la sua grazia,
dov'è finita la sua dolcezza?
Perché il suo corpo cade
come la frutta matura?
Quando muore la carne
l'anima cerca lassù
la spiegazione della sua vita
interrotta così in fretta;
il motivo della sua morte,
prigioniera in una tomba.

Quando muore la carne
L'anima rimane oscura.


DE DRIE MAAGDEKENS
(Trad., Heisa)

Wij klommen op hoge bergen
en wij keken te zeewaart in.
Wij zagen een schipken varen.
Drie maagdekens zaten erin
Die ene was naar mijn zin.

Deze allerschoonste jonkvrouwe
Die in het schipken was,
Die bood aan mij te drinken
Uit een klaar kristallen glas
Een wijn die edel was.

't Glas bracht z'ook aan haar mondje
en dronk het 'n halven uit.
'Mijn trouw hoort u, mijn jonker.
Mijn harte, die klopt voor u.
Ja, mijn trouwe, die is u'.

'Wat zal ik er toch meê maken?
Gij hebt noch slot noch goed.
Gij zijt een haveloos meisken.
En schoon, gij zijt zo zoet ,
ik u daarom laten moet'.

'Ben ik een haveloos meisken?
Men vindt er zo vele meer.
'k ga in een kloosterken treden
en dienen God den heer
ja, dienen God den heer'.

'Vaarwel m'n schoone jonkvrouwe!
Zo gij in 't klooster gaat,
Laat bij een woordje mij weten
Als gij de wijding ontfaat,
hoe ge in die kledinge staat'.

Als was 't acht dagen geleden,
Haar vader en moeder was dood.
Men vond geen rijkere vrouwe
In zeven steden groot.
Zij was nu van haven niet bloot.

De ruiter heeft vernomen.
Hij sprak: Ras, zadelt mijn peerd!
Dat zij in 't klooster moest komen,
is 't geen die 't meeste mij deert.
Zij was wel de moeite weerd'.

Als hij nu kwam aan 't klooster,
Hij klopte met d'ijzeren ring.
'Waar is het jente nonneken
die laatst de wijding ontving?
Haal hier dat schone kind.'

Het allerjongste nonneke
Kwam voor de traliën staan
Haar haarken was afgesneden
Ze zei: 'Het vrijen, dat is gedaan.
Jonker, wilt henen gaan'.

Hij stak zijn paard met sporen,
Tot onder den lindeboom groen.
'God, 'k heb ze mij zelve verloren!'
En hij doorstak zich toen,
Om geen hertzeer te voelen.

Ten twee uur na de noene
De nonne ging uit om brood,
En onder den lindeboom groene
Vond zij heur schoon zoetelief dood
in 't bloed dat hij vergoot.

Zij kustege en zij weendege,
Zij nam hem op haar schoot.
En zij riep zo meningweren:
'Schoon zoetelief, zijt gij dood?
In uw eigen bloed versmoord!'

Zij deed een huizeken bouwen
Op haar schoon zoeteliefs graf,
en zij ging er in gaan wonen
Totdat ze d'adem gaf,
Ja, totdat ze sterven mag.



THE THREE MAIDENS


We climbed on high mountains
And we looked at the sea.
We saw a little ship sail.
There where three maidens onboard
One just struck my senses.

The most beautiful maid
Who was in the ship,
She offered me to drink
Out of a clear crystal glass
A very noble wine.

The glass she took to her mouth
And drank the half of it.
'Listen to me, my faithful nobleman.
My heart, it beats for you
Yes, my faithful, it is yours.'

'What shall I then take part to here?
Thou have neither a castle nor any goods.
Thou are a shabby girl.
And nice, thou are so sweet,
Therefore I must let you go'.

'Am I a shabby girl?
One could find so many more.
I should go into a closter
And serve the good Lord
Yes, serve the good Lord'.

'Farewell my handsome maid!
So into the closter thou go,
Let me know with a word
As thou the ordination have received,
How the clothes will suit thou'.

As eight days were passed,
Her father and mother died.
One could find no richer maid
In seven towns.
She was now not poor at all.

The cavalier heard wath happened.
He said: 'Quick, saddle my steed!
That she in the closter must come,
There is nothing I love more dearly than her.
She was well worth the effort'.

As he arived at the closter
He knocked with the iron ring.
'Where is the graceful nun
Who received the holy blessing lately?
Fetch that beautiful child'.

The youngest nun of them all
Came at the other side of the bars
Her hair was cut off
She said: 'It's done with our love.
Nobleman, go your own way.'

He hit his steed with the spurs
Until under the linds green.
'God, I have lost myself!'
And he stabbed himself ,
Not to feel any pain in the heart.

Two hours after the noon
The nun went out for collecting bread,
And under the linds green
She found her beloved dead
In the blood that he shed.

She kissed and she weeped,
She took him on her lap.
She cried so full of sorrow:
'My sweetheart , are you dead?
Smothered in you own blood!'

Sweetheart now you are dead
She had a house built on her sweetheart's grave,
She lived there until her final breath
Till she also breathed her last,
Yes, until she finaly could die.


BALLADEN OM HERR FREDRIK ÅKARE OCH DEN SÖTA FRÖKEN CECILIA LIND
(Cornelis Vreeswijk)

Från Öckerö loge hörs dragspel och bas
fullmånen lyser som var den av glas
Där dansar Fredrik Åkare kind emot kind
med lilla fröken Cecilia Lind

Hon dansar och blundar så nära intill
Hon följer i dansen precis vart han vill
Han för och hon följer lätt som en vind
Men säg varför rodnar Cecilia Lind?

Säg var det för det Fredrik Åkare sa:
"-Du doftar så gott och du dansar så bra.
Din midja är smal och barmen är trind.
Vad du är vacker, Cecilia Lind!"

Men dansen tog slut och vart skulle dom gå
Dom bodde så nära varandra ändå
Till slut kom dom fram till Cecilias grind
"-Nu vill jag bli kysst", sa Cecilia Lind

Vet hut Fredrik Åkare, skäms gamla karln
Cecilia Lind är ju bara ett barn
Ren som som en blomma, skygg som en hind
"-Jag fyller snart sjutton", sa Cecilia Lind

Och stjärnorna vandra och timmarna fly
Och Fredrik är gammal, men månen är ny
Ja, Fredrik är gammal men kärlek är blind
"-Åh, kyss mig igen!", sa Cecilia Lind




THE BALLAD OF FREDRIK ÅKARE AND THE PRETTY CECILIA LIND

From the barn in Öckerö loud came the sound of the accordion and bass
The full moon shone as it was glass
There danced Fredrik Åkare cheek to cheek
With the little miss Cecilia Lind

She dances and closes her eyes so next to him
She follows his steps just where he wants
He leads and she follows, as light as a breeze
But say why is she blushing Cecilia Lind?

Say it was because of what Fredrik Åkare said:
"-You smell so good and dance so well.
Your waist is small and your bosom is round.
How beautiful you are, Cecilia Lind!"

But the dans was over and where would they go
They lived so close to each other
Eventually they arrived before Cecilia's gate
"-Now I want to be kissed", said Cecilia Lind

Behave, Fredrik Åkare, shame on you old man
Cecilia Lind is only a child and you know it
Pure as a flower, shy as a hind
"-I'm nearly seventeen", said Cecilia Lind

And the stars went round and the hours flew
And Fredrik is old, but the moon is new
Yes, Fredrik is old but love is blind
"-Oh, kiss me once more!", said Cecilia Lind






LORE LAY
(Clemens Brentano; Bären Gässlin)


Zu Bacharach am Rheine
Wohnt' eine Zauberin,
Sie war so schön und feine
Und riß viel Herzen hin.

Und brachte viel' zu Schanden
Der Männer ringsumher,
Aus ihren Liebesbanden
War keine Rettung mehr.

Der Bischof ließ sie laden
Vor geistliche Gewalt -
Und mußte sie begnaden,
So schön war ihr' Gestalt-

Er sprach zu ihr gerühret:
»Du arme Lore Lay!
Wer hat dich denn verführet
Zu böser Zauberei?«

»Herr Bischof, laßt mich sterben,
Ich bin des Lebens müd,
Weil jeder muß verderben,
Der meine Augen sieht.

Die Augen sind zwei Flammen,
Mein Arm ein Zauberstab -
O legt mich in die Flammen!
O brechet mir den Stab!«

»Ich kann dich nicht verdammen,
Bis du mir erst bekennt,
Warum in deinen Flammen
Mein eignes Herz schon brennt!

Den Stab kann ich nicht brechen,
Du schöne Lore Lay!
Ich müßte dann zerbrechen
Mein eigen Herz entzwei.«

»Herr Bischof, mit mir Armen
Treibt nicht so bösen Spott,
Und bittet um Erbarmen
Für mich den lieben Gott!

Ich darf nicht länger leben,
Ich liebe keinen mehr -
Den Tod sollt Ihr mir geben,
Drum kam ich zu Euch her.

Mein Schatz hat mich betrogen,
Hat sich von mir gewandt,
Ist fort von mir gezogen,
Fort in ein fremdes Land.

Die Augen sanft und wilde,
Die Wangen rot und weiß,
Die Worte still und milde,
Das ist mein Zauberkreis.

Ich selbst muß drin verderben,
Das Herz tut mir so weh,
Vor Schmerzen möcht ich sterben,
Wenn ich mein Bildnis seh.

Drum laßt mein Recht mich finden,
Mich sterben wie ein Christ!
Denn alles muß verschwinden,
Weil er nicht bei mir ist.«

Drei Ritter läßt er holen:
»Bringt sie ins Kloster hin!
Geh, Lore! -Gott befohlen
Sei dein bedrückter Sinn.

Du sollst ein Nönnchen werden,
Ein Nönnchen schwarz und weiß,
Bereite dich auf Erden
Zu deines Todes Reis'!«

Zum Kloster sie nun ritten,
Die Ritter alle drei,
Und traurig in der Mitten
Die schöne Lore Lay.

»O Ritter, laßt mich gehen
Auf diesen Felsen groß,
Ich will noch einmal sehen
Nach meines Lieben Schloß.

Ich will noch einmal sehen
Wohl in den tiefen Rhein
Und dann ins Kloster gehen
Und Gottes Jungfrau sein.«

Der Felsen ist so jähe,
So steil ist seine Wand,
Doch klimmt sie in die Höhe,
Bis daß sie oben stand.

Es binden die drei Reiter
Die Rosse unten an
Und klettern immer weiter
Zum Felsen auch hinan.

Die Jungfrau sprach: »Da gehet
Ein Schifflein auf dem Rhein;
Der in dem Schifflein stehet,
Der soll mein Liebster sein!

Mein Herz wird mir so munter,
Er muß mein Liebster sein!«
Da lehnt sie sich hinunter
Und stürzet in den Rhein.

Die Ritter mußten sterben,
Sie konnten nicht hinab,
Sie mußten all verderben
Ohn Priester und ohn Grab.

Wer hat dies Lied gesungen?
Ein Schiffer auf dem Rhein,
Und immer hats geklungen
Von dem Dreiritterstein:

Lore Lay!
Lore Lay!
Lore Lay!
Als wären es meiner drei.

LORE LAY


 
Near Bacharach at the Rhinestream,
Lived a sorceress,
She was so beautiful
And took many men's hearts.

And did much harm
To the men around her,
From her love's fetters
Nobody could free himself.

The bishop bade her come to him,
By his clerical power –
And had to pardon her,
So beautiful was her figure.

He said to her much touched:
"You poor Lore Lay!
Who has seduced you
Towards evil magic?"

"Lord Bishop, let me die,
I am tired of life,
Because everybody must perish
Who looks into my eyes.

My eyes are two flames,
My arm a magic wand –
O lay me down into the flames!
O break the wand over me!"

"I cannot condemn you,
Until you tell me
Why in these flames
My own heart is already burning.

The wand I cannot break over you,
You beautiful Lore Lay!
Else I'd have to break
My own heart in two."

"Lord Bishop, with poor me
Do not jest so evilly,
And pray for mercy
For me to God.

I may not live any longer,
I love nobody anymore –
Death you shall give me,
This is why I came to you. –

My lover has betrayed me,
Has turned from me,
Is gone away from here
To a strange country.

The eyes soft and wild,
The cheeks red and white,
The words quiet and mild
This is my magic circle.

I must perish in it myself.
My heart hurts so much,
I want to die from pain
When I look at my image.

Therefore let me find my judgment,
Let me die like a Christian,
As everything must perish,
Because he is not here with me."

Three knights he bids to come,
"Bring her to the monastery,
Go Lore! – To God
I recommend your entranced senses.

You shall become a little nun,
A little nun black and white,
In this world you shall prepare
For your death's travels."

To the monastery they now rode,
The knights all three,
And sad in their midst
The beautiful Lore Lay.

"O Knights let me go
To this rock so large,
I want to see once again
My love's castle.

I want to see once again
Into the depth of the Rhine,
And then go to the monastery
And be God's virgin."

The rock is so high,
So steep is its wall,
But she climbs to its summit,
Until she stands on it.

The three knights
Fasten their horses
And climb ever upwards
Onto the rock.

The maiden said: "There sails
A small ship on the Rhine,
He who stands in this ship
Shall be my beloved.

My heart becomes so wide awake,
He must be my beloved! –"
She leans downwards
And falls into the Rhine.

The knights had to die,
They couldn't go back down,
They had to perish all
Without priest and without grave.

Who has sung this song?
A sailor on the Rhine,
And always there came the sound
From the Three Knights' Rock:

Lore Lay
Lore Lay
Lore Lay
As if there were three of them.




BEI MIR BISTU SHEIN
(Closet Klezma. Words by Jacob Jacobs, Sammy Cahn and Saul Chaplin, music by Sholom Secunda; English lyrics written for The Andrews Sisters by Sammy Cahn)

Of all the boys I've known, and I've known some
Before I first met you, I was lonesome
And when you came in sight, dear, my heart grew light
And this old world seemed new to me

You're really swell, I have to admit you
Deserve expressions that really fit you
And so I've racked my brain, hoping to explain
All the things that you do to me

Bei mir bistu schein , bei mir bistu schein
Bei mir bistu de scheinste af de velt
Bei mir bist bistu schein
, please let me explain
It means you're the greatest in the land

I could say " Bella, bella ", even say "Voonderbar"
Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are

I've tried to explain, bei mir bistu schein
So kiss me and say you'll understand

I could say " Bella, bella ", even say "Voonderbar"
Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are

I've tried to explain, bei mir bistu schein
So kiss me and say you'll understand



TO ME YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL


CROW ON THE CRADLE
(Trad., Peter Seeger)









LAAT ME NIET ALLEEN
(Jacques Brel)


Laat me niet alleen
toe vergeet de strijd
Toe vergeet de nijd
laat me niet alleen
En die domme tijd
vol van misverstand
Ach vergeten want
het was verspilde tijd
Hoe vaak hebben wij
met een snijdend woord
Ons geluk vermoord
Kom dat is voorbij
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen

Lief ik zoek voor jou
in 't stof van de wegen
De paarlen van regen
de paarlen van dauw
Ik zal heel m'n leven
werken zonder rust
Om jouw licht en lust
goud en goed te geven
Ik sticht een gebied
waar de liefde droomt
Waar de liefde loont
waar jouw wil geschiedt
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen

Laat me niet alleen
Ik bedenk voor jou
Woorden rood en blauw
taal voor jouw alleen
En met warme mond
zeggen wij elkaar
Eens was er een paar
Dat zichzelf weer vond
Ook vertel ik jou
van de koning die
Stierf van nostalgie
hunkerend naar jou
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen

Want uit een vulkaan
die was uitgeblust
Breekt zich na wat rust
toch het vuur weer aan
En op oude grond
ziet men vaak het graan
Heel wat hoger staan
dan op verse grond
Het wit mint het zwart
zwakheid mint de kracht
Dat licht mint de nacht
mijn hart mint jou wacht
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen

Laat me niet alleen
Nee ik huil niet meer
Nee ik spreek niet meer
want ik wil alleen
Horen hoe je praat
kijken hoe je lacht
Weten hoe je zacht
door de kamer gaat
Nee ik vraag niet meer
ik wil je schaduw zijn
Ik wil je voetstap zijn
ik wil je adem zijn
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen
Laat me niet alleen


NE ME QUITTE PAS
(Jacques Brel)


Ne me quitte pas
Il faut oublier
Tout peut s'oublier
Qui s'enfuit déjà
Oublier le temps
Des malentendus
Et le temps perdu
A savoir comment
Oublier ces heures
Qui tuaient parfois
A coups de pourquoi
Le coeur du bonheur
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas

Moi je t'offrirai
Des perles de pluie
Venues de pays
Où il ne pleut pas
Je creuserai la terre
Jusqu'après ma mort
Pour couvrir ton corps
D'or et de lumière
Je ferai un domaine
Où l'amour sera roi
Où l'amour sera loi
Où tu seras reine
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas
Je t'inventerai
Des mots insensés
Que tu comprendras
Je te parlerai
De ces amants-là
Qui ont vu deux fois
Leurs coeurs s'embraser
Je te raconterai
L'histoire de ce roi
Mort de n'avoir pas
Pu te rencontrer
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas

On a vu souvent
Rejaillir le feu
De l'ancien volcan
Qu'on croyait trop vieux
Il est paraît-il
Des terres brûlées
Donnant plus de blé
Qu'un meilleur avril
Et quand vient le soir
Pour qu'un ciel flamboie
Le rouge et le noir
Ne s'épousent-ils pas
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas

Ne me quitte pas
Je ne vais plus pleurer
Je ne vais plus parler
Je me cacherai là
A te regarder
Danser et sourire
Et à t'écouter
Chanter et puis rire
Laisse-moi devenir
L'ombre de ton ombre
L'ombre de ta main
L'ombre de ton chien
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas
Ne me quitte pas


DON'T LEAVE ME
(English version by Des de Moor)


Don't leave me now
We must just forget
All we can forget
All we did till now
Let's forget the cost
Of the breath we've spent
Saying words unmeant
And the times we've lost
Hours that must destroy
Never knowing why
Everything must die
At the heart of joy
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now

I'll bring back to you
The clear pearls of rain
From a distant domain
Where rain never fell
And though I grow old
I'll keep mining the ground
To deck you around
In sunlight and gold
I'll build you a desmene
Where love's everything
Where love is the king
And you are the queen
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now

Don't leave me now
For you I'll invent
Words and what they meant
Only you will know
Tales of lovers who
Fell apart and then
Fell in love again
Since their hearts stayed true
There's a story too
That I can confide
Of that king who died
From not meeting you
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now

And often it's true
That flames spill anew
From ancient volcanos
We thought were too old
When all's said and done
Scorched fields of defeat
Could give us more wheat
Than the fine April sun
And when evening is nigh
With flames overhead
The black and the red
Aren't they joined in the sky?
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now

Don't leave me now
I will cry no more
I will talk no more
Hide myself somehow
And I'll see your smile
And I'll see you dance
And I'll hear you sing
Hear your laughter ring
Let me be for you
The shadow of your shadow
The shadow of your hand
The dog at your command
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now
Don't leave me now
VALLÅTAR FRÅN GAMMELBONING
(Swedish herding call from Gammelboning, arr. by Sven Ahlbäck for Suzanne Rosenberg)

............................................


---  
YA SABES MI PARADERO
(Guerra civil española)

Los moros que trajo Franco
en Madrid quieren entrar.
Mientras queden milicianos
los moros no pasarán.

Si me quieres escribir
ya sabes mi paradero
Tercera Brigada Mixta
primera línea de fuego.

Aunque me tiren el puente
y también la pasarela
me verás pasar el Ebro
en un barquito de vela.

Diez mil veces que lo tiren
diez mil veces los haremos.
Tenemos cabeza dura
los del cuerpo de ingenieros.

En el Ebro se han hundido
las banderas italianas
y en los puentes sólo quedan
las que son republicanas.


YOU KNOW MY ADDRESS


The Moors who are with Franco
Want to enter Madrid
As long as there are militiamen
The Moors won't pass.

If you want to write me,
You know my address:
Third Mixed Brigade
First firing line.

They can even sink me hte bridge
And the gangway as well,
You'll see me pass the Ebro
On a nutshell.

Ten thousand times they may blast the bridge,
Ten thousand times we'll rebuild it.
We are rather stubborn
We the ponton engineers.

In the Ebro have sunk
The Italian flags.
On the bridges are only left
The republican ones.



MIN BRÖLLOPS DAG
(Trad. Norwegian, arr. by Rosenberg Sjua - Sven Ahlbäck)

Jag tänker så titt på min bröllopsdag
Ha-di ra di rallan lej
Om de blir oväder regn eller drag

Ha-di ra di rallan lej
Tra ra di-ra di dej
Tra di-a di-a di dej
Tra di da di-a di-a di da di dej
Tra ra di-ra di dej
Tra di-a di-a di dej
Ha di ra di rallan lej

Å vad skall jag svara när prästen mig spör
Om jag har haft någon käresta för

Ja då ska jag ge han ett sannskyldigt svar
Att jag har älskat med en och envar

Jag tänker så titt på min bröllopsdag
Om de blir oväder regn eller drag



MY WEDDING DAY



I think so often of my wedding day
Ha-di ra di rallan lej
Whether it will rain or blow

Ha-di ra di rallan lej
Tra ra di-ra di dej
Tra di-a di-a di dej
Tra di da di-a di-a di da di dej
Tra ra di-ra di dej
Tra di-a di-a di dej
Ha di ra di rallan lej

And what shall I answer when the priest asks me
If I've loved anyone before

I'll give him a trustful answer
I have loved each and every one!

I think so often of my wedding day
Whether it will rain or blow


 
KÄPPEE
(Värttinä)

Akoill on paha ajatus, on paha ajatus
Tunto pitkätukkasilla, tunto tukkasilla
juoni jonninjoutavilla, jonnin joutavilla

Etten mie sinä, etten mie sinä ikänä
saa en miestä mielehistä, miestä mielehist

Miule hemmo, miule hemmo heitettihin
nukkavieru viskattihin, vieru viskattiin

Miule hemmo, miule hemmo heitettihin
aivan käppee annettihin, käppee annettihin

Jumavei ja jumavoi käppee heikko hemmo
käppee heikko hemmo jumavei juu

Hemmo on heikko, hemmo heikko ja käpeä
vielä villi viinanjuoja, villi viinanjuoja

Hemmo on heikko, hemmo heikko ja käpeä
äkkiouto ja äkänen, äkkiouto

Jumavei ja jumavoi, käppee heikko hemmo
käppee heikko hemmo jumavei juu



KÄPPEE
(This resume in English comes from Värttinä's site)

The old wives around here have hatched an evil plot. Yes, those long-haired, idle crones are scheming against me: they're going to make sure I'll never ever find the kind of man I want. So they threw this ragged fellow at me, dumped a real down-at-the-heels bum on me. Oh me and oh my, a no-account good-for-nothing. He's weak, this fellow they got me, weak, and a wild drinker besides. He's useless, unpredictable, and has a bad temper. Oh me and oh my, what a no-account, feeble fellow.
BUONO A NULLA
(Traduzione italiana di David McCarthy)

Le comari hanno una brutta idea, le comari hanno una brutta idea
Quelle donne dai lunghi capelli hanno un presentimento, hanno un presentimento
Quelle sfaticate tessono una trama, tessono una trama

Che io non avrò mai, che io non avrò mai
non avrò mai l'uomo che desidero, l'uomo che desidero

Un uomo, mi hanno sbolognato un uomo
mi hanno rifilato uno scalcinato, uno scalcinato mi hanno rifilato

Un uomo, mi hanno rifilato un uomo
davvero un buono a nulla, un buono a nulla mi hanno rifilato

Oddio oddio, un uomo fiacco e buono a nulla,
e pure un gran beone, un gran beone

Un uomo fiacco, fiacco e buono a nulla
imprevedibile e irascibile, imprevedibile

Oddio oddio, un uomo smilzo e fiacco
un uomo smilzo e fiacco, oddio.

DE BALLADE VAN BOON
(Laïs)


In de Ballade van Boon kan alles gebeuren.
De stad wordt een dorp en de straat wordt een stad.
In de ballade van Boon zitten ramen en deuren.
De wind waait ze open. De ziel gaat op stap.

De verhalen van Boon brachten hem veel problemen.
Als kind al op school en daarna in de kerk.
«Gij zijt malade, mijn zoon», sprak zijn leraar verwaand.
«Gij zijt ziek in uw kop», sprak zijn baas op het werk

Vertel.
Vertel.
Vertellen kan hij wel.

In de ballade van Boon komen kamers tot leven.
Een man ziet een vrouw. De miserie begint.
De verhalen van Boon, die kan niemand vergeten.
De luiaard vindt werk. De pastoor krijgt een kind.

In de ballade van Boon liggen tronies te slapen.
Tot het potlood van Boon ze tot spreken brengt.
In de ballade van Boon valt geen wijsheid te rapen.
Een vrouw blijft een vrouw en een vent blijft een vent.


Vertel.
Vertel.
Vertellen kan hij wel.

En Boon kijkt naar de mensen.
En de mensen kijken terug.
En hij maakt nooit plezier
Op hun rug.

In de ballade van Boon komt het vlees op gedachten.
De regen stroomt warm langs een kindergezicht.
In de ballade van Boon liggen vrouwen te smachten.
En Boon schrijft het neer in een werkmansgedicht.
Een werkmansgedicht.
Een werkmansgedicht.
Boon schrijft het neer in zijn werkmansgeschrift.

Vertel.
Vertel.
Vertellen kan hij wel.

BOON'S BALLAD



In Boon's Ballad all may happen.
The town becomes village and the street becomes town.
In Boon's ballad there are windows and doors.
The wind opens them. The soul can fly away.

Boon's plays cause him many problems.
As a child in the school, later in the church.
"You are sick, my son" told him the teacher, yelding.
"You're out of your head", told him his employer.



Tell.
Tell.
Telling is his talent.

In Boon's ballad chambers come to life.
A man seesa woman, the tragedy begins.
Boon's stories, noone can forget them
The lazy finds work to do, the priest will be father.

In Boon's ballad, braggarts shut up.
Until Boon's pencil allows them to speak.
Boon's ballad contains no moral.
A woman stays a woman and a man stays a man.



Tell.
Tell.
Telling is his talent.

And Boon looks at people.
And they look back.
But he never ever
Pulls their leg.

In Boon's ballad flesh awakens to thought
Rain falls warm on a baby's face
In Boon's ballad women burn with love.
And Boon writes it all in a poem.
A workman's poem
A workman's poem
Boon makes it his masterwork.



Tell.
Tell.
Telling is his talent.


DIE THÄLMANN-KOLONNE
(or Spaniens Himmel, Spanish Civil War;
Text: Karl Ernst; Melody: Paul Dessau; Sung by Ernst Busch)


Spaniens Himmel breitet seine Sterne
über unsre Schützengräben aus,
und der Morgen grüßt schon aus der Ferne,
bald geht es zum neuen Kampf hinaus

Die Heimat ist weit, doch wir sind bereit,
zu kämpfen und siegen für dich, Freiheit

Dem Faschisten werden wir nicht weichen,
schickt er auch die Kugeln hageldicht.
Mit uns stehn Kameraden ohnegleichen,
und ein Rückwärts gibt es für uns nicht.

Die Heimat ist weit, doch wir sind bereit,
zu kämpfen und siegen für dich, Freiheit

Rührt die Trommel, fällt die Bajonette!
Vorwärts Marsch ! Der Sieg ist unser Lohn!
Mit der Freiheitsfahne brecht die Kette!
Auf zum Kampf, das Thälmann - Bataillon!

Die Heimat ist weit, doch wir sind bereit,
zu kämpfen und siegen für dich, Freiheit



THE THÄLMANN BATALION




Spain's sky broadens its stars
Above our trenches,
And the morning cheers from far away,
There will soon be new fights out there.

Fatherland is wide, yet we are ready,
to fight and win for you, freedom.

We won't give up to the fascist,
Although he pours bombs as rain.
On our side stand matchless comrades,
And a withdrawal doesn't suit us.

Fatherland is wide, yet we are ready,
to fight and win for you, freedom.

Beat the drums, up the bayonets!
March forward! Victory is our wage!
Break the chain with freedom's flag!
On to the fight, the Thälmann batalion!

Fatherland is wide, yet we are ready,
to fight and win for you, freedom.


LILI MARLENE
(Hans Leip, 1915; sung by Marlene Dietrich)


Bei der Kaserne
Vor dem großen Tor
Steht 'ne Laterne
Und steht sie noch davor
Da wollen wir uns wieder seh'n
Bei der Laterne woll'n wir steh'n
Wie einst Lili Marleen.
Wie einst Lili Marleen.

Unsre beiden Schatten
Sah'n wie einer aus
Daß wir lieb uns hatten
Das sah man gleich daraus
Und alle Leute soll'n es seh'n
Wenn wir bei der Laterne steh'n
Wie einst Lili Marleen.
Wie einst Lili Marleen.

Deine Schritte kennt sie,
Deinen schönen Gang
Alle Abend brennt sie,
Doch mich vergaß sie lang
Und sollte mir ein Leid gescheh'n
Wer wird bei der Laterne stehen
Mit Dir Lili Marleen?
Mit Dir Lili Marleen?

Aus dem tiefen Raume,
Aus der Erde Grund
Hebt sich wie im Traume
Dein verliebter Mund
Wenn sich die späten Nebel drehn
Wer wird bei der Laterne steh'n
Mit Dir Lili Marleen?
Mit Dir Lili Marleen?




LILI MARLENE



By the barracks compound,
Before the big gate
Stands a streetlight
And if it stands today
Then let's meet each other again
By that streetlight we'll remain
As once Lili Marlene.
As once Lili Marlene.

Both our shadows,
Looked just like one
That we loved each other
That was easily seen by everyone,
Then all the people shall behold
When we stand by the streetlight
As once Lili Marlene.
As once Lili Marlene.

She knows well your foot steps,
Your own smart gait.
Every evening she glows,
Although she's forgotten me since long.
Should something bad happen to me,
Who will stand by the streetlight
With you Lili Marlene?
With you, Lili Marlene?

From the deep spaces,
From earth's ground,
Flies away as in a dream,
Your beloved mouth.
When the night mists swirl and churn,
Who will stand by the streetlight
With you, Lili Marlene?
With you, Lili Marlene?


WHO BY FIRE
(Leonard Cohen)

And who by fire, who by water,
who in the sunshine, who in the night time,
who by high ordeal, who by common trial,
who in your merry merry month of may,
who by very slow decay,
and who shall I say is calling?

And who in her lonely slip, who by barbiturate,
who in these realms of love, who by something blunt,
and who by avalanche, who by powder,
who for his greed, who for his hunger,
and who shall I say is calling?

And who by brave assent, who by accident,
who in solitude, who in this mirror,
who by his lady's command, who by his own hand,
who in mortal chains, who in power,
and who shall I say is calling?







SILIBRAND
(Swedish medieval ballad, arr. by Rosenberg Sjua)

Silibrand var en så oviser man
Allt under den linden så gröna
Han gifte bort sin dotter i främmande land
I riden så varliga genom lunden med henne

Liten Karin hon frågar sin svärmoder så
Hur länge plägar kvinnan med barnet gå

I fyrtio veckor allt medan sju år
Så länge plägar kvinnan med barnet gå

Körsvennen sa'lar sin gångare grå
Han sätter stolts Karin däruppå

Silibrand körde uppåt höga loftet svala
Där fick han se sin dotter i lunden fara

Väl äst mig, väl äst mig vad jag nu ser
Jag ser min dotter hon kommer till mig

Härifrån for jag då jag var mö
Nu kommer jag igen nu skall jag ock dö

Min svärmor skall jag giva min silvskodda kniv
Hon har nu förått mitt unga liv

Liten Karin hon satte sig på förgyllande stol
Silibrand drog av henne strumpor å skor

Silibrand femnar ut kappan blå
Där födder hon två karska svenbarnen så

Liten Karin hon lade sig i sängen ned
Gud låte mig inte leva tills jag dagen får se

Små barnen så för dom till Kristi dop
Liten Karin så för dom till kyrkogård


SILIBRAND


Silibrand was such an unwise man
All under the linds so green
He married away his daughter in a foreign country
You ride so carefully through the wood with her

Little Karin she asks her mother-in-law
How long is a woman accustomed to go with her child

In forty weeks all along seven years
So long is a woman accustomed to go with her child

The page saddles his grey steed
He proudly puts Karin there up

Silibrand rode upwards to the high roof swallow [?]
There he could see his daughter travel in the wood

Well are you well are you that I see now
I see my daughter she comes to me

Hence I travelled as I was a vergin
Now I come again now I shall die too

I shall give my mother-in-law my silver-laden knife
She has now shortened [?] my young life

Little Karin she sat on the gilded chair
Silibrand threw away her stockings and shoes

Silibrand [???] the blue mantel
There she gives birth to two handsome boys

Little Karin she laid herself down in the bed
God don't let me live till I see the day

So the little children were brought to the baptism
Little Karin was brought to the cemetery

 
QUAND JEAN RENAUD DE GUERRE REVINT
(Trad. française, voire quelques notations en italien ici; cette version est chantée par Claude Flagel)

Le roi Renaud de guerre vint
tenant ses tripes dans ses mains.
Sa mère était sur le créneau
qui vit venir son fils Renaud.

- Renaud, Renaud, réjouis-toi!
Ta femme est accouché d'un roi!
- Ni de ma femme ni du fils
je ne saurais me réjouir.

Allez ma mère, allez devant,
faites-moi faire un beau lit blanc.
Guère de temps n'y resterai:
à la minuit trépasserai.

Mais faites-le moi faire ici-bas
que l'accouchée n'l'entende pas.
Et quand ce vint sur la minuit,
le roi Renaud rendit l'esprit..

Il ne fut pas le matin jour
tous les valets pleuraient très tous.
Il ne fut temps de déjeuner
que les servantes ont pleuré.

- Mais dites-moi, mère, m'amie,
que pleurent nos valets ici ?
- Ma fille, en lavant nos chevaux
ont laissé noyer le plus beau.

- Oh pourquoi donc, mère m'amie,
pour un cheval pleurer ainsi ?
Quand Renaud reviendra,
plus beaux chevaux ramènera.

- Et dites-moi, mère m'amie,
que pleurent nos servantes ici ?
- Ma fille, en lavant nos linceuls
ont laissé aller le plus neuf.

- Oh pourquoi donc, mère m'amie,
pour un linceul pleurer ainsi ?
Quand Renaud reviendra,
plus beau linceul ramènera.

- Ah, dites-moi, mère m'amie,
Qu'est-ce que j'entends cogner ici ?
- Ma fille, ce sont les charpentiers
Qui raccommodent le plancher.

- Ah ! Dites-moi, mère m'amie,
Pourquoi les cloches sonnent ici ?
- Ma fille, c'est la procession
Qui sort pour les rogations.

- Mais, dites-moi, mère m'amie,
C'est que j'entends chanter ici ?
- Ma fille, c'est la procession
Qui fait le tour de la maison.

Or quand ce fut passé huit jours,
A voulut faire ses atours.
Or, quand ce fut pour relever,
à la messe elle voulut aller,

- Mais dites-moi, mère m'amie,
quel habit mettrai-je aujourd'hui ?
- Mettez le blanc, mettez le gris,
mettez le noir pour mieux choisir.

- Mais dites-moi, mère m'amie,
qu'est-ce que ce noir-là signifie
- A femme relèvant d'enfant,
le noir lui est bien plus séant.

Mais quand elles fut parmi les champs,
Trois pastoureaux allaient disant :
- Voici la femme du seignour
Que l'on enterra l'autre jour !

- Ah ! Dites-moi, mère m'amie,
Que disent ces pastoureaux-ci ?
- Il disent de presser le pas,
Ou que la messe n'aura pas.

Or quand elle fut dans l'église entrée,
un cierge on lui a présenté.
Aperçoit en s'agenouillant
la terre fraîche sous son banc.

- Ah ! Dites-moi, mère m'amie,
pourquoi la terre est rafraîchie?
- Ma fille, ne puis plus vous celer,
Renaud est mort et enterré.

Puisque le roi Renaud est mort,
voici la clé de mon trésor.
Voici mes bagues et mes joyaux,
prenez bien soin du fils Renaud.

Terre, ouvre-toi, terre fends-toi,
que j'aille avec Renaud, mon roi!
Terre s'ouvrit, et se fendit,
et ci fut la belle engloutie.



WHEN KING RENAUD COMES BACK FROM WAR
(Trad. French, read some notes in Italian here; this version was sung by Claude Flagel)

King Renaud comes back from war
Holding his guts in his hands
His mother who was on the balcony
Saw her son Renaud come

- Renaud, Renaud, cheer you up!
Your wife is pregnant of a king!
- Neither for my wife nor for the son
May I cheer up.

Go, my mother, hurry up
Have a fine white bed set ready for me
I have short time to rest there:
By midnight shall I pass away.

But have it done down here
So the pregnant cannot hear
And when midnight came
King Renaud gave up the ghost.

Morning had not broken the next day
And the valets were all weeping
By the lunch time
The maidservants were all crying.

- But tell me mother my dear,
Why do all our valets weep?
- My daughter, while washing our horses
They let the finest drown.

- But tell me mother my dear,
For a horse such a weeping?
When Renaud comes back
He will bring the finest of horses.

- And tell me mother my dear,
Why are all our maidservants crying?
- My daughter, while washing our linen
They let the newest go.

- But tell me mother my dear,
For a linen such a cry?
When Renaud comes back
He will bring the finest of linen.

- And tell me mother my dear,
What are all these beats I can hear?
- My daughter, it's the carpenters
Repairing the floor.

- And tell me mother my dear,
Why are the bells ringing?
- My daughter, it is the procession
Going out for the rogations.

- But tell me mother my dear,
What is this singing I can hear?
- My daughter, it is the procession
Turning around the house.

Now when eight days had passed
She wanted to dress up to the nines
And when the time came for birth,
She wanted to go to the mass.

- But tell me mother my dear,
Which dress shall I have today?
- Take the white, take the grey,
Take the black to choose best.

- But tell me mother my dear,
What does this black mean?
- To a woman getting in the birth time,
Black is the most convenient.

But as they were amidst the fields
Three shepherds went saying:
- There's the wife of that getleman
We undertook the other day!

- But tell me mother my dear,
Why are they saying those shepherds?
- They say to hurry up,
Otherwise we'll be late at the mass.

As she stepped inside the church,
She was offered a candle.
As she knelt down to pray
She felt the earth shiver under her bench.

- But tell me mother my dear,
Why is the earth shivering?
- My daughter, I cannot hide it any longer,
Renaud is dead and buried.

Since King Renaud is dead,
Here is the key to my treasures.
Take my rings and my jewels,
Take care of Renaud's son.

Earth, open up, earth burst open,
Let me join Renaud, my king!
Earth opened up, earth burst open,
And so was the beauty swallowed.


KYNGE RENAWDES HAMECAMYNG FRAE WARRE
("Lallans" version by Riccardo Venturi)


Kynge Renawde frae War came hame
Hys Guttes houdan in hys Handes.
Hys Mither stoode att her Bowers Window
Spyed her Sonne Renawde a-cumman.

Renawde, Renawde cheere in Rejoycyng!
Thy Wyffe is wyth Chylde of a Kynge!
Alas, bit nouther for Sonne and Wyffe
Can I rejoyce in cheeryng sweete.

Gae then my Mither, gae thou in Haste,
and mak my Bedde baith safte and white!
Schort Tymme haue I for to rest there,
By Midnichte am I to passe awa'.

Bit haue thy Bedde made doun here,
thy pregnaunt Wyffe so maun not heare.
An whan the Nychte war waye vp mete
Kynge Renawde hee turnit a Ghoste.

Not had ybroke the Morn to Daune,
an a' the Seruaunts were a-weepynge,
an' by the Howre of Meale-Eatynge
the Maydens a' wer crying in the ha'.

Now telle mee my Mither deire,
Quhy gar a' owre Servaunts wepe sae luid?
Dochter, a-laugan owr Horsses
They garde the ffyneste droune.

Now telle mee o Mither sae deire,
is a' this Wepynge for ae Horsse?
Whan Renawde sa' cume hame
heele brynge the ffyneste Steides.

An telle mee o Mither sae deire,
Quhy gar a' owre Maydenes wepe sae luid?
Dochter, a-laugan owre Linen
they garde the neweste gae.

Now telle mee o Mither sae deire,
is a' this Wepynge for ae Pys o' Linen?
Whan Renawde sa' cume hame
heele brynge the ffyneste Hollan!

An telle mee o Mither sae deire,
Wha bee a' these Slaughs I do heare?
Dochter, itt is bit the Carpyntere
a-fittan the Flvre as thou can heare.

Now telle mee o Mither sae deire,
Quhy are a' these Clockes a-ringan?
Dochter, itt is bit the holy Processyoun
a-gand a' around ffor Rogacyoun.

An telle me nowe o Mither sae deire,
Wha is a' this Syngyng that I do heare?
Dochter, itt is bit the holy Processyoun
a gand a' around and around owre Huis.

Eicht Dayes, eicht Dayes had barely gaed
Whan shee woud make vp to the Nynes
Tymme was cum for her to gyue Byrthe
an shee longit for the Mass to heare.

Bit telle mee now o Mither sae deire,
Wilk Attyre am I to-daye to dress in?
O tak the whyte, o tak thou the grey,
O tak the swarte gin yee chvse best.

Now telle mee o Mither sae deire,
wha sall itt stand a' this swarte ffor?
To a Wyfman gaend to gyue Byrthe
is Swart ffar an ffar the beste Colour.

Bitt as they yode acrosse the Fieldes
Thre Schepherds yode an sayde sae
Heres the Wyffue o' that gentyll Laird
wee toke an buryit a yesteren Day!

Now telle mee o Mither sae deire,
wha gar these Schepherdes saye?
They saye wee maun mak haste an rin
gin wee wull nae the Holy Mass misse.

An whan shee steppit into the Kyrke
shee was handit a Kendyll o' Waxe.
An whan for Prayer shee fe' doun on her Knies
Shee felte the Earthe shiver vndir her Benke.

Now telle me o Mither sae deir,
Quhy gars the Earthe shiver sae strang?
Dochter, itt is Tymme now to tell thee
Renawde is deid an buryit ffor lang.

Syn Kynge Renawde is buryit an deid
heres the Lutyll to a' my Gowd an Rynges.
O tak a' my Rynges o tak a' my Joyes
O tak a' thy Care foor Renawdes Sonne.

O Earth, oppen wide, o Earth berst in twa
lett mee rejoyne Renawde my Kynge!
An Earth opnit wide an Earth barst in twa
an sae was a' that beautë engoulfryt.

SHNIRELE PERELE
(Trad. Yiddish, sung also by The Klezmatics)

Shnirele perele, gildene fon,
mashiekh ben david zizt oybn on.
Er halt a bekher in der rekhter hant,
makht a brokhe afn gantsn land.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.

Shnirele perele, gildene fon,
mashiekh ben david zizt oybn on.
Er halt a bekher in der rekhter hant,
makht a brokhe afn gantsn land.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.

Vet er kumen tsu forn
veln zayn gute yorn
Vet er kumen tsu raytn
veln zayn gute tsaytn
Vet er kumen tsu geyn
veln di yidn in Eretz Yisroyl aynshteyn.

Oy vet er kumen tsu forn
Oy veln zayn gute yorn
Oy vet er kumen tsu raytn
Oy veln zayn gute tsaytn
Oy vet er kumen tsu geyn
Oy veln di yidn in Eretz Yisroyl aynshteyn.

Shnirele perele, gildene fon,
mashiekh ben david zizt oybn on.
Er halt a bekher in der rekhter hant,
makht a brokhe afn gantsn land.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.

Shnirele perele, gildene fon,
mashiekh ben david zizt oybn on.
Er halt a bekher in der rekhter hant,
makht a brokhe afn gantsn land.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.
Oy omen veomen, dos iz vor,
meshiekh vet kumen hayntiks yor.

RIBBONS AND PEARLS


Pearl-laces, golden flags,
the messiah, son of David, is above us.
He holds a goblet in the right hand,
gives a blessing over the whole earth.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.

Pearl-laces, golden flags,
the messiah, son of David, is above us.
He holds a goblet in the right hand,
gives a blessing over the whole earth.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.

Should he come by riding,
good years are ahead.
Should he come by horse,
good times are ahead.
Should he come by foot,
all the Jews will be settled in Israel.

Should he come by riding,
good years are ahead.
Should he come by horse,
good times are ahead.
Should he come by foot,
all the Jews will be settled in Israel.

Pearl-laces, golden flags,
the messiah, son of David, is above us.
He holds a goblet in the right hand,
gives a blessing over the whole earth.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.

Pearl-laces, golden flags,
the messiah, son of David, is above us.
He holds a goblet in the right hand,
gives a blessing over the whole earth.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.
Amen, amen, this is the truth,
the messiah will come this year.

PERLEN-SCHNUR


Perlen-Schnur, goldene Fahne,
der Messias, Sohn Davids, sitzt auf dem Thron.
Er hält einen Becher in der rechten Hand,
macht einen Segen über das ganze Land.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.

Perlen-Schnur, goldene Fahne,
der Messias, Sohn Davids, sitzt auf dem Thron.
Er hält einen Becher in der rechten Hand,
macht einen Segen über das ganze Land.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.

Wird er kommen gefahren,
werden es gute Jahre sein.
Kommt er geritten,
werden sein gute Zeiten.
Wird er kommen zu Fuß,
werden alle Juden in das Land Israel einziehen.

Wird er kommen gefahren,
werden es gute Jahre sein.
Kommt er geritten,
werden sein gute Zeiten.
Wird er kommen zu Fuß,
werden alle Juden in das Land Israel einziehen.

Perlen-Schnur, goldene Fahne,
der Messias, Sohn Davids, sitzt auf dem Thron.
Er hält einen Becher in der rechten Hand,
macht einen Segen über das ganze Land.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.

Perlen-Schnur, goldene Fahne,
der Messias, Sohn Davids, sitzt auf dem Thron.
Er hält einen Becher in der rechten Hand,
macht einen Segen über das ganze Land.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.
Oh, Amen, oh Amen, das ist wahr,
Messias wird dieses Jahr kommen.



 
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