Erlkönig
Erste Allgemeine Verunsicherung Lyrics
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Der Vater ist´s mit seinem Kind
Er hält es warm, er hält es fest,
Bis er´s auf einmal fallenlässt.
The lyrics to Erste Allgemeine Verunsicherung's song "Erlkönig" are derived from a Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's poem with the same name. The lyrics sets in a forest at night when a father is riding on horseback with his young son. The first line "Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind?" means "Who rides so late through night and wind?" It is not clear whether they are hurrying home or are on a journey. The second line "Der Vater ist's mit seinem Kind" means "It is the father with his child." The father is portrayed as responsible and caring since he is holding the child close to himself. The line "Er hält es warm, er hält es fest," translates to "He keeps it warm, he keeps it tight," emphasizing that the father is trying to protect his child from the cold and danger.
The song shifts tone in the last two lines when the child says, "Until he suddenly lets it fall." The line is a turning point in the song and indicates that something terrible is about to happen. The ambiguity of the situation could suggest that the father might be overwhelmed, and the child could be in danger. The poem is recognized for its supernatural power and eerie atmosphere that makes the listener uneasy.
Line by Line Meaning
Wer reitet so spät durch Nacht und Wind?
Who rides so late through the night and wind?
Der Vater ist´s mit seinem Kind
It is the father with his child
Er hält es warm, er hält es fest,
He holds it warm, he holds it tight,
Bis er´s auf einmal fallenlässt.
Until he suddenly drops it.
Contributed by Emma D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.