☝️ Key Points
- The 'big black bird' is a metaphor for death that releases from pain and suffering.
- The protagonist is possibly in some kind of suffering and wants death to save him.
- Death is seen as the beginning of a 'new time' where understanding and happiness are possible.
- The protagonist says goodbye to his loved ones, indicating sadness and resignation, but also acceptance and understanding of his situation.
- The line 'I will be happy' emphasizes the hope of redemption through death and the expected happiness afterwards.
Interpretation
'Komm großer schwarzer Vogel' by
Ludwig Hirsch is a metaphorical and emotional song that revolves around the theme of death and redemption. The 'big black bird' symbolizes death as a reliever of pain and suffering. The song's lyrics suggest that the protagonist is experiencing some kind of suffering or anguish ('feverish eyes', 'wounded forehead'), perhaps in a hospital, as he mentions the 'nurse', and wishes for death to relieve him of his suffering ('Take me away from here').
The protagonist does not see death as an end, but as the beginning of a 'new era' and 'new world', where he will finally understand the fundamental questions of life ('I will suddenly understand / What it's all about'). He looks forward to laughter, singing, and happiness in this new existence, suggesting a positive, almost euphoric view of life after death.
Towards the end of the song, the protagonist says goodbye to his loved ones ('my girl', 'mom'). This indicates deep sadness and resignation, but also acceptance and understanding of his situation. The repeated 'I will be happy' at the end of the song emphasizes his willingness and hope for redemption through death and his expectation of a happier existence thereafter.