☝️ Key Points
- The song is a tribute to the city of Cologne, which is metaphorically personified as a woman. It shows the deep affection and connection of the band to the city and its peculiarities.
- The love for the city has existed since childhood and still persists, as shown by the refrains 'Du bess die Stadt, op die mer all he stonn' and 'Du häs et uns als Pänz schon aanjedonn'.
- The lines 'Du häs e herrlich Laache em Jeseech' and 'Du bess die Frau, die Rotz un Wasser kriesch' represent the emotional side of Cologne, which can sometimes be joyful, sometimes sad.
- The city is described as diverse and vibrant in the lines 'Jrau ding Hoor un su bunt di Kleid' and 'Jrell jeschmink un de Fott jet breit'.
- The line 'Frech wie Dreck, doch et Hätz ess jot' shows the typical Cologne character: open, honest, and with a good heart.
- The song ends with 'Du bess uns Mamm un du blievst iwig schön', which expresses the deep connection and the enduring love for the city of Cologne. Cologne is not just a city, but like a mother to its residents.
Interpretation
The lyrics of 'Du...(bess die Stadt)' by
Bläck Fööss is a loving homage to the city of Cologne, which is metaphorically personified as a woman here. The band expresses their affection and connection to the city and its peculiarities.
In the refrains 'Du bess die Stadt, op die mer all he stonn' (You are the city that we all stand on) and 'Du häs et uns als Pänz schon aanjedonn' (You have already captivated us as children), it is clear that the love for the city has existed since childhood and still persists.
The line 'Du häs e herrlich Laache em Jeseech' (You have a wonderful smile on your face) shows the joy and happiness that the city radiates, while 'Du bess die Frau, die Rotz un Wasser kriesch' (You are the woman who cries her heart out) represents the emotional side of Cologne, which can sometimes be sad.
The city is described as diverse and vibrant: 'Jrau ding Hoor un su bunt di Kleid' (Gray your hair and so colorful your clothes) and 'Jrell jeschmink un de Fott jet breit' (Boldly made up and the foot a bit wide) illustrate the lively and colorful side of Cologne.
The line 'Frech wie Dreck, doch et Hätz ess jot' (Cheeky as dirt, but the heart is good) shows the typical Cologne character: open, honest, and with a good heart.
The lyrics end with the line 'Du bess uns Mamm un du blievst iwig schön' (You are our mother and you will always remain beautiful), expressing the deep connection and infinite love for the city of Cologne. It is more than just a city, it is like a mother to its inhabitants and will always be loved and appreciated.