Ich gebe auf mein Licht [English translation]

The day that I did not sleep, on dark wet paths full of leaves

With handcrafted, crooked lanterns kids sang their off-key songs to me.

The kids march down the street.

Their songs fall silent over the traffic.

Occasionally wonders never cease,

But everything is ceasing here today. 1

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

Everything is on fire, only the lanterns are not.

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

We were like Brooklyn and Manhattan, but this bridge is breaking.

And this book is being closed now and without a happy ending, too – you said you don't recognize me anymore.

I'm giving up, my light,

Camera, action, applause, the lights go on and we go home.

I waited for you on the bench under the trees,

Where the young Turks kiss and dream of their future while being in love.

The last leaves fall along with the first snow.

And this is my last night on this bench in this avenue

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

Everything is on fire, only the lanterns are not.

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

We were like Brooklyn and Manhattan, but this bridge is breaking.

And this book is being closed now and without a happy ending, too – you said you don't recognize me anymore.

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

I'm giving up, my light.

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

Everything is on fire, only the lanterns are not.

I'm giving up, my light,

I'm giving up, my light.

We were like Brooklyn and Manhattan, but this bridge is breaking.

And this book is being closed now and without a happy ending, too – you said you don't recognize me anymore.

I'm giving up, my light,

Camera, action, applause, the lights go on and we go home.

1. literally: ...but nothing is happening here anymore today.