Songs

Leave-taking

by Franz Schubert From Swansong (1828) D957

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Text

Leave-taking
English source: Jeremy Sams

Farewell
You wonderful ramshackle town
Farewell
My lively young filly is pounding the ground
But maybe there’s time for a last look around
This cheerful old town hasn’t once seen me cry
So best not to start when I’m saying goodbye.
Farewell
You wonderful ramshackle town
Farewell

Farewell
You beautiful flowers and trees
Farewell
I’m trotting along by the silvery stream
Where lovers forgather to hope and to dream
They wouldn’t want weeping to ruin their day
So I’ll have to wait till I’m far far away
Yes I’ll have to wait till I’m far far away
Farewell
You beautiful flowers and trees
Farewell

Farewell
Adorable girls from the town
Farewell
You wave from your doors as I’m cantering by
I see that familiar gleam in your eye
I’d normally linger and share a hello
But that was then, now it’s time to go
Farewell
Adorable girls from the town
Farewell

Farewell
And farewell to the sun as it sets
Farewell
And winking like diamonds the stars appear
It’s always a comfort to know that they’re near
Wherever I wander, wherever I go
My stars are the truest companions I know.
Farewell
And farewell to the sun as it sets
Farewell

Farewell
You light at the window farewell
Farewell
From deep in the darkness you shimmer and shine
A hint of the magic that might have been mine
I’ve stood and I’ve gazed at you time and again
I may return here, but God knows when.
Farewell
You light at the window farewell
Farewell

Farewell
You myriad stars in the sky
Farewell
That light in her window’s so tempting, so sweet
Your shimmering firmament can hardly compete
But I need to escape here, I have to be free
So even your friendship is useless to me.
Yes even your friendship is useless to me.
Farewell
You myriad stars in the sky
Farewell

Composer

Franz Schubert

Franz Peter Schubert was an late Classical and early Romantic composer. He produced a vast oeuvre during his short life, composing more the 600 vocal works (largely Lieder), and well as several symphonies, operas, and a large body of piano music. He…

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