☝️ Key Points
- The singer is a respected warrior who was harshly punished for a minor offense
- He is angered by the strong reaction of a woman whom he only kissed on the shoulder
- Despite feeling unjustly treated, the singer tries to hide his anger and maintain humor
- His wounded honor and injured ego drive him to seek revenge
- The singer emphasizes multiple times that a kiss on the shoulder does not justify the woman's harsh reaction.
Interpretation
The lyrics of
Carl Millöcker's song tell the story of a man who is upset by the reaction of a woman whom he only kissed on the shoulder. The singer presents himself as a respected and feared warrior who has fought in many battles and whose courage and strength are widely known and respected. Despite his remarkable war achievements, he was struck by a woman because he kissed her on the shoulder.
"Was it really so terrible, why was I punished so harshly? Ah, I only kissed her on the shoulder", the singer emphasizes his lack of understanding for the woman's strong reaction and the extent of his resulting humiliation.
He finds it unfair that he was punished so severely for such a small gesture and describes how he boils with anger and thirsts for revenge. "And I swear by this nose, she will get her reward!", represents a direct threat and shows his wounded ego and desire for vengeance.
Nevertheless, the singer tries to take the situation with humor and hide the anger in his heart, although he fails. "But anger boiled in his heart and the smile failed", shows how hurt he feels and how difficult it is for him to hide his true feelings.
The song ends with the repetition of his innocence and the injustice of the situation. It is emphasized that he only kissed her on the shoulder and the woman overreacted. "Ah, I only kissed her on the shoulder".