Am Brunnen vor dem Tore [English translation]

1 By the well outside the gate

A lime-tree stands

In his shade I was dreaming

Many a sweet dream

I carved into his bark

Many a word of affection

In good and in bad times

I always felt pulled towards him

2 Today as well, I must wander

Past in darkest night

There in the dark I closed

My eyes

And his twigs were bustling

As though they called out to me:

"Come yonder, dear fellow

Here you shall find peace"

3 The cold winds were blowing

Straight into my countenance

The hat flew off my head

Yet I would not turn around

Now many an hour I've been

Separated from this place

Yet always I hear the bustling:

"Yonder you would find your peace!"