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There is a word in German, Geisterstunde, meaning literally witch hour when spirits or witches would come out at midnight. The poem talks about the hour when only the boatman stays awake, rowing his boat, held up in the bosom of the sea. The midnight toll of St. Mark's Tower is expressed as the piano strikes the same chord twelve times. Schubert repeats the last phrase "only the boatman stays awake."
| Es tanzen Mond und Sterne Den flücht'gen Geisterreih'n Wer wird von Erdensorgen Befangen immer sein! Du kannst in Mondesstrahlen Nun, meine Barke, wallen Und aller Schranken los Wiegt dich des Meeres Schoss. Vom Markusturme tönte Der spruch der Mitternacht: Sie schlummern friedlich alle, Und nur der Schiffer wacht. Und nur der Schiffer wacht. | The moon and the stars dance The fleeting spirit dance Who will be forever Fettered by earthly cares! You can float in the moonbeam, Now, my boat. And free from all the restraints, Rock yourself in the bosom of the sea. The decree of midnight is tolled By the Tower of St. Mark's They all slumber peacefully And only the boatman stays awake, And only the boatman stays awake. |