Don't venture down to Rotenburg
Or you'll lose more than money.
They'll take your head and pretty limbs
And bake them up in honey.
They'll spill your guts out on the floor
Or throw them in a pot
Then boil your brains with radishes
And serve them soft and hot.
Your bones they'll split to suck the marrow,
Lungs will go to dogs.
Your skin will make a fancy suit;
The rest belongs to hungry hogs.
(x4)
Don't journey down to Rotenburg.
O no, stay far from there.
So stay away from Rotenburg
If you value your soul,
Or like a tree they'll break you down
And turn you into coal.
Or you'll lose more than money.
They'll take your head and pretty limbs
And bake them up in honey.
They'll spill your guts out on the floor
Or throw them in a pot
Then boil your brains with radishes
And serve them soft and hot.
Your bones they'll split to suck the marrow,
Lungs will go to dogs.
Your skin will make a fancy suit;
The rest belongs to hungry hogs.
(x4)
Don't journey down to Rotenburg.
O no, stay far from there.
So stay away from Rotenburg
If you value your soul,
Or like a tree they'll break you down
And turn you into coal.