GERMAN FOLK SONGS
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OVERVIEW
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VOLKSLIEDER
German folk songs, also known as "Volkslieder," have been passed down through generations and reflect the traditions and values of the German people.
Many German folk songs originated in the 18th and 19th centuries and were often written to commemorate historical events, celebrate nature, or express feelings of love and longing. These songs were sung in a variety of settings, from small family gatherings to large festivals and celebrations.
One of the most famous German folk songs is "Lorelei," a ballad about a beautiful maiden who lures sailors to their deaths with her singing. Another popular folk song is "Die Gedanken sind frei" (Thoughts are Free), which expresses the idea of free thinking and individualism. "Muss I Denn zum Städtele hinaus" (Do I have to leave the town?) is a traditional German folk song that has been popular for centuries. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Elvis Presley, who recorded an English version called "Wooden Heart." The song has endured for generations, thanks in part to its universal theme of saying goodbye.
DRINKING SONGS
In addition to traditional folk songs, Germany has a rich tradition of drinking songs, or "Trinklieder," which are often sung during social gatherings and celebrations. German drinking songs, also known as "Trinklieder," have a long and rich history in German culture. These songs are often sung during social gatherings, such as beer festivals, and are a way for people to come together and celebrate. The origins of German drinking songs can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when minstrels and troubadours would entertain guests at feasts and banquets. These songs were often lighthearted and humorous, and they encouraged people to drink and be merry. Over time, German drinking songs evolved into a distinct genre of music. Many of these songs feature catchy melodies and simple lyrics that are easy to sing along with, even after a few drinks. They often celebrate the joys of drinking and the camaraderie that comes with sharing a drink with friends.
One of the most famous German drinking songs is "Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit," which translates to "A Toast to Cheer and Good Times." This song is often played at Oktoberfest celebrations and other beer festivals, and it encourages people to raise their glasses and toast to good times and good company. Another popular German drinking song is "In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus," which celebrates the famous Hofbräuhaus beer hall in Munich. The song's upbeat melody and simple lyrics make it a favorite among beer enthusiasts and revelers.
German drinking songs offer a way for people to come together and celebrate their shared love of beer and good times, and they remind us of the importance of camaraderie and fellowship.
German folk songs continue to be an important part of German culture today, and many contemporary artists continue to draw inspiration from these traditional songs. They offer a glimpse into the country's history and provide a way for people to connect with their roots and celebrate their heritage.
FAVOURITES
The following favourites only reflect a very, very small part of the German folk songs of course. Loosely based on the motto: "thoughts are free"!
THREE LILIES
Three lilies, three lilies
I planted on my grave
There came a proud rider
and picked them up
Juvi valle valle valle valle ra
Juvi valle valle valle valle ra
There came a proud rider and picked them up
Oh rider, dear lovely horseman
let the lilies be
Them should my sweatheart
see one more time
Juvi valle valle valle valle ra
Juvi valle valle valle valle ra
There came a proud rider and picked them up
And if I die today
I´ll be dead tomorrow
Then the people bury me
around the time of dawn
A NICKLE AND A DIME
"EIN HELLER UND EIN BATZEN"
The song "Ein Heller und ein Batzen" (A nickle and a dime) was written by Count Albert von Schlippenbach in 1820. It was originally a student song but evolved into a soldier's song to boost morale while marching. The lyrics tell the story of a young man on a journey, describing a man who is poor and fond of drinking—feared by innkeepers and loved by the girls.
A nickle and a dime,
They both were mine, yes mine
The nickle turned into water
The dime turned into wine, yes wine
The nickle turned into water
The dime turned into wine, yes wine
Heidi, heido, heida
Heidi, heido, heida,
Heidi, heido, heida ha ha ha ha
The barkeepers and maidens,
They both shout: "Oh no! Oh no!
The barkeepers when I´m coming
The maidens when I go, yes go
The barkeepers when I´m coming
The maidens when I go, yes go
Heidi, heido, heida
Heidi, heido, heida,
Heidi, heido, heida ha ha ha ha
Wasn´t that a pleasure
When God created me, oh yes created me,
A guy like velvet and silk
What a pity he was drinking, yes, drinking
A guy like velvet and silk
What a pity he was drinking, yes, drinking
Heidi, heido, heida
Heidi, heido, heida,
Heidi, heido, heida ha ha ha ha