August
Schobert & Black Lyrics

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Hör, Bauer, was du im August
Zu Nutz und Frommem leisten musst!
Bei allen Krautern in der Näh'
Dir Knecht und Fuhrwerk schnorren geh
Und auch die Mägde leih dir aus –
Dann kommt die Ernte schnell ins Haus!
Geh'n sie dich an um Seil und Fork
Dann sei kein Trottel, nichts verborg!

Jetzt sorg dich um das Erntebier –
Vorm Ausschank den Gehalt probier!
Dass nicht im Rausch, unüberlegt
Der Knecht dir in die Fresse schlägt
Gib Wasser zu für alle Fäll'!
Das Windholz in den Winkel stell –
Die rote Beete, Bohnen, Kohl
Gelegentlich vom Felde hol!

Die Zwiebeln gilben an der Spitz –
Der Teich kocht seine Entengrütz –
Das Ohr dem Hamsterfänger glüht –
Nach Barthol'mäi sich's bezieht!
Am Telegraphendraht, verfitzt
Altweibersommer silbern glitzt!

Der Apfel sich schon rötlich fleckt –
Der Feldgendarm den Stoppler schreckt!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Schobert & Black's song August are a lively and descriptive set of instructions for a farmer during the month of August. The song addresses everything from the use of labor and equipment to the importance of trying the harvest beer before serving it to workers. At its core, the song is a reminder to stay focused and organized during the busy season of harvest. The lyrics reference specific crops such as the beet, bean, and cabbage, all harvestable during the month of August. The song also mentions the autumnal activities of harvesting apples and dealing with the pesky hamster catchers.

In addition to general agricultural advice, the song provides some interpersonal insights into the farmer's relationships with their labor force. The lyrics suggest that it is important to be assertive with workers who request additional resources, such as maids or equipment. The song also warns of the dangers of drinking too much and getting into altercations with one's employees. These lines are sung in a cheerful and bouncy manner, adding a hint of humor and levity to the scenario.

Line by Line Meaning

Hör, Bauer, was du im August
Listen, farmer, to what you must do in August

Zu Nutz und Frommem leisten musst!
To benefit and serve

Bei allen Krautern in der Näh'
With all the herbs in the vicinity

Dir Knecht und Fuhrwerk schnorren geh
Borrow some servant and vehicle

Und auch die Mägde leih dir aus –
Also borrow some maids

Dann kommt die Ernte schnell ins Haus!
Then the harvest will quickly come home

Geh'n sie dich an um Seil und Fork
If they question you about rope and pitchfork

Dann sei kein Trottel, nichts verborg!
Don't be a fool, hide nothing!

Jetzt sorg dich um das Erntebier –
Now worry about the harvest beer

Vorm Ausschank den Gehalt probier!
Before serving, taste the salary

Dass nicht im Rausch, unüberlegt
So that in drunkenness, without thinking