Ode an die Freude [English translation]

O friends, not these sounds!

But leave us with something more pleasant

and O more joyful.

O Joy! O Joy!

O, beautiful spark of the gods,

Daughter from Elysium,

We enter, drunk with the fire,

O Heavenly One, into thy sanctuary!

Your magic binds again

That which convention strictly divides;*

All people become brothers,*

Where your gentle wing abides.

Who has succeeded in the great attempt,

To be a friend's friend,

Whoever has won a lovely woman,

Add to him the jubilation!

Indeed, who calls even one soul

Theirs upon this world!

And whoever has never succeded, shall rob himself

Weeping, departs from this union!

All you creatures come drink - joy

Here at nature's breast.

The just and the unjust

All alike do taste of her gift;

She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,

A tried friend to the end.

[Even] the worm has been granted sensuality,

And the cherub stands before God!

Gladly, as their heavenly bodies do fly

On their courses throughout the heavens,

O brothers, you should too run your race,

Gladly, like the hero going into a conquest.

You millions, I embrace you.

This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

There must dwell a loving Father.

Do you fall in worship, you millions?

World, do you know your creator?

Seek him in the heavens;

Above the stars must He dwell.

You millions, I embrace you.

This kiss is for all the world!

Brothers, above the starry canopy

There must dwell a loving Father.

Be all embraced,

This kiss is for the whole world!

O Joy, beautiful spark of the gods

Daughter from Elysium,

O Joy, beautiful gods, you gods.