Curlew River, op. 71 "Ferryman, tell me, when did it happen?" Songtext
von Benjamin Britten

Ferryman, tell me
When did it happen, this story you have told us?
Last year, at this time, on this very day, a year ago
Ferryman, how old was the boy?
I told you
He was 12
He was 12
What was his name?
But I told you all about him
I told you what he was and how he came here
Ferryman, pray tell me, tell me what his name was
Oh, how should I know?
His father was a nobleman from the Black Mountains
And since then, has neither, neither of his parents been here?
No one of his family
Not even his mother?
Not even his mother
No wonder no one came here to look for him
He was the child sought by this mad woman!
The boy was her child


He couldn′t have killed her
The woman was his mother
The child she was seeking
The boy died here
O Kairi, vakuo kai, where all my hope is underway
Too long from the nest, my bird, flying in empty air
Now the nest of the curlew is silent with snow
And the lamb is devoured by the carrion crow
The innocent lamb the heathen crow
Good people, good people, where shall I, where shall I turn?
Tell me now
Take me back
Take me back
Take my soul and let me go
Take my soul and let me...
Take my soul and let me go
O riva kairu, o kairu kruede
Who could have guessed that the boy was her child?
This lamb was his mother
Lady, I pity you
I pity you, pity you
Pity you
Let me in
Let me out
Let me in
Your sad search is ended
Now let me show you where the boy is buried
Let him guide you to his grave
Let him guide you to his grave
Guide me
Let him guide you to his grave
Step this way
The place where the boy steps amiss
Lady, come with me
This is the grave of your young child
The place where the boy steps amiss
Let his young soul rest in peace
The place where the boy steps amiss
Where hope and faith may hence receive it
The place where the boy steps amiss
Let his young soul drift home, lady
The place where the boy steps amiss
Where hope and faith may hence receive it
The place where the boy steps amiss
Let his young soul drift home, lady
The place where the boy steps amiss
Where hope and faith may hence receive it
The place where the boy steps amiss
Let his young soul drift home, lady
The place where the boy steps amiss
Where hope and faith may hence receive it
The place where the boy steps amiss
Let his young soul drift home, lady
The place where the boy steps amiss
Where hope and faith may hence receive it
The place where the boy steps amiss