☝️ Key Points
- The song lyrics are about the singer's observations and thoughts during the nighttime hours.
- It refers to the prejudices and misunderstandings between people.
- It addresses the longing for a different life.
- There is a personal connection of the singer to a specific person.
- It becomes clear that there is a divide between people.
Interpretation
The song lyrics "Sometimes at Night" by
Franz Josef Degenhardt are about the singer's observations and thoughts during the nighttime hours. He describes how sometimes he comes out of his pub and marches through the streets or can't sleep. In these moments, he sees the people around him, who may not be any different from himself.
The people stand around like animals in a zoo, listening to the footsteps of order. They run off and curse at those who may be just like them. It becomes clear that there is a gap between them and the others.
Sometimes, the people get into cars and drive away for an hour. When they come back, they spit three times on the ground while thinking about the others, who may not be different. This action may symbolize their aversion towards the others, without really knowing why they think that way.
There are also moments when the people take off their shoes and dream against the wall of houses. They dream of a husband, children, and a cottage in the countryside. They dream of the lives of others, who may not be different. This shows that they long for a different life but don't know how to achieve it.
There is also a person that the singer knows well. They played in the sand together and sometimes were man and woman. Now she stands with the others, who may not be different. This seems to be a personal connection that the singer has with a specific person.
Overall, this song is about the singer's observations during the nighttime hours and the differences and similarities between people. It points out the prejudices and misunderstandings that exist between them, and the longing for a different life.