Manchmal, da fallen mir Bilder ein [English translation]

Sometimes I see pictures in my mind

Of large windows in columned halls

Of walls and marble staircases

Of chandeliers with shining crystals

Of flames in open fireplaces

Of beds with velvet baldachins

The carpet has long been worn-out

You know what—I'll just roll it up

It doesn't go with the wallpaper anyway

Sometimes, I feel ashamed that I don't live there

Sometimes I see pictures in my mind

Of colourful awnings and white trellises

With wild roses and tralling vine

Of gardens so big you can't see where they end

Of box trees shaped into statuettes

A gravel path is making a nobel noise with every step

The flowers outside the window are tired and grey

I won't plant any new ones

They wouldn't blossom here anyway, I do know that

Sometimes, I feel ashamed that I don't live there

Sometimes I see pictures in my mind

Of the smiles of well-spoken ladies

Of tanned faces talking

Pictures like the ones you can find on cigarette ads

Gold-plated rakes on green blankets

Foggy glasses and coloured jettons

It's time again to take my shoes to the cobbler

My friends and I, we drink beer instead of wine

When it comes to playing bridge, I haven't got the slightest clue

Sometimes I feel ashamed that I'm not one of them

Sometimes I see pictures in my mind

Of a piece of bread in mutilated hands

Of an old woman, whom they drag out alone

From under collapsing walls

Of burnt faces buried in hands

Sometimes I feel ashamed for having felt ashamed

That's what I wanted to tell you—are you still listening?

No, you're asleep already, I guess the day has made you tired

I turn off the lights and I tuck you in closer

Sometimes I feel ashamed for being so happy anyway