Żmij i dziewczyna [English translation]

Girl:

I'd like to fetch some of the most pure water

From the well at the courtyard,

But the accursed serpent is guarding it.

Begone vile creature!

Serpent:

I flash my fangs, spit venom

My countenance sows fear

I guard my treasure here,

I will send all the braves to the ground

Girl:

Two my sisters were here before,

But they came back with nothing.

Now it's my turn - my heart is constricted with fear

Fearsome serpent, most hideous!

Serpent:

My well, my water.

All is mine, mine!

And also the one who

takes the water from here - mine!

Girl:

This hideous creature offers the water,

but I need to make a vow

to be its wife - wife for ever.

Oh my poor fate!

Serpent:

If you make a vow,

you will take my water.

Agreed, then - take as much as you like

of this water, which heals.

Take as much as you like, but in exchange

you'll have te become mine

Await the wedding today, my love.

I'll turn into my form.

When the moon rises in the sky,

all will be covered in darkness,

I'll come to your door

Have the nerve to let me in then

Girl:

Behind the garden, on the poplar tree a cuckoo cuckoos

My despairing heart beats incessantly,

Oh heart, stop beating

Your fears are no use!

Serpent:

Open up, my wife, for you made a vow!

But hide the disgust, my love.

Serpent skin will soon fall off.

The spell is broken - midnight is struck.

Girl:

You're most handsome, my husband!

I confess my love to you.

I want to see you like that forever.

Let the spell burn in fire!

Serpent:

The flame devours the serpent skin,

anneals it, destroys it, burns it.

What have you done to me?

Oh, my beautiful lady!

My past, evil deeds

For some time still

every day, in this serpent skin,

I was to suffer for them

Now I must leave for the world

Farewell, forever!

You'll suffer, me too.

You'll never find me!

(x4)

Girl:

Oj dyna, ta dyna

Ta dana, dynecka

Oh, I weep

every hour

• Artist:Percival Schuttenbach
• Album:Mniejsze Zło