Write a useful lyric translation

Read the complete lyric before translating individual lines. Identify the speaker, the situation and repeated images. Preserve names and meaningful repetition. Aim first for clear meaning; a translation does not need to rhyme to help someone understand a song. Check idioms in context instead of replacing each word separately.

Keep verse breaks so readers can compare the original and translation. Where a line has several possible meanings, add a short explanation in the description. Distinguish your interpretation from facts about the songwriter. Choose the correct target language and submit only work you may share. Read the whole translation aloud once, then check names, missing lines and punctuation. Community suggestions can improve a translation without erasing the translator’s voice.