Es kommt ein Schiff geladen
Die Prinzen Lyrics
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Bis an sein' höchsten Bord,
Trägt Gottes Sohn voll Gnaden,
Des Vaters ewig's Wort.
Das Schiff geht still im Triebe,
Es trägt ein' teure Last;
Das Segel ist die Liebe,
Der Anker haft' auf Erden
Da ist das Schiff am Land.
Das Wort will Fleisch uns werden,
Der Sohn ist uns gesandt.
Zu Bethlehem geboren
Im Stall ein Kindelein,
Gibt sich für uns verloren;
Gelobet muss es sein.
The lyrics to Die Prinzen's song "Es kommt ein Schiff geladen" describe the arrival of a ship that carries God's son full of grace and the Father's eternal word. The ship is portrayed as moving quietly and bearing precious cargo, with love being the sail and the Holy Spirit serving as the mast. As the anchor remains on earth, the ship reaches its destination and the son becomes flesh through his birth in Bethlehem, sacrificing himself for humanity.
The song is a popular German Christmas carol that originated in the 16th century. Despite its religious connotations, the lyrics also hold universal themes of hope and renewal that can resonate with listeners of all backgrounds. The choice of the nautical imagery of the ship and the sailing references evoke feelings of travel, anticipation, and arrival.
Interestingly, the song's original lyrics included additional stanzas that emphasized various Christian teachings, such as original sin, baptism, and the resurrection. Die Prinzen's version, however, focuses mainly on the story of Christ's birth.
Line by Line Meaning
Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen,
A ship is approaching, carrying something of great importance.
Bis an sein' höchsten Bord,
The ship is fully loaded to its highest capacity.
Trägt Gottes Sohn voll Gnaden,
The ship carries the merciful son of God.
Des Vaters ewig's Wort.
The eternal word of God is also aboard.
Das Schiff geht still im Triebe,
The ship moves silently in the currents of the sea.
Es trägt ein' teure Last;
It carries a precious burden.
Das Segel ist die Liebe,
The sail represents love.
Der Heilig' Geist der Mast.
The Holy Spirit serves as the mast.
Der Anker haft' auf Erden;
The ship's anchor is firmly planted on the earth.
Da ist das Schiff am Land.
The ship is stationed on the shore.
Das Wort will Fleisch uns werden,
The word seeks to become flesh.
Der Sohn ist uns gesandt.
Therefore, the son of God was sent to us.
Zu Bethlehem geboren
He was born in Bethlehem.
Im Stall ein Kindelein,
In a stable, a baby was born.
Gibt sich für uns verloren;
He sacrificed himself for us.
Gelobet muss es sein.
Praise must be given to him.
Contributed by John F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.