Ievan polkka [English translation]

The rhythm of polka sounded from next door

The soles of my feet were itching to go

Eva's mother was guarding her daughter

But Eva sure tricked her:

Because we don't care about bans

When we are dancing from one side of the room to the other

Eva was grinning widely

When people congratulated her

Everyone's heads were wet with sweat

And the violin was whining and wailing

This boy doesn't mind wetness

When we are dancing from one side of the room to the other

Eva's mother, in the chamber

Was singing hymns

While this boy, in the neighbor's house

Was leading the old wife's daughter in a dance

And this boy doesn't mind old wives

When dancing from one side of the room to the other

And this boy doesn't mind old wives

When dancing from one side of the room to the other

In the room, fun ensued the music

I got to fool around a bit

When we went home, the old wife started bickering

And Eva started to cry

I told Eva, what does it matter

We will dance from side to side again

I told Eva, what does it matter

We will dance from side to side again

To the old wife I said, shut your mouth

Or I won't guarantee your well-being

But you will be let off in good health if you collect your bones

And go to your rathole to lay down and sleep

This boy doesn't mind sweet tenderness

While he works the ladies from side to side

This I tell you: You must chew me up

I'm not that easily swallowed

I don't mind if you go from west to east

But I won't give Eva up

For this boy doesn't mind modest bashfulness

While we dance from side to side

Salivili-hipput-tupput-täppyt-äppyt-tipput

Slowly now

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Another translation - not mine, not literal, with rhymes:

The sound of a polka drifted from my neighbor's

And set my feet a-tapping oh!

Ieva's mother had her eye on her daughter but

Ieva she managed to fool her, you know.

'Cause who's going to listen to mother saying no

When we're all busy dancing to and fro!

Ieva was smiling, the fiddle it was wailing

As people crowded round to wish her luck.

Everyone was hot but it didn't seem to bother

The handsome young man, the dashing buck.

'Cause who's going to mind a drop of sweat

When he's all busy dancing to and fro!

Ieva's mother she shut herself away

In her own quiet room to hum a hymn.

Leaving our hero to have a spot of fun

In a neighbor's house when the lights are dim.

'Cause what does it matter what the old folks say

When you're all busy dancing to and fro!

When the music stopped then the real fun began

And that's when the laddie fooled around.

When he took her home, when the dancing was over

Her mother angrily waiting they found.

But I said to her, Ieva, now don't you weep

And we'll soon be dancing to and fro!

I said to her mother now stop that noise

Or I won't be responsible for what I do.

If you go quietly and stay in your room

You won't get hurt while your daughter I woo.

'Cause this fine laddie is a wild sort of guy

When he's all busy dancing to and fro!

One thing I tell you is you won't trap me,

No, you won't find me an easy catch.

Travel to the east and travel to the west but

Ieva and I are going to make a match.

'Cause this fine laddie ain't the bashful sort

When he's all busy dancing to and fro