Gid jeg var en Løvetand
The following is a direct translation of Eddie Skollers song ‘Gid jeg var en Løvetand’ (I wish I was a Dandelion).
Løvetand literally means ‘Lionstooth’, though the common name for the flower in Danish is ‘Mælkebøtte’ (Milk-vessel).
I might attempt making a more poetic translation, though i fear it is beyond my skills.
Gid jeg var en Løvetand
Åh gid jeg var en løvetand
som står blandt sten og vandpytsvand
– i snarregade 5
den allerførste løvetand
som blomstre bag en skraldespand
-i snarregade 5
Så skulle nogen plukke mig
og nogen skulle være dig
du hæfted mig ved blusens kant
med en hårnål du mig nænsomt bandt
-og så var jeg jo med
Og jeg skulle gøre dig så fin
i udsalgs tyld og mosselin
-når vi gik ud i dag
og tro jeg var en diamant
mod blusens tynde blonde kant
-og alle skulle se
Så gik min travle arbejdsdag
til lyden af dit hjerteslag
om aftenen kom du dødtræt hjem
af trappen op i nummer 5
-og jeg var stadig med
Og hjemme gled du ud af kjolen
vasked hænder hals og kind
– og tog dit nattøj på
din omsorg er som kvinders flest
du hented det jeg trængte mest
-et æggebære med vand
Så får jeg pladsen ved din seng
og ser på at du sover ind
uden for er himlen blå
den lykke en løvetand kan nå
-er over al forstand
I wish i was a Dandelion
Oh i wish i was a dandelion
which grows among rock and puddle water
– in Snare Street 5
the very first dandelion
that blossoms behind a trashcan
– in Snare Street 5
Then somebody should pic me up
and somebody should be you
you attached me to the shirts rim
with a hair needle i was gently attached
– and thus i was with you
And I was to make you so posh
in cheap tulle and muslin
– as we went about today
one should think i was diamond
against the thin lace line of your shirt
– for all to behold
Such passed my busy work-day
to the sound of your heartbeat
in the evening you came exhausted home
up the stair of number 5
-and I was still there
At home you slipped out of your dress
washed hands, neck and cheek
– and put on your pajamas
your care is as womens most
you provided what i needed the most
– an egg-holder with water
I am awarded the spot by your bed
and watch as you fall a sleep
outside the sky is blue
the happinies that is Dandelion due
– defies all sense
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