Hänschen klein

"Hänschen klein" (Little Hans, 1899) by Franz Wiedemann (1821–1882) is a German folk song that originated in the Biedermeier period (1815–1848) of German history in the 19th century, and later became a nursery song in the early 20th century.

Background
The folk-song lyrics of Hänschen klein tell of a boy who ventures from home into the world, and returns as a man to his family. In 1900, an abridged version of Hänschen klein became a nursery song for children to sing in kindergarten. Hans is a boy who leaves home for the world, but seven years later returns to hearth and home. Little Hans leaving home left his mother bereft until his return.

The melody of Hänschen klein is used in Lightly Row, a Mother Goose rhyme, and the children's song version, by Otto Frömmel, is the title music of the war movie Cross of Iron (1977). In the German-language version of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968), the computer HAL 9000 sings "Hänschen klein", while an astronaut shuts it down.

Text and lyrics
 Hänschen klein Ging allein In die weite Welt hinein. Stock und Hut Steht ihm gut, Er ist wohlgemut. Aber Mutter weinet sehr, Hat ja nun kein Hänschen mehr! "Wünsch dir Glück!" Sagt ihr Blick, "Kehr' nur bald zurück!"

Sieben Jahr Trüb und klar Hänschen in der Fremde war. Da besinnt Sich das Kind, Eilet Heim geschwind. Doch nun ist's kein Hänschen mehr. Nein, ein großer Hans ist er. Stirn und Hand Braun gebrannt Wird er wohl erkannt?

Eins, zwei, drei Geh'n vorbei, Wissen nicht, wer das wohl sei. Schwester spricht: "Welch Gesicht?" Kennt den Bruder nicht. Kommt daher sein Mütterlein, Schaut ihm kaum ins Aug hinein, Ruft sie schon: "Hans, mein Sohn! Grüß dich Gott, mein Sohn!"

Literal translation Little Hans Went alone Into the wide world. Stick and hat Suits him well Is very cheerful. But mother cries a lot Hasn't got a little boy anymore! "Wish you luck!" Says her look "Come back soon!"

Seven years Cloudy and clear Hänschen was abroad. Think about it The child Hurry home quickly. But now it's no longer a little boy. No, he is a great Hans. Burned brown Forehead and hand. Will he be recognized?

One two Three Go by Don't know who it is. Sister speaks: "What face?" Doesn't know the brother. Hence comes the mother, Hardly look him in the eye She is already calling: "Hans, my son! God greet you, my son!"

Faithful translation Little Hans Went alone In the Wider World to roam. Staff and hat, Suits him that! He is really pleased. But his mother cries so sore For she has no Hänschen more "Wish you luck!" Says her look "Just you come back soon!"

Seven year Cloud and clear Hänschen wandered far and near. Then he thinks, "No more jinks Speed you home right now!" But he is Young Hans no more. No, it's Big Hans to the fore. Nicely tanned Brow and hand. Will they know him now?

One two three Pass and see They don’t know who that may be. Sister says: "Whose that face?" Knows her brother not. But here comes his mother nigh, Hardly looks him in the eye Then a cry, "Hans, Oh my! God’s greetings, you, my son!."

Free translation Little John He has gone Out to see the world alone Staff and hat, Look at that, He's one happy cat. But his mommy cries a lot Now she has no Johnny got. "Fortune find, But you mind, Come back to your kind."

Seven years, Joy and tears, John in many lands appears. Then he thought That he ought To go home and got. But now he's no Johnny small, No, he is now big John tall. Tall and tanned, Face and hand. Will they know this man?

One, two, three Pass and see, Don't know who this man might be. Even Sis: "Who is this?" Knows not who he is. Then along comes mother dear, Barely sees his eyes so clear, Says: "My son, Welcome home, God bless you my son."

Song for children
The lyrics for the children's song Hänschen klein (1899) are by (1873–1940).

Hänschen klein ging allein in die weite Welt hinein. Stock und Hut stehn ihm gut, ist gar wohlgemut. Aber Mutter weinet sehr, hat ja nun kein Hänschen mehr. Da besinnt sich das Kind, kehrt nach Haus geschwind. Little Hans went alone out into the wide world. Staff and hat suit him well. He is in good spirits. But his mother cries so much, for she no longer has little Hans. Look! the child changes his mind and returns home quickly.