German translation of To A Teacher

Andrea V. · Post by **Andrea V.** » Mon Jan 31, 2005 5:35 pm

I have translated all Leonard Cohen songs into German. I know the meaning of every single word in these lines

Who could stand beside you so close to Eden,
When you glinted in every eye the held-high
razor, shivering every ram and son?
And now the silent loony bin, where
The shadows live in the rafters like
Day-weary bats,
Until the turning mind, a radar signal,
lures them to exaggerate
Mountain-size on the white stone wall
Your tiny limp.

But I don't understand the sense of the whole verse. Can sombody help me with a German translation?

Thank you, regards - Andrea

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Mon Jan 31, 2005 5:47 pm

I certainly can't help you, but there are those on the site that can. I don't know when they'll turn up or if they'll choose to take it on, but wait for a bit, I'm sure you'll hear from someone who may be able to help with a translation.

tomsakic · Post by **tomsakic** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 12:03 pm

Andrea, we translated it into Croatian (and there are more translations on DH affiliated sites, French etc) but it's not comprehensible even in my mother language. Some interpretation of DH songs were tried in Old Ideas, but it seems nobody actually tried to go into the actual, real meanings of those surreal images.
You should simply follow the English words, and translate it literary, word by word. The meanings should then come (did it come to us?). "The silent lonney bin" etc, that will probably lead to Klein's dementia (and the story behind the dedication) and everything. Only be careful it makes sense in your language and that's all.
Tom

Btw, I understanded that tom.d.stiller speaks German very well. As I saw here, his understanding of English poetry and writing his own poetry is excellent. I think he could help you; you can send him an email or PM. tom.d. where are you now?

tom.d.stiller · Post by **tom.d.stiller** » Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:23 pm

Andrea - maybe Tom S. is right, and I can help you. Please feel free to send me what you already got, and I'm confident we end up with something comprehensible...

Cheers
tom

PS: Tom, I'm "between the ocean and your open vein" as usual...

Andrea V. · Post by **Andrea V.** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 4:49 pm

Thanks, Tom Sakic, for the hints. And thanks, Tom.d, for the translation. It sounds good now.

Andrea

tom.d.stiller · Post by **tom.d.stiller** » Wed Feb 02, 2005 6:11 pm

Andrea V. wrote:Thanks, Tom Sakic, for the hints. And thanks, Tom.d, for the translation. It sounds good now.

Andrea

Great to know I could be of help.

Cheers
tom

linda_lakeside · Post by **linda_lakeside** » Thu Feb 03, 2005 4:16 am