If I Could

. — Kostbare Melancholie, etwas Wunderschönes; wie bay mir bistu sheyn; men ken lebn nor men lost nisht.

Of all the boys I’ve known, and I’ve known some
Until I first met you I was lonesome
And when you came in sight, dear, my heart grew light
And this old world seemed new to me

You’re really swell, I have to admit, you
Deserve expressions that really fit you
And so I’ve wracked my brain, hoping to explain
All the things that you do to me

Bei mir bist du schoen, please let me explain
Bei mir bist du schoen means you’re grand
Bei mir bist du schoen, again I’ll explain
It means you’re the fairest in the land

I could say bella, bella, even say wunderbar
Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are
I’ve tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen
So kiss me, and say you understand

Bei mir bist du schoen
You’ve heard it all before, but let me try to explain
Bei mir bist du schoen means that you’re grand
Bei mir bist du schoen
Is such an old refrain, and yet I should explain
It means I am begging for your hand

I could say bella, bella, even say wunderbar
Each language only helps me tell you how grand you are
I’ve tried to explain, bei mir bist du schoen
So kiss me, and say that you will understand

(Jacob Jacobs)