Sundays on the Rhine

On Sundays in the morning hours,

how pleasant it is to wander

along the Rhine, when all around

the morning bells are chiming!

A little ship floats by on the blue water,

with singing and jubilation on board;

You little ship, say, isn't it good to travel

with such merriment?

From the village echoes the tones of the organ,

intoning its pious song;

Devoutly there the procession

moves out from the chapel.

And solemnly in all its splendor

the castle gazes down

and speaks of the good old days

when it was built upon the cliff.

All of this the splendid Rhine hoards

upon its viny shore,

and in the bright sunshine it reflects

the whole of our fatherland...

the pious, true fatherland

in all its full glory,

with joy and songs all around,

contemplated by beloved God.