An meine Kinder [English translation]

Now you are grown up, will soon leave our house,

your childhood's passed rapidly by,

no, it's not over yet for mom and dad,

they still have some other desires.

Although, I'd have gladly held them back,

those moments, too precious to waste,

but fugacity of time nobody can mold,

according to their own petty taste.

So, what can I hand you as a gift on your way,

that you'll master now on your own?

My hope is, that each and every day

my love will not leave you alone.

I've never been a man of high moral standards.

When are children good, when bad?

Children are innocent, keep them clear

from oppression and moral fear.

You are a miracle, like everyone,

born out of absolute beauty.

Our world would be more peaceful indeed,

if this knowledge became worldwide duty.

I've never been perfect, you know me well,

failure is my second name.

In the best case we used to be amused,

each time perfect parents came.

What have I done wrong, what was right?

Yes, you were only lent to me.

I will not beat around the bush, 1

education was never important to me.

Education what for? For ambition, for greed?

For being a boss in a well-payed position?

You know my heart is widely open

for dreamers and losers in any condition.

There's only one single big request that I have,

please listen to me and conform:

No matter what they promise you, my child,

never wear a uniform!

It will not be easy, the times are so hard,

they will throw spanners in your works. 2

I hope that in any hardship and pain

my unconditional love will help.

It is all I have and all I can give,

no bulging bank accounts, but

there are those moments of beauty, when once

together we happily basked.

Don't worry about your father, 'cause now

it's time for your very own life.

I am grateful to you, because from you I learned,

to give without expectation.

1. Idiom: Um den heißen Brei herumreden 2. Idiom: Sand ins Getriebe streuen