Were I a violet on the lea
F. Abt
Were I a violet on the lea,
ah, then I could be thine!
I'd bloom in morning dew for thee,
bathed in the bright sunshine.
And should'st thou care to gather me,
how glad I'd be:
I'd bloom alone for thee!
Were I a bird beyond thy lawn,
thine own I well could be!
I'd sing for thee from early dawn
my sweetest melody.
And should'st thou listen unto me,
how glad I'd be:
I'd sing alone for thee!
The springtime comes with vernal bloom,
yet it is not for me.
Why is my poor heart filled with gloom?
I know no springtime without thee.
As lovingly I think of thee,
ah, think of me, ah, think of me:
That shall my springtime be!