HAMBI STAYS   

 

Original song by Gerd Schinkel, very freely translated by Matthias Lehmann

 

 

 

You can saw up, you can clear up, But our dreams you cannot tear up,

 

Go ahead, try – anyways: Hambi stays.

 

You can drag us down from trees, But inside we’ll stay at peace,

 

You will find out anyways – Hambi stays.

 

Using clubs against our sit-ins, What’s your next move, killing kittens?!

 

Go ahead, try – anyways: Hambi stays.

 

Use machinery and tools, Even cops, misguided fools,

 

You will find out anyways – Hambi stays.

 

 

 

Hambi stays in our minds, our memories, all our lives,

 

Just like all that you’ve done, disregarding everyone.

 

We’ll remember all that happened, Our spirit will survive,

 

While you will only look with shame Back upon your wasted lives.

 

 

 

You can push us or expel us, Hunt us down, be overzealous,

 

Go ahead, try – anyways: Hambi stays.

 

You can pluck us down from tree crowns, You can carry on your beatdowns,

 

You will find out anyways – Hambi stays.

 

You can push our faces in the dirt, But even if we’re sore and hurt,

 

We’ll telling you, listen: anyways – Hambi stays.

 

Your water guns and insincerity, Only hurt your own integrity,

 

You will find out anyways – Hambi stays.

 

 

 

Hambi stays in our minds, our memories, all our lives,

 

Just like all that you’ve done, disregarding everyone.

 

We’ll remember all that happened, Our spirit will survive,

 

While you will only look with shame Back upon your wasted lives.

 

 

 

You can deforest and dig craters, With your bucket excavators,

 

Go ahead but anyways – Hambi stays.

 

Spreading lies and misinformation, Only hurts your reputation,

 

You will find out anyways – Hambi stays.

 

While you keep defending mines, We paint our banners and our signs,

 

You will find out anyways – Hambi stays.

 

All your strategies and schemes, Cannot take away our dreams,

 

Go ahead but anyways – Hambi stays.

 

 

 

Hambi stays in our minds, our memories, all our lives,

 

Just like all that you’ve done, disregarding everyone.

 

We’ll remember all that happened, Our spirit will survive,

 

While you will only look with shame Back upon your wasted lives.

 

 

 

To you our chance may seem remote, But now the world is taking note,
you will see that anyways – Hambi stays.

 

You climate killers are a pest, But more are joining the protest,

 

you will see that anyways – Hambi stays.

 

Did you think this was the end, Abusing nature, our friend,

 

Think again, see anyways – Hambi stays.

 

For supporting their pollution, There will be no absolution,

 

Go ahead but anyways – Hambi stays.

 

 

 

Hambi stays in our minds, our memories, all our lives,

 

Just like all that you’ve done, disregarding everyone.

 

We’ll remember all that happened, Our spirit will survive,

 

While you will only look with shame Back upon your wasted lives.

 

 

 

Perhaps you and your cohort, one day will stand before a court,

 

And a journalist will type down: Hambi stays.

 

Then you must answer for your wrongs, And we’ll be sticking out our tongues,
And shout “Resistance pays! We told you – Hambi stays!”