Zogen einst fünf wilde Schwäne [English translation]

Once there were five wild swans there

The swans were white - beautiful and bright.

Once here were five wild swans there

The swans were white - beautiful and bright.

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None were seen there again - yes.

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None were seen again.

Once five young birch trees did grow there,

green and fresh on the rivers' bank.

Once five young birch trees did grow there,

green and fresh on the rivers' bank.

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None had stood there in bloom - yes.

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None had stood in bloom.

Once five young men had passed by there

proud and brave - into battle gone

Once five young men had passed by there

proud and brave - into battle gone

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None had returned home again - yes.

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None had returned home .

Once five young girls had grown up there

slim and pretty at the Memel´s bank

Once five young girls had grown up there

slim and pretty at the Memel´s bank

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None did weave a bridal wreath -yes.

"Sing, sing, what has happened?"

None did weave a wreath.