Die Gedanken Sind Frei...

Die Gedanken Sind Frei, is an old German song, of unknown origin. This quote popped into my head, from a female Phd German teacher, the USAF hired to teach in my Overseas school. She was old by my eighth grade standards, had to be in her seventies, and an excellent teacher. The song title was a private message of uplift delivered to me, under the breath, over some classroom taunt.

Thoughts are free, who can guess them?
They fly by like nocturnal shadows.
No person can know them, no hunter can shoot them
and so it'll always be: Thoughts are free!

I think what I want, and what delights me,
still always reticent, and as it is suitable.
My wish and desire, no one can deny me
and so it'll always be: Thoughts are free!

I love wine, and my girl even more,
Only her I like best of all.
I'm not alone with my glass of wine,
my girl is with me: Thoughts are free!

And if I am thrown into the darkest dungeon,
all these are futile works,
because my thoughts tear all gates
and walls apart: Thoughts are free!

So I will renounce my sorrows forever,
and never again will torture myself with whimsies.
In one's heart, one can always laugh and joke
and think at the same time: Thoughts are free!