Der Kapitän [English translation]

The was a big kudo awarded

In the city-ballroom

Everyone with distinction and good name

was gathering there

Now there was a prize awarded

To a great capitaine.

He had saved refugees

but had to stand in court for that

Everybody was well dressed

And were clapping happily in their hands

Many spread heroic words over him

The walls were shaking already

Then the man, highly praised, came on stage

And suddenly everybody turned silent

He spoke a few words rather concerned,

It´s all too much to him.

What kind of a world is it,

When a man receives a price for bravery

And has to stand trial at the same time

For the most natural thing of the world

“I have seen men they would have drowned

If I wouldn´t have taken them into my cargo.

For the government they were illegal immigrants,

I believe they were just humans

Therefor I do not need a hero’s welcome

I did it for humanity.

The people looked startled

And pulled a face

The presenter asked much puzzled:

“Well, but aren’t you delighted?”

The captain spoke: “No, I´m not delighted when

Every day hundreds of people are drowning.

Excuse me, but I’m not able to stand here and wave friendly to the public.”

That was the story

of the little capitaine.

Did you ever hear such of anything like this

Did you ever see anything like this?

• Artist:Sarah Lesch
• Album:Lieder aus der schmutzigen Küche (2015)