This song is about a young woman who is deeply in love with a soldier in the Prussian Guard. However, he must leave to fight in the Franco-Prussian War.
While there's no official English translation of the song, here's a literal translation of the verses and chorus, keeping the original poetic structure and rhythm:
Verse 1:
> The drums are beating, the trumpets blare,
> My heart is heavy, my love's not there.
> Farewell, my little Guard officer, so fine,
> God grant that you return, and you be mine.
Chorus:
> Farewell, farewell, my little Guard officer,
> Farewell, farewell, my love's desire.
> The trumpets blare, your duty calls,
> You must depart, I must stand here, small.
Verse 2:
> The cannons roar, the bullets fly,
> I pray to heaven, with tearful eye.
> Protect my love, my dearest one so true,
> Return to me, when the battles are through.
Chorus:
> Farewell, farewell, my little Guard officer,
> Farewell, farewell, my love's desire.
> The trumpets blare, your duty calls,
> You must depart, I must stand here, small.
Verse 3:
> The war is over, the soldiers come home,
> My heart beats fast, no longer alone.
> But my love returns, a shadow of his former grace,
> Wounded and weary, his smile I trace.
Chorus:
> Farewell, farewell, my little Guard officer,
> Farewell, farewell, my love's desire.
> The trumpets blare, your duty calls,
> You must depart, I must stand here, small.
Final Note:
This literal translation gives you the basic meaning of the song, but it loses the beauty and emotion of the original German lyrics. You can find numerous musical interpretations and recordings of "Adieu, mein kleiner Gardeoffizier" online, which can help you better understand the song's emotional impact.