Recorded in live performance Text by Clemens Brentano de la Roche Long years ago indeed, as now There sang the nightingale; The sound was truly sweet; Then, we were together. I sing and cannot weep, And thus, alone, I spin The bright, clean threads As long as the moon shines. When we were together, Then sang the nightingale; Now her sound reminds me That you are gone from me. However often the moon shines, I think on you alone; My heart is bright and clean; God grant we be united! Since you have gone from me, The nightingale sings constantly; Her sound makes me think How we were together. God grant we be united Where, so alone, I spin; The moon shines bright and clean; I sing, and would weep.