[Martin Rocek]

I have been translating some songs by the Czech poet/singer Karel Kryl. I just discovered that he translated one of his songs into German after he had lived there in exile for about 10 years. Clearly, German was not his native language, but just as clearly I can learn about his intentions--in particular, he was very careful to preserve the rhyme scheme, and rather free in adapting the text. My question is: To what extent should I be influenced by his translation? More generally, when one translates, how should one use multiple language versions by the original author?

In case anyone is interested, the song and my translation are here:
http://www.ablemuse.com/erato/showthread.php?t=22681
His German text is here:
http://www.ablemuse.com/erato/showpo...1&postcount=36

Thanks!
Martin

Mods: If this should be in the translation forum, please move it, but since it is getting very little traffic these days, I thought that my question would get more of a response here.