The island ferry is a paddle-steamer.
Showy flags are draped everywhere.
Pastry-seller, coffee-maker, soda-hawker—
Merrily, Merrily, Life is But a Dream.

Muslim, Jew, Greek,
Sportsman, old man, consumptive.
Someone’s wig flies up and away, and someone’s skirt—
Merrily, Merrily, Life is But a Dream.

Blows away, the island wind blows away.
Makes you happy, makes you cross.
Who is occupying the luxury cabins?
Merrily, Merrily, Life is But a Dream.

translated by Sidney Wade & Efe Murad