Der Leiermann

Over there behind the village
Stands a hurdy-gurdy man
And with stiff fingers
He plays as best he can

Barefoot on the ice
He sways back and forth
And his little plate
Always remains empty

No one wants to hear him
No one looks at him
And the dogs growl
Around the old man

And he lets it all happen
Just as it will
Plays, and his hurdy-gurdy
Never stands still

Strange old man
Shall I go with you?
Do you want to turn your hurdy-gurdy
to my songs?