☝️ Key Points
- The main character of the song is a man who puts his livelihood and existence at stake due to his addiction to alcohol and gambling.
- The song describes the 'Rosenhof' as the most beautiful place in the valley, which has overcome all challenges so far, but is in danger due to the man's addiction.
- The man's addiction is portrayed as a harmful shadow that has a negative influence on the Rosenhof.
- The man bets everything on one last gamble, risking his life and the estate to satisfy his addiction.
- At the end of the song, the man is saved by a higher power, the other players lose, and the man is able to keep his estate, thus ensuring the safety of his children.
- The song serves as a warning about the serious consequences of addiction and the potential loss it can cause.
Interpretation
The song 'Schatten überm Rosenhof' by the
Kastelruther Spatzen tells a melancholic story about a man who puts his farm and his life at stake due to his addiction to alcohol and gambling.
The story begins with the image of the man who is 'broken' by alcohol and who tries to change his fate through a card game. 'The clock struck the shortest hour, he sat broken in the room, senses blurred by red wine, now he can hardly win'.
The farm, called 'Rosenhof', is described as the most beautiful in the valley, a place that has overcome all adversities so far. 'Shadows over Rosenhof, the most beautiful farm in the valley. No storm, no fire, no need brought it down'.
The man's addiction is portrayed as something dark that casts a shadow over Rosenhof. 'Shadows over Rosenhof, when addiction becomes destiny and a card game decides whether one loses the house and the farm'.
The story takes a turn when the man suggests playing one last game, betting his life and the farm. 'Then he says: 'We mix once more, it shall be the game of all games. I wager my senseless life for Rosenhof'.
At the end of the song, the sky is portrayed as merciful, letting the other player lose, so that the man can keep his farm and his children are safe. 'The sky can forgive everything and now let the other one lose. In Rosenhof, the children slept peacefully as if nothing could happen'.
Overall, the song is a warning about the dangers of addiction and the possible serious consequences it can have.