Die Ratten [English translation]

There was once a king with great power

Who laughed at both God and the Devil

He had tortured and robbed his people

At his court he believed himself safe.

But then came the mob with scythes and axes

And put an end to his lords

But the king, the greatest of tyrants

He was like a rat that can swim.

The rats are abandoning the sinking ship

And he, whom the harsh punishment awaits

He was not fast enough to run away

One can see the rats running to safety.

There was once a preacher in a faraway land

Who drove the people out of their minds

They gave him everything: their gold and animals

And expensive fabrics, so he wouldn't freeze

They brought the prettiest virgin to him

And were willing to move to foreign lands

But while they were sleeping and dreeming of luck

He stole away from them and never came back.

The rats are abandoning the sinking ship

And he, whom the harsh punishment awaits

He was not fast enough to run away

One can see the rats running to safety.

The planks are breaking, the mast is bending

People are jumping in deadly haste

Deep into the waters, but before all of them

Only the rat that can swim escapes.