On a wagon, bound for market
There's a calf with a mournful eye
High above her, there's a swallow
Winging swiftly through the sky

How the winds are laughing
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And, half the summer's night

Donna, donna, donna, donna
Donna, donna, donna, don
Donna, donna, donna, donna
Donna, donna, donna, don

Stop complaining said the farmer
Who told you a calf to be?
Why don't you have wings to fly with
Like the swallow, so proud and free?

How the winds are laughing
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And, half the summer's night

Donna, donna, donna, donna
Donna, donna, donna, don
Donna, donna, donna, donna
Donna, donna, donna, don

Calves are easily bound and slaughtered
Never knowing the reason why
But whoever treasures freedom
Like the swallow who's learned to fly

How the winds are laughing
They laugh with all their might
Laugh and laugh the whole day through
And, half the summer's night

Donna, donna, donna, donna
Donna, donna, donna, don
Donna, donna, donna, donna
Donna, donna, donna, don