Der Tanz des Tatzelwurms

When a mountain lake was clear and wide
Flowing deep in these valleys inside
I lived here in all my glory
Loved and thrived, that’s my story
As Tatzelworm

From Pendling to Wendelstein
Rock and air and water were mine
I flew and walked and rolled around
Instead of hay, I slept on ground
As Tatzelworm

My scaly body was tough as horn
And breathing fire was how I was born
And anything that crawled up the hill
I’d blow away and eat my fill
As Tatzelworm

But when I got lost in my own delight
And devoured the milkmaids in my sight
Then came the flood, a dreadful sight
And wiped out my mountain delight
As Tatzelworm

Now I’m just a painted sign
On the Schweinsteiger’s new tavern line
The milkmaids scream with joyful cheer
And no one fears my fire here
As Tatzelworm

And when a learned house comes near
It mocks and says: "Your time is clear!"
You were a beast from ancient lore
But wise men have never seen before
The Tatzelworm

You doubting fools! Just come on in
And trade your beer for Tyrolean gin!
Even if you flee to Kufstein’s shore
You’ll feel that I’ve roared once more
As Tatzelworm

And seriously says the Klausen host
"What a mess! Where did they come from most?
Their feet are swaying, their heads in a whirl
They all see the Tatzelworm!
The Tatzelworm!