Erika

Unique Word Count: 77

Context: The lyrics and the melody of this song were composed by Herms Niel (1888–1954), and describe a man longing for his sweetheart back home. The name “Erika” has a double meaning both as a traditional German girl’s name, and also that of a flower. This song was commonly used in World War II, but the lyrics make no reference to German militarism or Nazism. As such, I am sharing these lyrics for educational purposes. I don’t believe in, or endorse fascism, Nazism, or national socialism.

Tá an bláthóigín ag fás i lár an fhraoigh, 
Goirtear di Erika
Bíonn na mílte beach ag dordán leo de shíor, 
Goirtear di Erika
Tá an mhilseacht líonmhar ina croí, 
Agus doirtear cumhracht ina slí
Tá an bláthóigín ag fás i lár an fhraoigh, 
Goirtear di Erika.

'I mo bhaile féin tá cailín mánla séimh,
Goirtear di Erika
‘Sí mo stóirín í, mo mhian a's rún mo chléibh,
Goirtear di Erika
Nuair a bheas an corcarfhraoch faoi bhláth 
Ceolfaidh mé mo ghrá di ins an dán
Tá an bláthóigín ag fás i lár an fhraoich, 
Goirtear di Erika.

I mo sheomra tá an plúirín beag faoi bhláth, 
Goirtear di Erika
Chítear domh le camhaoir agus feascarthráth, 
Gurb í Erika;
Agus braithim glór mo bhríde in imcéin 
'S í ag rá : An smaoinim uirthi féin
Má tá cumha ar do chailín i do dhiaidh, 
Goirtear di Erika.

-aistrithe ag Ailbhe Ó Monacháin.