Die Ratten English translation
von Subway to Sally

Once there was a king, with great power
Who laughed at God and the Devil alike
He also tormented and robbed his people
At court he thought himself safe
But then came the mob with scythe and axe
And put an end to their lord
Yet the king, the greatest tyrant
Was the rat that could swim
The rats leave the sinking ship
And the one whom harsh punishment strikes
Was not quick enough to flee
You see the rats pulling to safety


There was once a preacher, in a far-off land
Who drove people out of their senses
They gave him everything: their gold and their animals
And precious cloths so he would not freeze
They brought the most beautiful maiden to him
And were ready to journey into foreign lands
But as they slept and dreamt of happiness
He slipped away and never returned

The rats leave the sinking ship
And the one whom harsh punishment strikes
Was not quick enough to flee
You see the rats pulling to safety

The planks are breaking, the mast leans over
People plunge in deadly haste
Deep into the waves, but foremost of all
Escapes only the rat that can swim

The rats leave the sinking ship
And the one whom harsh punishment strikes
Was not quick enough to flee
You see the rats pulling to safety