When thou commandest me to sing [German translation]

When thou commandest me to sing

it seems that my heart would break with pride;

and I look to thy face, and tears come to my eyes.

All that is harsh and dissonant in my life

melts into one sweet harmony -

and my adoration spreads wings like a glad bird

on its flight across the sea.

I know thou takest pleasure in my singing.

I know that only as a singer

I come before thy presence.

I touch by the edge of the far-spreading wing

of my song thy feet

which I could never aspire to reach.

Drunk with the joy of singing I forget myself

and call thee friend who art my lord.