Submitted by asante on Do, 06/30/2011 - 20:20
20
Wenn ich an den letzten Abend gedenk
When I think of our last night

Wenn ich an den letzten Abend gedenk,

als ich Abschied von dir nahm,

denn der Mond, der schien so hell,

ich muss scheiden von ihr,

doch mein Herz bleibt stets bei dir.

Nun ade, ade, ade,

nun ade, ade, ade!

Feinsliebchen, lebe wohl!

 

Meine Mutter hat gesagt,

ich sollt’ ’ne Reiche nehm’n,

die da hat viel Silber und Gold;

doch viel lieber will ich mich

in die Armut begeb’n,

als ich dich verlassen sollt’.

Nun ade, ade, ade,

nun ade, ade, ade!

Feinsliebchen, lebe wohl!

When I think of our last night,

when I said goodbye to you,

for the moon was shining so brightly.

I have to part you,

but my heart will always stay with you.

Now farewell, farewell, farewell,

now farewell, farewell, farewell!

My dear, fare thee well!

 

My mother said,

I should find a rich one,

who has plenty of silver and gold;

but I’ll much rather

endure poverty

than leave you.

Now farewell, farewell, farewell,

now farewell, farewell, farewell!

My dear, fare thee well!

This song was still sung during the 19th century, but has fallen into oblivion ever since. So today, it is difficult to even find sheet music of this song. The lyrics are not indicative if the separation is due to the man having to take to the road or having to join the army. Nor is it clear if the young man follows his mother’s advice who is against his relationship (second strophe!).