Story Behind The Song
This is a medieval tune from east Prussia/Lithuania. It probably was inspired by the senseless loss of life during Thirty-Year War.
Song Description
Approximate translation:
"Once, five young swans - bright, white and beautiful - traveled the skies." "Sing what happened!" "None were ever seen again."
"Once five young birches - fresh and green - grew by the brook." "Sing what happened!" "None ever flowered."
"Once five young men - proud and bold - went off to battle." "Sing what happened!" "None returned home."
"Once five young women - pretty and slender - lived along the shores of the Memel River." "Sing what happened!" "None ever married."
| Song Length |
2:44 |
Genre |
World - European, Unique - Children |
| Tempo |
Medium (111 - 130) |
Lead Vocal |
Duet Female |
| Mood |
Poignant, Serene |
Subject |
History, Past |
| Language |
German |
Era |
Before 1600 |
Lyrics
Zogen einst fuenf wilde Schwaene,
Schwaene leuchtend weiss und schoen.
Zogen einst fuenf wilde Schwaene,
Schwaene leuchtend weiss und schoen. -
"Sing, sing, was geschah?" -
Keiner ward mehr gesehen.
"Ja, sing, sing, was geschah?"
Keiner ward mehr gesehen.
Wuchsen einst fuenf junge Birkchen
gruen und frisch am Bachesrand.
Wuchsen einst fuenf junge Birkchen
gruen und frisch am Bachesrand.
"Sing, sing, was geschah?" -
Keines in Blueten stand.
"Ja, sing, sing, was geschah?"
Keines in Blueten stand.
Zogen einst fuenf junge Burschen
stolz und kuehn zum Kampf hinaus.
Zogen einst fuenf junge Burschen
stolz und kuehn zum Kampf hinaus.
"Sing, sing, was geschah?" -
Keiner kehrt mehr nach Haus.
"Ja, sing, sing, was geschah?"
Keiner kehrt mehr nach Haus.
Wuchsen einst fuenf junge Maedchen
schlank und schoen am Memelstrand.
Wuchsen einst fuenf junge Maedchen
schlank und schoen am Memelstrand.
"Sing, sing, was geschah?" -
Keines den Brautkranz wand.
"Ja, sing, sing, was geschah?"
Keines den Brautkranz wand.