[Hana:]
Many songs a little maiden sings
To her samisen,
While her heart is throbbing like the strings
Of her samisen.
Gladly I sang when Love was near,
Murmuring softly in my ear,
Setting my cheeks aglow
As I bent low
O'er my samisen.
Ah!
O my love! if you knew
How my heart longs for you!
Ne'er was maiden's heart so true
Ever since the world began.
Far away though you be,
Over land, over sea,
Come, my beloved, come to me,
To your O Hana San.
Sad the melody that now I make
To my samisen.
Hopes are shatter'd as the strings that break
On a samisen.
Here like a captive bird am I,
Freedom and love; for those I sigh;
Often the tears will flow
As I bend low
O'er my samisen.
Ah!
O my love! if you knew
How my heart longs for you!
Ne'er was maiden's heart so true
Ever since the world began.
Far away though you be,
Over land, over sea,
Come, my beloved, come to me,
To your O Hana San.
Ah! Ah!