Now I reap by the Neckar, now I reap by the Rhine; Now I have a sweetheart, now I am alone! What use is my reaping if the sickle doesn't cut? What use is a sweetheart if she won't stay?
So if I am to reap by the Neckar and by the Rhine, then I'll throw in my golden ring. It will flow with the Neckar and the Rhine, And float right down into the deep sea.
And as it floats, the little ring, a fish will eat it! The fish will eventually come to the King's table! The king will ask whose ring it is, and my sweetheart will say: "The ring belongs to me."
My sweetheart will hurry up hill and down hill, and bring me back my ring! "You can reap by the Neckar, and reap by the Rhine if you will always throw your ring in for me!"