Today I am sharing the first song I ever wrote. “Bettina” (listen below!) is unique in that it has two different choruses: one in English, and one in English and German. I don’t speak German, so I’m afraid I might be singing something truly ridiculous!

Here is the chorus that contains some German:

Bettina
Meine kleine Liebe
I love you
So sehr, umso mehr

Here is my intended meaning:

Bettina
My little love
I love you
So much, even more

And here is the probable meaning:

Bettina
I would like to buy a lemon
I love you
Where is the library?

“Bettina” is a lullaby of sorts, so it’s fitting that I composed it on a children’s toy—a plastic keyboard purchased for $14.99 from the local drug store. Although I wrote “Bettina” over two years ago, the inspiration that was in my heart remains. I hope you will enjoy it.

Bettina

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Title:
“Bettina”

Number:
1

Length:
2:34

Vibe/inspiration:
Julie Andrews, Brahms’s lullaby, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” music box

Key:
F major

What I imagine German speakers might say:

• “If there was any German in that song, I think I may have missed it.”
• “You should at least watch a few YouTube videos before you start writing in another language.”
• “Stick to English. Just stick to English.”
• “My dog speaks better German, and before you ask, he’s not even a German shepherd.”

Lyrics:

Bettina
Bright-eyed as Athena
Hmm-hmm-hmm
I love you
So sweetly and completely
Hmm-hmm-hmm

Bettina
Meine kleine Liebe
I love you
So sehr, umso mehr

[Bettina
My little love
I love you
So much, even more]

I’m sorry that I put you on a shelf
I simply haven’t been myself
It seems a lifetime since I went away
I’ve waited all these years to say

Bettina
Meine kleine Liebe
I love you
So sehr, umso mehr

[Bettina
My little love
I love you
So much, even more]

Although we may be half a world apart
You stay with me inside my heart
I can’t believe I lived to see this day
I’ve made it all these years to say

I love you

[Instrumental chorus]

[Instrumental interlude]

My lucky stars, I have a second chance
To set aright this chaste romance
Oh, my desire is nourished by delay
I’ve traded all my tears to say

Bettina
Meine kleine Liebe
I love you
So sehr, umso mehr

[Bettina
My little love
I love you
So much, even more]

And I have waited all these years to say
I love you