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Traditional German Nursery Rhymes and Folk Songs

LiedersammlungAfter the big success of the Nursery Rhyme Collection in England producer and arranger Ian Watts and his German Co-arranger Mike Wilbury decided to launch a similar project with traditional German Songs. Most tunes formed centuries ago, however, a few of the tracks were written for this New German Song Collection.

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ABCDEFG - Das Alphabetlied
ABCDEFG - The Alphabet Song
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Mutter hör nur, was ich kann,
pass gut auf, ich fang jetzt an:

A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P,
Q R S T U V
W X Ypsilon und Zett,
fertig ist mein Alphabet,
hör doch nur wie leicht das geht.

Das war unser Alphabet, hör noch einmal, wie es geht:

A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P,
Q R S T U V
W X Ypsilon und Zett,
fertig ist mein Alphabet,
hör doch nur wie leicht das geht.

A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P,
Q R S T U V
W X Ypsilon und Zett

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

Listen mother, what I can do,
pay attention, I’ll start now:

A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P
Q R S T U V
W X Y and Z
finished is my alphabet,
just listen how easy that is.

That was our alphabet, listen again how it goes:

A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P
Q R S T U V
W X Y and Z
finished is my alphabet,
just listen how easy that is.

A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N O P
Q R S T U V
W X Y and Z

Description / Origin
It’s pretty obvious what this song is all about. If you want to learn how the letters are pronounced in German, here we go! This version is almost identical with the version of the English alphabet song released on The Nursery Rhyme Collection 1 back in 2009. This is one of the many songs using the famous melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”

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Brüderchen, komm tanz mit mir
Little Brother, Dance With Me
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1. Brüderchen, komm tanz mit mir,
beide Hände reich ich dir.
Einmal hin, einmal her,
ringsherum, das ist nicht schwer.

2. Mit den Füßen trapp trapp trapp,
mit den Händen klapp klapp klapp,
einmal hin, einmal her,
ringsherum, das ist nicht schwer.

3. Mit dem Köpfchen nick nick nick,
mit den Fingern tick tick tick,
einmal hin, einmal her,
ringsherum, das ist nicht schwer.

4. Noch einmal das schöne Spiel,
weil es uns so gut gefiel.
Einmal hin, einmal her,
ringsherum, das ist nicht schwer.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

Little brother dance with me
both my hands I reach for you
once back and once forth,
round and round that’s not difficult

2. With the feet “trap trap trap”
with the hands “clap clap clap”,
once back and once forth,
round and round that’s not difficult

3. With the head “nod nod nod”
with the fingers “tick tick tick”
once back and once forth,
round and round that’s not difficult

4. Once again the beautiful game,
because we enjoyed it so much
once back and once forth,
round and round that’s not difficult

Description / Origin
The song dates back to the end of the 19th century. It is actually a part of the opera "Hänsel und Gretel", composed by Engelbert Humperdinck. The tune became popular for small children, and is still used a lot in Kindergardens in order to make little children sing and dance.
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Bruder Jacob (Frere Jacques, Brother John)
Brother Jack (Frere Jacques, Brother John)
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Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
dormez vous? Dormez vous?
Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines,
Ding, ding, dong, ding, ding, dong.

Bruder Jakob, Bruder Jakob,
schläfst du noch? Schläfst du noch?
Hörst du nicht die Glocken?
Hörst du nicht die Glocken?
Ding dang dong, ding dang dong.

Are you sleeping, are you sleeping,
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing,
morning bells are ringing.
Ding, ding, dong, ding, ding, dong.

I hear thunder, I hear thunder,
Hark don't you? Hark don't you?
Pit-a-patter raindrops,
pit-a-patter raindrops,
I'm wet through, so are you.

Bruder Jakob, Bruder Jakob,
schläfst du noch? Schläfst du noch?
Hörst du nicht die Glocken?
Hörst du nicht die Glocken?
Ding dang dong, ding dang dong.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques,
Dormez vous? Dormez vous?
Sonnez les matines, sonnez les matines,
Ding, ding, dong, ding, ding, dong.

Brother Jack, Brother Jack,
Are you still sleeping? Are you still sleeping?
Don’t you hear the bells?
Don’t you hear the bells?
Ding dang dong, ding dang dong.

Are you sleeping, are you sleeping,
Brother John, Brother John?
Morning bells are ringing,
Morning bells are ringing.
Ding, ding, dong, ding, ding, dong.

I hear thunder, I hear thunder,
Hark don't you? Hark don't you?
Pit-a-patter raindrops,
Pit-a-patter raindrops,
I'm wet through, so are you.

Brother Jack, Brother Jack,
are you still sleeping? Are you still sleeping?
Don’t you hear the bells?
Don’t you hear the bells?
Ding dang dong, ding dang dong.

Description / Origin
This is one of the few folk songs that are similarly famous in different countries. The origin of this tune is french of course but the English version (Are You Sleeping) and the German version (Bruder Jakob) are quite as popular as the French original. This version plays around with a mix of the French, English and German versions.
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Bunt sind schon die Wälder
The Forests Turn Coloured Now
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1. Bunt sind schon die Wälder,
gelb die Stoppelfelder,
und der Herbst beginnt.
Rote Blätter fallen,
graue Nebel wallen,
kühler weht der Wind.

2. Wie die volle Traube
aus dem Rebenlaube
purpurfarbig strahlt!
Am Gelände reifen
Pfirsiche, mit Streifen
rot und weiß bemalt.

3. Flinke Träger springen,
und die Mädchen singen,
alles jubelt froh!
Bunte Bänder schweben
zwischen hohen Reben
auf dem Hut von Stroh.

4. Geige tönt und Flöte
bei der Abendröte
und im Mondesglanz.
Junge Winzerinnen
winken und beginnen
frohen Erntetanz.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. The forests turn coloured now
Yellow the stubble fields
And the autumn begins
Red leaves falling,
grey mists flowing
Colder blows the winds

2. How the full grape
Within the vine greenery
Shines in purple
On the vine are ripening
Peaches with stripes
Painted red and white

3. Quick bearers jumping
And the girls are singing
Everyone’s cheering happily
Colourful ribbons waving
Between tall vine
On the hat made of straw

4. The fiddle sounds and the pipe
In the afterglow
And in the moon light
Young vine dresser women
Wave and start
The happy harvest dance

Description / Origin
This joyful song dates back to 1799, lyrics were written by Johann Gaudenz Freiherr von Salis-Seewis (1762 - 1834), the tune composed by Johann Friedrich Reichardt (1752 - 1814). The beautiful tune is still the most popular autumn song in Germany.
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Der Mond ist aufgegangen
The Moon Has Risen
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Der Mond ist aufgegangen.
Die gold'nen Sternlein prangen
am Himmel hell und klar.
Der Wald steht schwarz und schweiget.
Und aus den Wiesen steiget
der weiße Nebel, wunderbar.

Wie ist die Welt so stille,
und in der Dämm'rung Hülle
so traulich und so hold
als eine Stille Kammer,
wo ihr des Tages Jammer
verschlafen und vergessen sollt.

Seht ihr den Mond dort stehen?
Er ist nur halb zu sehen
und ist doch rund und schön.
So sind wohl manche Sachen,
die wir getrost belachen,
weil uns're Augen sie nicht seh'n

Words: Mathias Claudius
Put into music by: J.A. Peter Schulz,
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury

The moon has risen,
The tiny golden stars shine
In the heavens bright and clear;
The forest stands dark and silent,
And from the meadows climbs
A wondrous white mist.

How silent is the world,
And in the veil of twilight,
As comfortable and lovely
As a quiet chamber,
Where the misery of the day
You shall sleep away and forget about

Do you see the moon standing there?
There is only half of it to see,
And yet it is round, and fair!
So it is with many things
That we mock confidently,
Because our eyes don't see them

Description / Origin
This song is based on a poem by Matthias Claudius (1740 - 1815). Many composers have put the poem into music, like Carl Orff and Franz Schubert to name just a few, but the most famous tune was composed by Johann Abraham Peter Schulz (1747 – 1800). The song is very famous in Germany but almost unknown in England. However, there is an English version to be found on the Nursery Rhyme Collection
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Die Affen rasen durch den Wald
(Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?)

The Monkeys Are Dashing Through The Forest
(Who has Stolen The Coconut?)

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Die Affen rasen durch den Wald,
der eine macht den andern kalt,
die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

Die Affenmama sitzt am Fluß
und angelt nach der Kokosnuss,
die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

3. Der Affenonkel, welch ein Graus,
reißt ganze Urwaldbäume aus,
die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

Der Affenmilchmann,
dieser Knilch,
er lauert auf die Kokosmilch,
die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

Der Elefant im Urwald spricht:
Hier in dem Dickicht ist sie nicht,
die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

Die Affenbraut denkt
Selbst beim Kuss
Nur immer an die Kokosnuss,
Die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

Das Affenbaby voll Genuß
Hält in der Hand die Kokosnuss,
Die ganze Affenbande brüllt:

Refr:
Hier ist die Kokosnuss!
Hier ist die Kokosnuss!
Es hat die Kokosnuss geklaut".

Und die Moral von der Geschicht',
klau keine Kokosnüsse nicht,
weil sonst die ganze Bande brüllt:

Refr:
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wo ist die Kokosnuss?
Wer hat die Kokosnuss geklaut?

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

The monkeys are dashing through the forest,
one killing the other,
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

The monkey mama sits by the river
fishing for the coconut
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

The monkey uncle, what a horror
is tearing out whole virigin forest's trees
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

The monkey milk man,
This boor
Is lurking for the coconut milk
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

The elephant in the virgin forest speaks
“It's not here in the thicket”
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

The monkey bride thinks
Even when she kisses
Only at the coconut
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

The monkey baby holds full of treat
In his hand the coconut
The whole monkey gang shouts:

Chorus:
Here is the coconut
Here is the coconut
He has stolen the coconut!

And the morals of the story:
Don't steal no coconuts not
Because otherwise the whole gang shouts:

Chorus:
Where is the coconut?
Where is the coconut?
Who has stolen the coconut?

Description / Origin
This is one of the most popular nonsense songs in Germany. The writer is unknown. Propably the verses were invented whilst singin by some boy scouts some decades ago. Just guessing! Anyway, the song became popular during the 1950 and got included into many children's song books since that time.
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Die Gedanken sind frei
The Thoughts Are Free
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1. Die Gedanken sind frei, wer kann sie erraten?
Sie fliehen vorbei wie nächtliche Schatten.
Kein Mensch kann sie wissen, kein Jäger erschießen
mit Pulver und Blei: Die Gedanken sind frei!

2. Ich werde gewiss mich niemals beschweren,
will man mir bald dies, bald jenes verwehren.
Ich kann ja im Herzen stets lachen und scherzen,
es bleibet dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei!

3. Drum will ich auf immer den Sorgen entsagen
und will mich auch nimmer mit Grillen mehr plagen.
Man kann ja im Herzen stets lachen und scherzen
und denken dabei: Die Gedanken sind frei!

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. The thoughts are free, no-one can guess them,
They fly along like nightly shadows
Noone can know them, no hunter can kill them:
With powder and plumb: The thoughts are free

2. Certainly I won't complain if someone wants to
keep me from doing this or that
Because in my heart I can always laugh and frolic
It keeps true: The thoughts are free

3. Therefore I always shall abdicate all sorrows
And I will never bother with any whims
Because in one's heart one can always laugh and frolic
Thinking “the thoughts are free”

Description / Origin
The text of this tune appears for the first time at 1780. The tune was written between 1810 and 1820 by an unknown composer. "Die Gedanken sind frei" became an early protest song with a very clear massage: "No matter how badly I may be oppressed, no one can stop me from thinking my own thoughts". So even if I get imprisoned, my thoughts keep free.
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Geh aus mein Herz
Go Out My Heart
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1. Geh aus mein Herz und suche Freud
in dieser schönen Sommerszeit an deines Gottes Gaben.
Schau an der schönen Gärten Zier
und siehe wie sie dir und mir
sich ausgeschmücket haben.

2. Die Bäume stehen voller Laub
das Erdreich decket seinen Staub
mit einem grünen Kleide.
Narzissen und die Tulipan
die ziehen sich viel schöner an als Salomonis Seide.

3. Die Lerche schwingt sich in die Luft,
das Täublein fliegt aus seiner Kluft
und macht sich in die Wälder.
Die hochbegabte Nachtigall
erfreut und füllt mit ihrem Schall
Berg, Hügel, Tal und Felder.

4. Ich selber kann und mag nicht ruhn,
des großen Gottes großes Tun
erweckt mir alle Sinnen.
Ich singe mit, wenn alles singt
und lasse was dem Höchsten klingt
aus meinem Herzen rinnen.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury

1. Go out my heart and seek for joy
In this beautiful summer season on your God's gifts
Look at the beautiful garden's adornment
and look how for you and me
They have decked themselves

2. The trees stand thick and dark with leaves,
And earth covers its dust
With a robe of green;
Lillies and the tulips
dress themselves more beautiful than the silks of Salomon

3. The lark soars into the air
The dove flies out of it's own lair
And flies into the forests
The highly talented nightingale
Delights and fills with her sound
Montain, hill, valley and fields

4. Me myself I can't keep still
the great God's great deeds
awakens all my senses
I sing along as everything sings
and let what praises the Highest
float out of my heart.

Description / Origin
This text was written by the famous writer of sacred hymns Paul Gerhardt (1607 - 1676). He studied Theology in Wittenberg, the city in which Martin Luther declared his famous 95 theses that led to the split of the Roman Church. Paul Gerhardt was a Protestant and admired Luther a lot. This particular song was written during the Thirty Years War (1618 - 1648) and was supposed to bring back joy and delight to the people suffering from war. It should last more than a century until the tune was put into music by the composer August Harder (1775 – 1813). Ever since it is one of the most popular sacred hymns of the Protestants in Germany.
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Guten Abend, gut' Nacht
Good Evening, Good Night
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1. Guten Abend, gut' Nacht mit Rosen bedacht,
mit Näglein besteckt schlüpf unter die Deck'.
Morgen früh, wenn Gott will,
wirst du wieder geweckt,
morgen früh, wenn Gott will,
wirst du wieder geweckt.

2. Guten Abend, gut' Nacht, von Englein bewacht,
die zeigen im Traum dir Christkindleins Baum.
Schlaf nun selig und süß,
schau im Traum's Paradies,
schlaf nun selig und süß,
schau im Traum's Paradies.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Ian Watts

1. Good evening, good night, With roses adorned,
With carnations covered, Slip under the covers.
Tomorrow morning, if God wants so,
you will wake once again.
Tomorrow morning, if God wants so,
you will wake once again.

2. Good evening, good night. By angels watched,
Who show you in your dream The Christ-childs' tree.
Sleep now peacefully and sweetly,
See the paradise in your dream.
Sleep now peacefully and sweetly,
See the paradise in your dream.

Description / Origin
This is one of the best known German lullabies, composed by Johannes Brahms in 1849. In England it's known as “Brahms Lullaby”. The original words are very hard to understand, even for Germans as it contains many words that are not used anymore. (e.g. “Näglein” or “bedacht”). Also the grammar used in the verses is very old fashioned and hard to understand. So nowadays it is not possible to use a construction like "schau im Traum' s Paradies" for "im Traum das Paradies".
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Hänschen klein ging allein
Little Hans Went Alone
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1. Hänschen klein ging allein
in die weite Welt hinein,
Stock und Hut steht ihm gut,
ist gar wohlgemut.
Aber Mutter weinet sehr,
hat ja nun kein Hänschen mehr:
"Wünsch' dir Glück !", sagt ihr Blick
"kehre bald zurück!"

2. Sieben Jahr' trüb und klar
Hänschen in der Fremde war,
da besinnt sich das Kind
eilet heim geschwind.
Doch nun ist's kein Hänschen mehr,
nein ein großer Hans ist er,
Stirn und Hand braungebrannt
wird er wohl erkannt?

3. Eins, zwei, drei, geh'n vorbei
wissen nicht wer das wohl sei,
Schwester spricht: "Welch' Gesicht ",
kennt den Bruder nicht!
Doch da kommt sein Mütterlein,
schaut ihm kaum in's Aug' hinein,
spricht sie schon: "Hans, mein Sohn,
Grüß dich Gott, mein Sohn!"

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. Little Hans went alone
Out into the wide world.
Stick and hat suits him well.
He is in good spirits.
But his mother cries so much,
For she no longer has little Hans.
"Wish you good luck!" she shows in her eyes,
"Just come home soon."

2. Seven years, cloudy and clear,
Little Hans was in the outland.
Then the child bethinks himself
and hurries back home.
But now he no more little Hans
But a tall Hans
Forhead and hand all tanned,
Will he be recogniced?

3. One, two, three pass along
Not knowing who that might be
The sister asks “What a face?”
Doesn't recognice her brother
But there comes along his mother,
Barely sees his eyes
She already speaks:
"Hans my son God bless you!"

Description / Origin
The text was written by Franz Wiedemann (1821 - 1882), the composer is unknown. The tune became popular in Germany around 1900 and was traditionally used to teach little children their first tune. The same melody is also used in the Mother Goose Rhyme of "Lightly Row."

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Kein schöner Land in dieser Zeit
No Land More Beautiful Around This Time
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1. Kein schöner Land in dieser Zeit,
als hier das unsere weit und breit,
wo wir uns finden wohl unter Linden
zur Abendzeit.
wo wir uns finden wohl unter Linden
zur Abendzeit.

2. Da haben wir so manche Stund,
gesessen da in froher Rund´.
Und taten singen die Lieder klingen
im Eichengrund.
Und taten singen die Lieder klingen
im Eichengrund.

3. Dass wir uns hier in diesem Tal,
noch treffen so viel hundertmal,
Gott mag es schenken,
Gott mag es lenken, er hat die Gnad´.
Gott mag es schenken,
Gott mag es lenken, er hat die Gnad´.

4. Nun, Brüder eine gute Nacht,
der Herr im hohen Himmel wacht.
In seiner Güte uns zu behüten
ist er bedacht.
In seiner Güte uns zu behüten
ist er bedacht.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. No land more beautiful around this time,
Than ours far and near,
Where we meet under lime trees
at the evening time.
Where we meet under lime trees
at the evening time.

2. Many hours we spent there,
Sitting in a happy round,
And we did sing, the songs ringing
through the deep oak glades
And we did sing, the songs ringing
through the deep oak glades

3. That we shall may meet in this valley
Still many hundred times
God may grant us this,
God may make it happen, in his mercy.
God may grant us this,
God may make it happen, in his mercy.

4. Now, brothers, good night,
the Lord in his High Heaven is watching
In his goodness, to protect us
He is intending
In his goodness, to protect us
He is intending

Description / Origin
This is a very traditional German folk song, originating about a century ago. The text was written by Anton Wilhelm Florentin von Zuccalmaglio, the melody is a mixture of existing fragments. What makes our version quite special is the melting of completely different cultures: A very traditional German tune interpreted by a young singer grown up in the Phillipines.

Grammarwise there are some structures that are used very rarely in German:
Whereas the structure

we do sing” or “we did sing” (instead of “we sing” or “we sang”)

is very common in English language this structure is usually not used in German language. However, in this song we find exactly that phrase:

wir taten singen” instead of “wir sangen”

Nowadays you shouldn't use that kind of construction as it would be considered old fashioned or „bad“ German.

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Mondnacht
Moon Night
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Es war, als hätt' der Himmel
die Erde still geküsst,
dass sie im Blütenschimmer
von ihm nun träumen müsst.

Die Luft ging durch die Felder,
die Ähren wogten sacht,
es rauschten leis' die Wälder,
so sternklar war die Nacht.

Und meine Seele spannte
weit ihre Flügel aus,
flog durch die stillen Lande,
als flöge sie nach Haus.

Words: Joseph von Eichendorff
Music: Mike Wilbury

It appeared as if heaven
hat kissed earth silently
that in her blossoms' shimmer
She had to think of Him.

The air went through the fields
the spikes swaying gently
the woods were softly rustling
so clear and full of stars was the night.

And thus my soul extended
Its wings out wide,
Flew over quiet lands
as if it was flying home.

Description / Origin
Joseph von Eichendorff (1788 - 1758) was one of the most important Geram romantic poets, along with Novalis, Brentano, Achim von Arnim, Kleist, E.T.A. Hoffmann. This poem is one of his best known and it was put into music several times, for example by Robert Schuhmann. This version was done in a very folky style, put into music by Mike Wilbury who also did many of the Nursery Rhyme Collection's arrangement, teaming up with Ian Watts.

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Nehmt Abschied, Brüder
Say Good-Bye Brothers
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1. Nehmt Abschied, Brüder,
ungewiss ist alle Wiederkehr,
die Zukunft liegt in Finsternis
und macht das Herz uns schwer.

Refr.:
Der Himmel wölbt sich übers Land,
ade, auf Wiedersehn!
Wir ruhen all in Gottes Hand,
lebt wohl auf Wiedersehn.

2. Die Sonne sinkt, es steigt die Nacht,
vergangen ist der Tag.
Die Welt schläft ein,
und leis erwacht der Nachtigallen Schlag.

Refr.:
Der Himmel wölbt sich übers Land,
ade, auf Wiedersehn!
Wir ruhen all in Gottes Hand,
lebt wohl auf Wiedersehn.

3. So ist in jedem Anbeginn
das Ende nicht mehr weit.
Wir kommen her und gehen hin
und mit uns geht die Zeit.

Refr.:
Der Himmel wölbt sich übers Land,
ade, auf Wiedersehn!
Wir ruhen all in Gottes Hand,
lebt wohl auf Wiedersehn.

4. Nehmt Abschied Brüder schließt den Kreis,
das Leben ist kein Spiel.
Nur wer es recht zu Leben weiß,
gelangt ans große Ziel.

Refr.:
Der Himmel wölbt sich übers Land,
ade, auf Wiedersehn!
Wir ruhen all in Gottes Hand,
lebt wohl auf Wiedersehn.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. Say good-bye, brothers
uncertain is all return
the future is covered by darkness
And makes our heart

Chorus:
Heaven is arching above the land
Adieu, good-bye
We all repose in God's hand
Farewell, good-bye

2. The sun declines, the night is rising
gone is the day
the world falls asleep
and quietly the nightingale's flap awakes

Chorus:
Heaven is arching above the land
Adieu, good-bye
We all repose in God's hand
Farewell, good-bye

3. So in each start
The end is not far away
We come along and pass away
And with us goes the time

Chorus:
Heaven is arching above the land
Adieu, good-bye
We all repose in God's hand
Farewell, good-bye

4. Say farewell brothers, close the circle
Life ain't no game
Only who knows how to live it right
Will achieve the big goal

Chorus:
Heaven is arching above the land
Adieu, good-bye
We all repose in God's hand
Farewell, good-bye

Description / Origin
This is a German version of the famous tune “Auld lang syne”, written by Claus Ludwig Laue in 1946. It is traditionally used by the boy scouts movement at the end of meetings, so it has become a traditional farewell song.
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Nun will der Lenz uns grüßen
Now Spring Wants To Hail Us
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1. Nun will der Lenz uns grüßen,
von Mittag weht es lau,
aus allen Wiesen sprießen
die Blumen rot und blau.
Draus wob die braune Heide
sich ein Gewand gar fein
und lädt im Festtagskleide
zum Maientanze ein.

2. Waldvöglein Lieder singen,
wie ihr sie nur begehrt,
drum auf zum frohen Singen,
die Reis` ist Goldes Wert.
Dort unter grünen Linden,
da leuchten weiße Kleid!
Nun endlich hat uns Kindern
ein End all Wintersleid.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. Now spring wants to hail us
From the south it wafts gently
On all meadows sprout
the flowers red and blue
hence woved the brown heathland
a vestment very smooth
and invites in its festive
to join the may dance

2. Forest birds sing songs
That bring you joy,
So let's sing happily,
The journey is worth gold
There underneath green lime trees,
Shine white dresses!
Finally there is an end for us children,
To all winter's pain.

Description / Origin
Another traditional German Folk Song, dating back to the 19th century. The words are quite old fashioned, regarding both the grammar and the actual vocabulary. The word “Lenz” is an old German word for “spring”. Today it is used only very rarely, instead the words “Frühling” or “Frühjahr” are used to talk about the spring season. The lyrics are all about the awakening nature in spring time and also the awakening joy of life. The lyrics were written by Karl Ströse, the composer is unknown.

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Oh, du lieber Augustin
Oh, You Dear Augustin
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1. Oh, du lieber Augustin,
Augustin, Augustin,
oh, du lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.
Geld ist hin, Mäd´l ist hin,
Geld ist weg, Mäd´l ist weg,
oh, du lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.

2. Oh, du lieber Augustin,
Augustin, Augustin,
oh, du lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.
Rock ist weg, Stock ist weg,
Augustin liegt im Dreck,
oh, du lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.

3. Oh, du lieber Augustin,
Augustin, Augustin,
oh, du lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.
Geld ist weg, o du Schreck,
das ist schlecht und nicht recht,
oh, du lieber Augustin, alles ist hin.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. Oh, you dear Augustin,
Augustin, Augustin,
Oh, you dear Augustin, all is lost!
Money's lost, girlfriend's lost,
Money's gone, girlfriend's gone,
Oh, you dear Augustin, all is lost!

2. Oh, you dear Augustin,
Augustin, Augustin,
Oh, you dear Augustin, all is lost!

Coat is gone, staff is gone ,
Augustin lies in the dirt ,
Oh, you dear Augustin, all is lost!


3. Oh, you dear Augustin,
Augustin, Augustin,
Oh, you dear Augustin, all is lost!
Money's gone, oh dear,
That is bad and not right,
Oh, you dear Augustin, all is lost!

Description / Origin
The melody sounds familiar to English people because it's also used for the English Tommy Tucker rhyme. The German version refers to a real person who lived in Vienna, Austria: Markus Augustin (1643 – 1685). He was very popular because he made the people laugh around a time when the pest desease raged in Vienna. He was kind of an early comedian, singing in bars. But very rarely he managed to get any money out of any bar because he spent it on wine whilst earning it. One evening, during the pest disease 1679, he was so drunk that he fell asleep in a roadside ditch. People thought he was dead and threw him on a carriage with dead bodies. However, he managed to awake before getting buried alive. He survived and people thought that wine actually helps to outplay the pest. Augustin wrote a song about his own misfortune and it is said that this song was the first version of the song “Oh du lieber Augustin” as we know today.
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Sah ein Knab' ein Röslein steh'n
Saw A Boy A Little Rose
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1. Sah ein Knab' ein Röslein steh'n,
Röslein auf der Heide.
War so jung und war so schön,
lief er schnell es nah zu seh'n,
sah's mit vielen Freuden.
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heide.

2. Knabe sprach: "Ich breche dich,
Röslein auf der Heide."
Röslein sprach: "Ich steche dich,
dass du ewig denkst an mich,
und ich will's nicht leiden."
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heide.

3. Und der wilde Knabe brach's
Röslein auf der Heide,
Röslein wehrte sich und stach,
half ihm doch kein Weh und Ach,
mußt es eben leiden.
Röslein, Röslein, Röslein rot,
Röslein auf der Heide.

Words: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Music: Heinrich Werner
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

Saw a boy a little rose,
little red rose on the heath,
She was so young and so beautiful
So he ran to see it close
and he did with plenty of joy.
Little rose, little rose, little rose red
Little rose on the heath.

3. Said the boy: “I will pick you,
red rose on the heath.”
Said the rose:
I will prick you
and you will remember me for ever.

and I won't stand it.”
Little rose, little rose, little rose red
little red rose on the heath.

3. And the rough boy picked the rose,
little red rose on the heath,
Red rose fought and pricked,
Yet she cried and sighed in vain,
And had to let it happen.
Little rose, little rose, little rose red
Little rose on the heath.

Description / Origin
The text is a famous poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, written 1771. It tells the story of a young man in love who is recected by the girl. The story ends quite badly for both. Around the time when he wrote this poem Goethe stayed in Strasbourg and he was in love with Friederike Brion. It is thought that the poem addresses to her. It has been set to music by many composers. The music of our version was written by Heinrich Werner in 1829.
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Schneeflöckchen Weißröckchen
Little Snowflake, Little White Skirt
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1. Schneeflöckchen Weißröckchen,
wann kommst du geschneit?
Du wohnst in den Wolken,
dein Weg ist so weit.

2. Komm setz dich ans Fenster,
du lieblicher Stern,
malst Blumen und Blätter,
wir haben dich gern.

3. Schneeflöckchen, du deckst uns
die Blümelein zu,
dann schlafen sie sicher
in himmlischer Ruh'.

4. Schneeflöckchen Weißröckchen
komm zu uns ins Tal.
Dann bau’n wir den Schneemann
und werfen den Ball.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. Little snowflake, little white skirt
When will you come snowing down?
You live in the clouds
Your journey is so long

2. Come sit down by my window
You lovely little star
You are painting flowers and leaves
We like you a lot.

3. Little snowflake you cover up
Our flowers outside
So they can sleep savely
In heavenly peace

4. Little snowflake, little white skirt
Come down to us in the valley
So we can build the snowman
And throw a snow ball.

Description / Origin
This is one of the most popular winter songs in Germany. An early version of the lyrics was done by Hedwig Haberkern (1837-1902) who lived in Breslau und published stories and tales for children. This text was included in her first book (1869):
Stories of the snow cloud.
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Sternenhimmel Schlaflied
Star Sky Lullaby
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1. Die Augen so klein,
du wirst müde, mein Kind,
der Tag legt sich langsam zur Ruh.
Die Sonne versinkt
und der Abend beginnt,
die Welt wird bald schlafen
genauso wie du.

2. Selbst die Tiere sind müde,
es ist an der Zeit,
der Mond macht sich langsam bereit.
Er schaut durch dein Fenster
und lächelt dir zu
und sieh nur die Sterne,
sie leuchten dazu.

3. Die Sterne am Himmel
stehn strahlend und klar
weit oben, wo nie jemand war.
Die Bäume vorm Fenster
bewegen sich sacht,
nun küss deine Mama
noch einmal zur Nacht, gute Nacht.

Words & Music: Mike Wilbury

The eyes so small
You get tired my child
Day lays slowly down to rest
the sun declines
And the evening begins
The world will soon fall asleep
And so will you

2. Even the animals are tired
It's about time
The moon is getting ready
He looks through your window
and sends you a smlie
and look at the stars
They shine the scene

3. The stars in the sky
stand shiny and clear
high above where noone ever was
The trees in front of the window
move gently
Now kiss your mum
once again Good Night, Good Night

Description / Origin
A new lullaby written by Mike Wilbury. A version with English lyrics was released on the Nursery Rhyme Collection 1 in 2009
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Von den blauen Bergen kommen wir
From The Blue Mountains We Come
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1. Von den blauen Bergen kommen wir,
von den blauen Bergen, die so weit von hier.
Reisen, das ist unsre Wonne,
scheint auch noch so heiß die Sonne.
Von den blauen Bergen kommen wir.

2. Von den blauen Bergen kommen wir
und wir fangen selbst den stärksten Stier.
Auf dem Rücken unsrer Pferde
reiten wir wohl um die Erde.
Von den blauen Bergen kommen wir.

3. Von den blauen Bergen kommen wir,
von den blauen Bergen, die so weit von hier.
Mag die Welt im Schlaf sich wiegen,
wir sind nicht vom Pferd zu kriegen,
von den blauen Bergen kommen wir.

German Words: Heinz Woezel
Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

From the blue moutains we come
From the blue moutains so far away from here
Travelling is our joy,
no matter how hot the sun
From the blue moutains we come

2. From the blue moutains we come
And we capture even tthe strongest bull
On the back of our horses
We ride round the earth
From the blue moutains we come

3. From the blue moutains we come
From the blue moutains so far away from here
Even if the world lies asleep
Noone will get us off our horses
From the blue moutains we come

Description / Origin
This is a German version of the well known Nursery Rhyme “She'll be coming round the mountain”. The lyrics are very “wild west” and you shouldn't spend to much time investigating what it's all about.

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Weil heute dein Geburtstag ist
Because It's Your Birthday Today
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Heute ist ein Tag, wie ihn jeder mag,
weil heute dein Geburtstag ist
und weil du unser Liebling bist!
Heute ist ein Tag, wie ihn jeder mag,
wir freuen uns dass du bei uns bist
und dass heut dein Geburtstag ist.

Refr.: Gebe-be-burtstag... heut ist dein Geburtstag,
den Sahnekuchen, den wolln wir versuchen,
Gebe-be-burtstag...
weil heute dein Geburtstag ist und
du doch unser Liebling bist.

Heute ist dein Tag und weil dich jeder mag,
und weil du heut Geburtstag hast,
darfst du das machen, was dir passt!

Gummibärchen, Schokolade,
Marzipan statt Marmelade,
ja wir wissen, Zucker ist nicht gut,
doch weil heut dein Geburtstag ist und
du sonst so vernünftig bist
nimm dir ruhig noch den Schokoladenkeks!

Heute ist dein Tag und weil ich dich so mag,
und weil du heut Geburtstag hast,
darfst du das machen, was dir passt!

Refr.: Gebe-be-burtstag... heut ist dein Geburtstag,
den Erdbeerkuchen, wolln wir jetzt versuchen
Gebe-be-burtstag...
weil heute dein Geburtstag ist
und du doch unser Liebling bist.

Gebe-be-burtstag... heut ist dein Geburtstag,
den Apfelkuchen, wolln wir noch versuchen
Gebe-be-burtstag...
weil heute dein Geburtstag ist
und du doch unser Liebling bist.

Words & Music: Mike Wilbury

Today is a day that everybody enjoys
because it's your birthday today
and because you are our darling
Today is a day that everybody enjoys
We are happy that you are with us
and that it's your birthday today

Chorus: B-B-B-Birthday...Today it's your birthday
The cream pie we want to try
B-B-B-Birthday...
because it's your birthday today
and because you are our darling

Today is your day and because everybody likes you
and because it's your birthday today
you can do whatever you like

Jelly babies, chocolate,
almond paste instead of jam
yes, we know, sugar is not good,
But because it's your birthday today
and because you are so reasonable usually
grab another chocolate cookie

Today is your day and because I like you so much
and because it's your birthday today
you can do whatever you like

Chorus: B-B-B-Birthday...Today it's your birthday
The strawberry pie we want to try now
B-B-B-Birthday...
because it's your birthday today
and because you are our darling

B-B-B-Birthday...Today it's your birthday
The apple pie we want to try now
B-B-B-Birthday...
because it's your birthday today
and because you are our darling

Description / Origin
Another original Song written by Mike Wilbury for the New Song Collection
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Wenn alle Brünnlein fließen
If All Fonts Are Flowing
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1. Wenn alle Brünnlein fließen,
so muß man trinken,
wenn ich mein Schatz nicht rufen darf,
tu ich ihm winken.
Wenn ich mein Schatz nicht rufen darf,
juja, rufen darf, tu ich ihm winken.

2. Ja winken mit den Äugelein
und treten auf den Fuß,
`s ist eine in der Stube drin,
die meine werden muss,
`s ist eine in der Stube drin,
juja, Stube drin, die meine werden muss.

3. Warum soll sie´s nicht werden,
ich hab sie ja so gern,
sie hat zwei blaue Äugelein,
die glänzen wie zwei Stern.
Sie hat zwei blaue Äugelein,
juja, Äugelein, die glänzen wie zwei Stern.

4. Sie hat zwei rote Wängelein,
sind röter als der Wein.
Ein solches Mädel findt man nicht,
wohl unterm Sonnenschein,
ein solches Mädel findt man nicht,
juja, findt man nicht wohl unterm Sonnenschein.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

1. If all fonts are flowing,
you have to drink
if i'm not allowed to summon my darling
I have to beckon to him
if i'm not allowed to summon my darling
juja, to summon my darling I have to beckon to him

2. Yes, waving with the eyes
and stepping on his shoes
there's one inside the parlour,
who must become mine.
there's one inside the
 parlour,
juja, inside the parlour, who must become mine.

3. Why shouldn't she become mine
I like her so much
She has got two little blue eyes
that shine like two stars
She has got two little blue eyes
juja, little blue eyes that shine like two stars

4. She has got two red cheeks
more red than wine
such a girl is not to be found
underneath the sun
such a girl is not to be found
juja, is not to be found underneath the sun

Description / Origin
Very old, very traditional, very popular. The song was written by Philipp Friedrich Silcher (1789-1860). The language is quite old fashioned and hard to understand, even for Germans.
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Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär
If I Was A Little Bird
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1. Wenn ich ein Vöglein wär
und auch zwei Flügel hätt,
flög ich zu dir,
weil´s aber nicht kann sein,
weil´s aber nicht kann sein
bleib ich allhier.

2. Bin ich gleich weit von dir,
bin doch im Traum bei dir
und red´ mit dir.
Wenn ich erwachen tu,
wenn ich erwachen tu
bin ich allein.

3. Keine Stund in der Nacht
da nicht mein Herz erwacht
und an dich denkt,
dass du mir tausendmal,
dass du mir tausendmal
dein Herz geschenkt.

4. In meinem Gärtelein
blüht ein schön´s Blümelein,
Vergiß nicht mein!
Dies Blümlein leg an´s Herz,
dies Blümlein leg an´s Herz
und denke mein.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury

If I was a little bird
and if I had two wings
I flew to you
But because it's not possible
because it's not possible
I stay all here

2. Even if I'm far away from you
I'm with you in my dream
And I speak to you
When I wake up,
When I wake up,
I'm all alone

3. No hour in the night
without my heart waking up
thinking of you
That a thousand times
That a thousand times
you gave your heart to me

4. In my little garden flourishes
a beautiful little flower
Forget-me-not!
This flower hold to your heart
This flower hold to your heart
And think of me

Description / Origin
This is one of the well known German Folk Songs that is to be found in the traditional Song Collection "Des Knaben Wunderhorn", first published in 1805 by the poets Achim von Arnim and Clemens Brentano.
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Winter ade
Winter Good-Bye
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Winter ade, scheiden tut weh.
Aber dein Scheiden macht,
dass mir das Herze lacht.
Winter ade, scheiden tut weh.

Winter ade, scheiden tut weh.
Gerne vergess ich dein,
kannst immer ferne sein.
Winter ade, scheiden tut weh.

Winter ade, scheiden tut weh.
Gehst du nicht bald nach Haus,
lacht dich der Kuckuck aus.
Winter ade, scheiden tut weh.

Words & Music: Traditional
Arrangement: Mike Wilbury / Ian Watts

Winter good-bye, departing hurts
But your departure makes
my heart laugh
Winter good-bye, departing hurts

Winter good-bye, departing hurts
Gladly I forget about you
you can stay away
Winter good-bye, departing hurts

Winter good-bye, departing hurts
If you don't go home soon
The cuckoo will laugh at you
Winter good-bye, departing hurts

Description / Origin
Some people consider this tune a winter song, some consider it a spring song. It's a bit of both actually, but it doesn't matter because it's simply a beautiful tune with some nice chords added to by Mike Wilbury.

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