In 1952 he joins an international competition for the first time in Belfast, Ireland, where he wins the first prize.
However it takes till 1954 before he records his first songs, mainly songs about life at sea and some country music.
He soon extends his career by learning to act, and he will join several movies in Germany.
1956 sees Freddy representing Germany at the first Eurovision Song Contest together with Walter Andreas Schwarz. It is the only year that countries enter the contest with two songs. No points are given, and only the winner, Lys Assia is anounced.
Freddy's songs however become instant hits in Germany, Austria, Luxemburg, the Netherlands and Belgium and several other countries.
"La Paloma","Junge, komm bald wieder" and "Die Gitarre und das Meer" bring him fame, golden records and many awards.
Freddy keeps singing all his life, and in 2002 he makes his last tour, which ends in the city where he is born : Vienna.
Ein Schiff Voll Whisky
Freddy Quinn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ein dicker Walfisch schwamm hinterher
Der hat′s gerochen und glaubt sofort
Bestimmt fällt eine kleine Kiste übers Bord
Ein Schiff voll Whisky lief auf ein Riff
Der ganze Whisky lief aus dem Schiff
Der dicke Walfisch hat's gleich entdeckt
Er wurde munter
Schwamm rauf und runter
Er schoss im Boger quer die Wogen
Es schmeckt im prächtig
Er schaukelt mächting und sehr verdächtig hin und her.
Ein Schiff voll Whisky fuhr übers Meer
Ein dicker Walfisch schamm hinter her
Ein Schiff voll Whisky wart schuld daran
Daß er kein Wasser ohne Whisky trinken kann.
The lyrics to Freddy Quinn's song "Ein Schiff Voll Whisky" tell a fun story of a ship traveling across the sea with a cargo of whiskey. A whale follows the ship because it can smell the whiskey and anticipates a treat. The ship eventually runs aground on a reef, causing the whiskey to spill out into the ocean. The whale quickly detects the scent of whiskey and eagerly drinks up the alcohol. The whale becomes lively, swimming back and forth with vigor, seemingly enjoying the effects of the whiskey.
This song is a playful and lighthearted take on the love of whiskey, with the whale personifying that adoration. The lyrics are simple, but the story is entertaining and draws the listener in. The use of the whale as a character adds a unique and fun twist to the story, making it memorable and enjoyable.
Line by Line Meaning
Ein Schiff voll Whisky fuhr übers Meer
A ship full of whiskey sailed over the sea.
Ein dicker Walfisch schwamm hinterher
A fat whale swam behind the ship.
Der hat's gerochen und glaubt sofort
The whale smelled it and believed right away
Bestimmt fällt eine kleine Kiste übers Bord
Certainly a small crate will fall overboard.
Ein Schiff voll Whisky lief auf ein Riff
A ship full of whiskey hit a reef.
Der ganze Whisky lief aus dem Schiff
All the whiskey spilled out of the ship.
Der dicke Walfisch hat's gleich entdeckt
The fat whale discovered it immediately.
Na, so gut hat ihm das Meer voher noch nie geschmeckt
Well, the sea never tasted so good to him before.
Er wurde munter
It became lively.
Schwamm rauf und runter
Swimming up and down.
Er schoss im Bogen quer die Wogen
He shot through the waves in an arc.
Es schmeckt ihm prächtig
He enjoyed the taste.
Er schaukelt mächtig und sehr verdächtig hin und her
He rocked mightily and suspiciously back and forth.
Ein Schiff voll Whisky fuhr übers Meer
A ship full of whiskey sailed over the sea.
Ein dicker Walfisch schwamm hinterher
A fat whale swam behind the ship.
Ein Schiff voll Whisky war schuld daran
A ship full of whiskey was to blame.
Dass er kein Wasser ohne Whisky trinken kann.
That he can't drink water without whiskey.
Writer(s): Lotar Olias
Contributed by Parker S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.