During World War II, Alexander was a member of the Luftwaffenhelfer and the Reichsarbeitsdienst before being drafted into the navy. In 1945, he was captured by the British and held as a prisoner-of-war.
After the war he attended Vienna's Max Reinhardt Seminary for actors until 1948 and started a career as actor. He starred in several musical comedies, including among others Liebe, Tanz und 1000 Schlager and Peter schießt den Vogel ab. Later he starred in the famous Count Bobby movies and the Luemmel-series. In the 1970s, Peter Alexander started a second career as a TV host and entertainer. He is a talented imitator of voices and people, including Queen Elizabeth II.
He married Hilde Haagen in 1952, and they had two children, Susanne Alexander Neumayer (born in 1958), an artist, and Michael (born in 1963). Since the death of his wife Hilde in 2003, he has lived in his house in Vienna in the 19th district, completely retired from the public.
Peter Alexander died on February 12th 2011 in Vienna.
Erst wann's aus wird sein
Peter Alexander Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dann pack' ma die sieb'n Zwetschk′n ein, eh′nder net
Wann der Wein verdirbt und amoi die Musi' stirbt
In die mir Weana so verliabt, is′s a G'frett!
Solang im Glaserl no′ a Tröpferl drin is
Solang a Geig'n no′ voll Melodien is
Und solang als no' a tulli g'stelltes Maderl da
Da sag′n ma immer no, ′Halt ja!' und fahr′n net a'!
A Fremder, der schaut unser Wean sich an
Und kommt unter ander′m in d'Vorstadt dann
Die Häuserln, die klan
Mit die Garterln wie g′mal'n
Die ham ihm besonders guat g'fall′n
′Wie schad', ruft er aus
′Ist's um d′Weanaleut
Und um die berühmte Gemütlichkeit!
Da schaut aus an Haus a Großvaterl 'raus
′So lang mir no san is net aus!
Erst wann's aus wird sein, mit aner Musi' und mit′n Wein
Dann pack′ ma die sieb'n Zwetschk′n ein, eh'nder net
Wann der Wein verdirbt und amol die Musi′ stirbt
In die mir Weana so verliabt, is's a G′frett!
Solang im Glaserl no' a Tröpferl drin is
Solang a Geig'n no′ voll Melodien is
Und solang als no′ a tulli g'stelltes Maderl da
Da sag′n ma immer no, 'Halt ja!′ und fahr'n net a′!
The song "Erst wann's aus wird sein" by Peter Alexander is a nostalgic tribute to the city of Vienna and its beloved traditions of music and wine. The lyrics evoke a sense of urgency to enjoy life's simple pleasures while they last, as they may not be around forever. The first verse encourages to enjoy the moment, drinking wine and listening to music, and to take advantage of the opportunity to eat the small plums (Zwetschk'n) before they go bad. The second verse acknowledges the possibility that the music and wine may one day cease to exist, leaving those who love Vienna in a predicament. The refrain expresses the sentiment that as long as there is still wine and music, life is worth living and enjoying, and that one should not pass up the chance to take in the beauty of Vienna.
The song encapsulates the spirit of Austrian Gemütlichkeit – the concept of coziness, conviviality, and good cheer- that is often associated with Vienna. The lyrics paint a picture of a city that is steeped in history and tradition and which offers its inhabitants and visitors an endless supply of music, wine, and romance. At the same time, the song carries a message of carpe diem and encourages listeners to live in the present moment and appreciate the simple things in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Erst wann's aus wird sein, mit aner Musi' und mit'n Wein
Only when it's all over, with music and wine
Dann pack' ma die sieb'n Zwetschk'n ein, eh'nder net
Then we'll pack the seven plums, before it's too late
Wann der Wein verdirbt und amol die Musi' stirbt
When the wine goes bad and the music dies
In die mir Weana so verliabt, is's a G'frett!
For us Viennese, it's a disaster
Solang im Glaserl no' a Tröpferl drin is
As long as there's still a drop in the glass
Solang a Geig'n no' voll Melodien is
As long as a violin is still playing melodies
Und solang als no' a tulli g'stelltes Maderl da
As long as there's still a pretty girl around
Da sag'n ma immer no, 'Halt ja!' und fahr'n net a'!
We'll always say 'stop' and not leave!
Writer(s): Franz Prager, Hans V. Frankowsky
Contributed by Bailey H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@miajak7160
lange nicht mehr gehört ,aber immer noch sehr schön!
@mariamooijer3583
Ooh wat mooi toch 👌🏻👌🏻
Peter Alexander 👍🏻
Wat een geweldig mooie zanger hier krijg ik nooit genoeg van
Dank je lieve Dennis voor het delen met ons
liefs Maria 👍🏻👌🏻👍🏻👌🏻😘🙋♀️