Poem: The Happy Wanderer

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Note from Joe: One of the happiest tunes I've ever heard, and heart-warming lyrics. A lifetime favorite of mine!

The Happy Wanderer

Original German text by Florenz Friedrich Sigismund (1788-1857).
English lyrics by Antonia Ridge (1895-1981).
Music by Friedrich-Wilhelm Möller (not a German folk song, but an original tune, composed shortly after World War II).
Click HERE to download the 1954 hit recording by Frank Weir and his saxophone, chorus, & orchestra (2.15MB MP3).

I love to go a-wandering,
Along the mountain track,
And as I go, I love to sing,
My knapsack on my back!

    Valderi, Valdera!
    Valderi, Valdera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
    Valdera!
    My knapsack on my back!

I love to wander by the stream
That dances in the sun,
So joyously it calls to me,
"Come! Join my happy song!"

    Valderi, Valdera!
    Valderi, Valdera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
    Valdera!
    Come join my happy song!

I wave my hat to all I meet,
And they wave back to me,
And blackbirds call so loud and sweet
From ev'ry green wood tree!

    Valderi, Valdera!
    Valderi, Valdera!
    Valderi, Valdera!

Oh, may I go a-wandering
Until the day I die!
Oh, may I always laugh and sing,
Beneath God's clear blue sky!

    Valderi, Valdera!
    Valderi, Valdera-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!
    Valdera!
    Beneath God's clear blue sky!
    Beneath God's clear blue sky!

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