Dornentanz [English translation]

I have kissed the sun

Sat enthroned on the Holy Seat

Hid from you

Lived behind the moon.

There! that fire again

kindled within me once more...

Ten thousand love warriors

heading for you.

Let me be your Rose Warrior,

I am a major victor.

Put the garland of roses** on my head

Open your black strait-jacket (?)

Thorny dance... thorny dance...

There will be a thorny dance tonight.

I have waited so long,

beseeched you on my knees

consumed with longing for you

You turned away.

There is that fire once more,

You belong to me now.

A hoard of red roses

salute you.

Let me be your Rose Warrior,

I am a major victor.

Put the crown of thorns on my head

and close your limbs.

Thorny dance... thorny dance...

There will be a thorny dance tonight.

Thorny dance...

I beseeched you,

but your heart was denied me..

You turned away,

and I was consumed with longing for you.

Thorny dance... thorny dance...

There will be a thorny dance tonight.

Thorny dance...

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*I know... I know...

**I am certain a 'rosary' is not meant here...