Genius English Translations
Falconer - Griftefrid (English Translation)
A fair young maiden the shame of lovemaking bears
For the fruits of sin, you can never enjoy
An autumn night after secrecy and murder
In unholy soil a child's body she buried

One day she was wed, celebrating in the barn
After the guests heard their parish priest
A cheerful fiddle brings the bride to dance
When a dreary voice is heard from the cracks:

"My body is too tall
For the grave that is too short
Rotten and cold is my gown
Longing is my soul"

"My body is too tall
For the grave that is too short
Rotten and cold is my gown
Longing is my soul"

Three men found courage and dug up
To their horror and grief, a child's body
Now she dances, the newlywed bride
With a risen myling towards her own grave

"My body is too tall
For the grave that is too short
I now have peace of mind
When I've found my mother"
"My body is too tall
For the grave that is too short
I now have peace of mind
When I've found my mother"