☝️ Key Points
- The song emphasizes the importance and beauty of light in darkness and presents it as a symbol of hope and guidance
- The chorus equates the lantern with natural sources of light such as the sun, moon, and stars, highlighting their importance and significance
- The desire for the light not to extinguish reflects the fear of darkness and uncertainty
- The third verse alludes to challenges and difficulties but emphasizes the unwavering will to move forward nonetheless
- The last verse once again emphasizes the wish for the light to shine steadily and symbolizes hope and optimism in darkness
Interpretation
The song 'Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne' is a traditional German children's song that is sung during lantern processions for St. Martin's Day.
In the song lyrics, the meaning and beauty of light in darkness are highlighted, symbolized by the child's lantern. The wish is expressed that the light of the lantern always burns ('Brenne auf, mein Licht'), which represents both the physical brightness and the metaphorical meaning of light as hope and guidance in darkness.
The refrain 'Laterne, Laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne' equates the lantern with natural light sources like the sun, moon, and stars, emphasizing the importance and value of light.
In the third verse ('Geh nicht aus mein Licht'), the wish is expressed that the light should not go out. This is a typical expression of fear of the dark in children but also a metaphor for fear of the unknown and uncertainty.
The fourth verse ('Und die Winde wehn, Lasst uns weiter, weiter, weiter gehn') alludes to the challenges and difficulties that may lie on the path but also the unwavering will to continue moving forward.
The last verse ('Bleibe hell, mein Licht') once again emphasizes the wish that the light should continue to shine, symbolizing the hope and optimism that are so important in darkness.