Innsbruck, ich muß dich lassen

Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen

Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen (English: Innsbruck, I Must Leave You) is a German-language song written by Heinrich Isaac (1450-1517). It is famously associated with the city of Innsbruck in Tyrol (now Austria). The lyrics express his sorrow at having to leave his post at court. The melody was later used in a Lutheran chorale by J. S. Bach, O Welt, ich muss dich lassen. There has been doubt whether this melody was in fact written by Heinrich Isaac or copied from earlier tunes.

The song exists in two different four-part settings by Heinrich Isaac: a Diskantlied with the melody in the soprano part, and a Tenorlied with the cantus firmus in the tenor part.

Lyrics

Original German lyrics	English translation
Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen Innsbruck, ich muss dich lassen, ich fahr dahin mein Strassen, in fremde Land dahin. Mein Freud is mir genommen, die ich nit weiss bekommen wo ich im Elend bin. Gross Leid muss ich jetzt tragen, das ich allein tu klagen dem liebsten Buhlen mein. Ach Lieb, nun lass mich Armen im Herzen dein erbarmen, dass ich muss dannen sein. Mein Trost ob allen Weiben, dein tu ich ewig bleiben, stet treu, der Ehren fromm. Nun muss dich Gott bewahren, in aller Tugend sparen, bis dass ich wiederkomm.	Innsbruck, I Must Leave You Innsbruck, I must leave you, To go along my pathway to strange and distant lands My joy from me has faded I don't know how to find it I am in sorrow's hands I am burdened with great sorrow which I can remedy only through the one dearest to me. O my love, leave me not bereft of compassion in your heart that I must part from you. My consolation above all other women, I remain yours forever, always faithful, in true honor. And now, may God protect you, safe in virtue, till I return.