With alpenstock and knapsack light
I wander o'er hill and valley,
I climb the snow-peak's flashing height
And sleep in the sheltered chalet, —
Free in heart — happy and free —
This is the summer life for me.

The city's dust I leave behind
For the keen, sweet air of the mountain,
The grassy path by the wild rose lined,
The gush of the living fountain, —
Free in heart — happy and free —
This is the summer life for me.

High above me snow-clouds rise
In the early morning gleaming;
And the patterned valley beneath me lies
Softly in sunshine dreaming, —
Free in heart — happy and free —
This is the summer life for me.

The bells of wandering herds I list
Chiming in upland meadows;
How sweet they sound, as I lie at rest
Under the dark pine shadows! —
Glad in heart — happy and free —
This is the summer life for me.

The thundering lawine's roar I hear,
And the torrent's foamy bounding;
And the steep crag's answer sweet and clear,
When the alpine horn is sounding, —
Glad in heart — happy and free,
This is the summer life for me.

A good stout alpenstock in hand,
A flask from my shoulder swinging,
And a rose in my hat, o'er the Oberland
I wander for ever singing, —
Glad in heart — happy and free,
This is the summer life for me.