My Virtual Reading Room

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Translation of lyrics:

There once was a corporal, who decided one fine day
That he will achieve glory in battle;
He staked his life on this glory,
As if he were staking it in a card game.

And then, just as he grew dizzy with impatience,
From somewhere--maybe from the heavens,
Maybe from somewhere closer,
These bitter words resounded:

"Ah, you see, my corporal, my charming corporal,
The fact of the matter is, that, unfortunately,
There's no war available for you."



Then the corporal decided to get married,
And to take a bride with a dowry of a million
(Oho! Pardon me!)
He found a bride in the provinces
And he rushed to the altar.

And then, just as he grew dizzy with desire,
From somewhere--maybe from the heavens,
Maybe from somewhere closer,
These bitter words resounded:

"Ah, you see, my corporal, my charming corporal,
The fact of the matter is, that, unfortunately,
The bride hasn't any hint of a dowry!"

Then the corporal made up his mind to flee!
(From the altar?! What a disgrace!)
He arrived at the coach stop in his black frock coat.

And then, just as he grew dizzy with how nearly he escaped,
From somewhere--maybe from the heavens,
Maybe from somewhere closer,
These bitter words resounded:

"Ah, you see, my corporal, my charming corporal,
The fact of the matter is, that, unfortunately,
There aren't any vacant places in the coach!"