Slabo divanim mađarski [English translation]

I am bad at Hungarian,

Just a few words

and that with erring

But I can hand-talk quite fluently

And my smile is without comparing

Still, Hungarian I can’t speak,

Teach me, please, with simplicity

I could never imagine that

It would be my necessity.

Your hazy eyes,

Like dark, ripe Spanish cherries,

Your lips so sugary,

As aged Riesling with touch of berries.

Withered grass blades are fizzling

As a bridal dress petticoat,

In vain I’m telling you poetry

That in Hungarian I can’t quote.

Where will you find a better lad

For that much money,

My darling have some sanity,

Or you’ll search for eternity,

But you will never find another,

I bet this guitar on my knee,

Who’ll love with more magnanimity

And lie to you more gallantly.

I don’t know streets of Szenttamás,

But to your house my heart just steers me

I shake my matchbox quietly,

Hoping that only you will hear me

But your windows stay firmly closed,

And the curtains of antique lace,

Moved lightly by your hands

Plainly set me ablaze.

In case you find a better lad

For that much money,

I’ll wish you

both all happiness,

I will resort to loneliness,

But keep me as a bell

On a silky string,

And whenever you feel like it,

Pull the string and I will ring.

I am bad at Hungarian,

A couple phrases, that’s my limit,

I studied from a beginner textbook,

But I quit at the second unit.

Old witches enchanted me,

With a feather of chickadee,

But you will break the spell,

My beautiful honeybee.

Where will you find a better lad

For that much money,

My darling have some sanity,

Or you’ll search for eternity,

But you will never find another,

I bet this guitar on my knee,

Who’ll love with more magnanimity

And lie to you more gallantly.

In case you find a better lad

For that much money,

I’ll wish you

both all happiness,

I will resort to loneliness,

But keep me as a bell

On a silky string,

And whenever you feel like it,

Pull the string and I will ring.