Winterreise - Gute Nacht

Winter Journey

Good Night

I moved in as a stranger,
I’m leaving as a stranger too.
May was kind to me,
With a bouquet or two.
The girl spoke of love,
Her mother of marriage, -
Now the world feels so bleak,
The path is covered in snow.

I can’t choose my journey
With the time that I have,
I must find my own way
In this dark, cold path.
A shadow of the moon
Is my companion here,
And on the white meadows
I search for the wild deer.

What should I linger for,
When they pushed me away?
Let the crazy dogs howl
In front of their master’s place;
Love loves to wander -
God made it that way -
From one to another.
Sweet darling, good night!

I won’t disturb your dreams,
It’d be a shame for your peace.
You won’t hear my footsteps -
Softly, softly, the door’s closed!
I’ll write as I pass by
On the gate: Good night,
So you’ll know I thought of you,
As you were on my mind.