Marie Magdelene Dietrich von Losch (aka Marlene) was born in Schöneberg bei… Read Full Bio ↴Marie Magdelene Dietrich von Losch (aka Marlene) was born in Schöneberg bei Berlin, Germany on December 27, 1901. Her father was an army officer who had served in the Franco-Prussian War. Because of his constant absences due to his army duties, Marlene and the family had to rely on themselves. After he died, while she was 11, Marlene's mother married Eduard von Losch and he adopted the Dietrich children.

Marlene was known in school for her "bedroom eyes" and her first affairs were at this stage in her life - a professor at the school was terminated.

Marlene enjoyed music and attended concerts. She was adept at playing the violin and piano. By the time she was in her mid-teens, Marlene had discovered the stage. Acting was to be her vocation. In 1921, Marlene applied for an acting school run by Max Reinhardt. She was accepted. She appeared in several stage productions, but never had more than a couple of spoken lines. In short, she wasn't setting the stage world on fire.

She attempted films for the first time in 1922 Her first film was So sind die Männer (The Little Napoleon) (1923) which was followed by Tragödie der Liebe (Love Tragedy) (1923). On this last project, she met Rudolf Sieber and married him in 1924. The union lasted until his death in 1976 although they didn't live together the whole time.

The remainder of her early film career was generally filled with bit roles. After being seen in the German production of Der blaue Engel (The Blue Angel) (1930) in 1930, Marlene was given a crack at Hollywood. Her first US film was Morocco (1930) with Gary Cooper, which was followed by Dishonored (1931). This latter movie had her cast as a street walker who is appointed a spy. The film was rather boring but was a success because of Marlene's presence. In 1932, Marlene filmed Shanghai Express (1932) which proved to be immensely popular, grossing $3 million. Once again, she was cast as a prostitute. The next film was Blonde Venus (1932) which turned out to be a horrible production. Her co-star was Cary Grant and once again she was cast as a prostitute.

During this period Dietrich had been typecast as a woman of low morals and she wanted different parts. Her chance came in 1939 in Destry Rides Again (1939) when she was cast as "Frenchy", a Western saloon hostess. This began a new direction for Marlene since it shed the previous typecasting. All through the 1940s, she appeared in well-produced, well-directed films such as Manpower (1942), The Spoilers (1942), The Lady Is Willing (1942) and Pittsburgh (1942).

Afterwards the roles came less frequently, perhaps one to two films every year. In 1945, Marlene didn't appear in any. She only made seven productions in the 1950's. Her last role of any substance was Judgment at Nuremberg (1961). Despite the lack of theatrical roles, Marlene still made appearances on the stage. However, by 1979, she was a shell of her former self. After breaking her leg in one performance, she never made a go of it in show business again.

Spending the last 12 years of her life bed-ridden, Marlene died on May 6, 1992 in Paris, France of kidney failure at the age of 90.

Dass Ich Dich Wiederseh'
Marlene Dietrich Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.

I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.

We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.

Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.

I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.

On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Marlene Dietrich's "Dass Ich Dich Wiederseh'" are not related to the original lyrics of the song "Takin' a Chance on Love" by Vernon Duke, E.Y. Harburg, and John Latouche. Instead, German composer Friedrich Hollaender wrote new lyrics that transform the upbeat and optimistic tone of the original into a bittersweet, nostalgic one.

The song begins with Marlene Dietrich hearing trumpets and feeling aglow again, taking a chance on love. However, she quickly acknowledges that she thought cards were a frame-up and that she never thought she would try again. She sees a rainbow blending now, suggesting that things are getting better, and that there may be a happy ending now that she's taking a chance on love. But she also slips and falls and acknowledges that she's taking a trip again; yet she's feeling in the groove again, taking a chance on love. She closes the song with the line "I'm gonna give my all...taking a chance on love."

The lyrics reveal that love is not easy, and one has to take a chance on it, regardless of the risk. It's a song about someone who has been hurt before, but who finds the courage to try again. The song speaks to the transformative and rejuvenating power of love, showing how it can lift you up to new heights, but also leave you feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Line by Line Meaning

Here I go again, I hear those trumpets blow again.
Starting over again, hearing the call to adventure with enthusiasm and motivation.

All aglow again, takin' a chance on love.
Feeling hopeful and excited, willing to take a risk in matters of the heart.

Here I slide again, about to take that ride again.
Preparing to embark on a new journey, anticipating the unknown challenges and experiences.

Starry-eyed again, takin' a chance on love.
Feeling optimistic and full of wonder, ready to explore new romantic possibilities.

I thought that cards were a frame-up, I never would try.
Previously skeptical of love or relationships, avoiding taking any chances.

Now I'm taking that game up and the ace of hearts is high.
Now willing to take a risk in love, recognizing the potential rewards and possibilities.

Things are mending now, I see a rainbow blending now.
Feeling that life is improving and taking on a more positive hue, noticing a bright, hopeful future.

We'll have a happy ending now, takin' a chance on love.
Believing that love offers the promise of happiness and fulfillment, taking a leap of faith.

Here I slip again, about to take that trip again.
Getting ready for another adventure, even if it might have its share of bumps and stumbles.

I got that grip again, takin' a chance on love.
Feeling confident and in control, ready to put in the effort for a potential reward.

Now I prove again that I can make life move again.
Demonstrating resilience and determination, committed to overcoming obstacles and creating opportunities.

Um - I'm in the groove again, takin' a chance on love.
Feeling energized and ready for action, eager to pursue new romantic possibilities.

I walk around with a horse shoe, in clover I lie.
Feeling lucky and fortunate, living a charmed life with all things going well.

And brother rabbit of course you better kiss your, foot good-bye.
Feeling confident and powerful, even the usually quick rabbit should beware.

On that ball again I'm ridin' for a fall again.
Realizing that risks can lead to failure, but still willing to take them in order to grow and learn.

I'm gonna give my all again takin' a chance on love.
Committed to giving everything to love, even if that means risking heartache or disappointment.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: B. G. DE SYLVA, LEW BROWN, RAY HENDERSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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