herz
dr. henk Lyrics

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Auch die Ratte hat ein Herz

Mancher kann es gar nicht leiden
Wenn eine Ratte huscht davon
Er würde sie gar lieber fangen
In einem alten Topf aus Ton

Er würd aus ihr dann gerne machen

Einen Spieß so wie vom Schwein
Darüber kann ich gar nicht lachen
Und ich sage: Lass es sein

Denn auch die Ratte hat ein Herz
Und es tut ihr sicher weh
Wenn sie überm Feuer brät
Und aus den Wolken fällt der Schnee

Mancher kann es gar nicht fassen
Dass die Ratte schneller ist
Wie die Katzen so was machen
Hätte er dann gern gewüsst

Und aus dem Mund tropft schon die Spucke
Rattenfleisch ist delikat
Doch ich sage: Lass es bleiben
Auch wenn man großen Hunger hat

Denn auch die Ratte hat ein Herz
Und es tut ihr sicher weh

Wenn sie überm Feuer brät
Und aus den Wolken fällt der Schnee

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Dr. Henk's song "Herz" convey a powerful message about empathy and the importance of recognizing that every living creature, even a rat, has a heart and feels pain. The songwriter starts by acknowledging that not everyone can stand the sight of a rat scurrying away, and some would prefer to catch it and cook it in a clay pot, comparing it to a pig roast. However, the songwriter cannot find humor in this idea and advises against it, urging the listener to let it be.

The songwriter emphasizes the rat's capability to experience pain and sadness. They state that it surely hurts the rat to be roasted over a fire while snow falls from the sky. This imagery serves as a metaphor for the cruel treatment and disregard for the well-being of an innocent creature. Through this contrast, the songwriter highlights the compassion and empathy we should have towards all living beings, regardless of their societal standing or perceived worth.

The lyrics further explore the misconception that rats are slower than cats, challenging the assumption with a poetic twist. The songwriter suggests that some individuals would love to learn how rats can outmaneuver cats. This curiosity illustrates a desire to understand the rat's survival skills and perhaps appreciate their resilience and adaptability.

Furthermore, the songwriter mentions the drool dripping from the mouth, indicating an intense craving for rat meat as a delicacy. Despite this desire, the songwriter advises against indulging in it, reiterating the central theme of the song. The act of feasting on the rat would cause suffering to an innocent creature, regardless of our own hunger.

In summary, the lyrics of "Herz" remind us to see beyond stereotypes, to recognize the humanity in all creatures, and to treat them with empathy and kindness. The songwriter encourages us not to participate in causing harm or pain, emphasizing that even the smallest and most despised animals have a heart that deserves respect and consideration.

Line by Line Meaning

Auch die Ratte hat ein Herz
Even the rat has a heart

Mancher kann es gar nicht leiden
Many can't stand it

Wenn eine Ratte huscht davon
When a rat scurries away

Er würde sie gar lieber fangen
He would prefer to catch it

In einem alten Topf aus Ton
In an old clay pot

Er würd aus ihr dann gerne machen
He would like to turn it into

Einen Spieß so wie vom Schwein
A skewer just like from a pig

Darüber kann ich gar nicht lachen
I can't laugh about it at all

Und ich sage: Lass es sein
And I say: let it be

Denn auch die Ratte hat ein Herz
Because even the rat has a heart

Und es tut ihr sicher weh
And it surely hurts her