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
Why can't you have wings to fly with
Like the swallow you've 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