Der Spielmann [English translation]

With hunger and cold I spend the night

The day has as ever not brought me something to eat

My faithful companion since my father's death

Is his lute which he gave me before he died

The mother ran away to a far-away place

For the favor of a man she chased me away

I stroll now, sing sad songs

The night is really cold, maybe I never wake again

But there I see eyes so glowing and red

In times of need the devil is after me

I hear his voice, which gently speaks to me

"I have an offer for you, don't fear

Fame and money I give to you and much more

The first woman you love, give her to me for that"

I never loved anyone and that's the way it will always be

The deal should with this be sealed

Now I stand at the window, look out into the night

And live a life which was made by the devil

Now I play again, as if by magic

The songs resound in a mightily tone

In the intoxication of the music the people are mesmerized

The king of minstrels I am called

Wealth and lust are my life now

The hearts of the women are devoted to me

Whatever I want, it is given to me

I'm not familiar with consideration and moderation

Now I stand at the window, look out into the night

And live a life which was made by the devil

There suddenly it happens, I look into her face

The shining eyes - like sunlight

She looks at me and directly into my heart

I felt the truth like a furious pain

She had right away captivated my senses

But it seems like I will never again reach her

Because the devil's grimace is already grinning at me

Reminds me of the vowed ban

Soon he disappeared into the dark woods

His laughter resounding far into the twilight

I her her crying and she stares at me

The devil took her and she never returned