Lover in All Shapes / Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

To be like a fish,

Brisk and quick, is my wish;

If thou cam'st with thy line.

Thou wouldst soon make me thine.

To be like a fish,

Brisk and quick, is my wish.

Oh, were I a steed!

Thou wouldst love me indeed.

Oh, were I a car

Fit to bear thee afar!

Oh, were I a steed!

Thou wouldst love me indeed.

I would I were gold

That thy fingers might hold!

If thou boughtest aught then,

I'd return soon again.

I would I were gold

That thy fingers might hold!

I would I were true,

And my sweetheart still new!

To be faithful I'd swear,

And would go away ne'er.

I would I were true,

And my sweetheart still new!

I would I were old,

And wrinkled and cold,

So that if thou said'st No,

I could stand such a blow!

I would I were old,

And wrinkled and cold.

An ape I would be,

Full of mischievous glee;

If aught came to vex thee,

I'd plague and perplex thee.

An ape I would be,

Full of mischievous glee

As a lamb I'd behave,

As a lion be brave,

As a lynx clearly see,

As a fox cunning be.

As a lamb I'd behave,

As a lion be brave.

Whatever I were,

All on thee I'd confer;

With the gifts of a prince

My affection evince.

Whatever I were,

All on thee I'd confer.

As nought diff'rent can make me,

As I am thou must take me!

If I'm not good enough,

Thou must cut thine own stuff.

As nought diff'rent can make me,

As I am thou must take me!