☝️ Key Points
- The text describes the deep sense of happiness and relief of the prisoners when they are briefly released from their cells to breathe fresh air.
- The prisoners perceive their cell as a grave, highlighting their despair and desire for freedom.
- One of the prisoners expresses his strong faith and hope for freedom, believing in God's help.
- The possibility of freedom and salvation brings a sudden wave of hope among the prisoners.
- Although they have hope, the prisoners must act cautiously and speak quietly as they are constantly monitored.
Interpretation
The song lyrics "O welche Lust" by
Ludwig van Beethoven are from the opera "Fidelio". This scene depicts a group of prisoners who are temporarily released from their cell to breathe fresh air. They experience deep joy and relief, as expressed in the lines "Oh what joy, in the open air / To breathe lightly!". They appreciate life outside the prison walls and consider the cell as their grave, as portrayed in "The cell is a tomb".
One prisoner expresses his faith and hope for freedom with the words "Let us trust / In God's help! / Hope whispers softly to me: / We will be free, we will find peace". This shows their longing for freedom and their belief in a higher power that can help them.
Then there is a sudden wave of hope when they perceive the possibility of freedom and rescue ("Oh heaven! Rescue! What happiness! / Oh freedom! Do you return?"). However, they are reminded to be cautious and speak softly as they are being watched ("Speak softly! Restrain yourselves! / We are listened to with ear and eye").
Overall, the song lyrics describe the deep emotions and unbearable longing for freedom of the prisoners, as well as their hope and faith, despite the surveillance and restrictions on their freedom.