No earthly church has ever blessed our union

No state has ever granted us permission

No family bond has ever made us two

No company has ever earned commission

 

No debt was paid no dowry to be gained

No treaty over border land or power

No semblance of the world outside remained

To stain the beauty of this nuptial hour

 

The secret marriage vow is never spoken

The secret marriage never can be broken

 

No flowers on the alter

No white veil in your hair

No maiden dress to alter

No bible oath to swear

 

The secret marriage vow is never spoken

The secret marriage never can be broken

 

(An den kleinen Radioapparat, Hanns Eisler, Testi di Bertolt Brecht, 1942)

(The secret marriage, Sting, Nothing like the sun, 1987)