You shall die and I shall die
Take our places in the sky
You and she, and he and I
When the time comes, all must die
Well thats a game that we would play
Man and woman, girl and lad
In gypsy camps far away
Laughing times, yet passing sad
Poppy crowns for everyone
Red rose for the fairest one
We would shout King Death to come
Laughing loudly, turn and run
Then more the cry, who will die?
Nor she, nor he and not I
Want that fearful power to fly
We would pass the hours that way
Bed with gypsies by cool streams
Golden days of dance and play
Harps and flutes and tambourines.
But poppy crowns drop and fade
Feet grow weary, hearts afraid
Time kills all in gypsy glade
Flower and tree, man and maid
Poppy crowns for everyone
Red rose for the fairest one
We would shout King Death to come
Laughing loudly, turn and run
Then more the cry, who will die?
Nor she, nor he and not I
Want that fearful power to fly
Gone the gypsies, everyone
All who played the gypsy game
Left the earth, its mirth and fun
Starry nights and hyacinth lane
None can play that game alone
Thus I want to hear the cry
Come now! Leave thy earthy home
Join the gypsies, join the gypsies in the sky