☝️ Key Points
- The song pays homage to the Black Madonna of Altötting, a sacred icon in Bavaria, Germany
- The first verse describes the pilgrimage to this sacred figure and her loving reception towards people
- In the chorus, the Madonna is asked to guide the people and protect the church and homeland
- The second verse portrays the Madonna as a source of comfort and peace, protecting against evil and alleviating pain
- The last verse contains prayers to the Madonna for peace and support in difficult times
Interpretation
The song 'Schwarze Madonna von Altötting' by
Oswald Sattler is a tribute to the Schwarze Madonna, a famous religious icon preserved in the Gnadenkapelle in Altötting, Bavaria, Germany. It is depicted as a holy and protective mother figure to whom people pilgrimage in times of need and suffering to seek comfort and protection.
The first verse 'Einen Ort weiß ich auf Erden, Dorthin pilgert jeder gern, Da erwartet, reich an Güte, Uns die Mutter unseres Herrn' describes the pilgrimage journey to this sacred place where the Madonna awaits people to treat them with kindness. Despite her wounds, a symbol of the suffering and sacrifices she has made for humanity, she looks kindly upon people and gives them hope and confidence.
In the chorus 'Madonna, schwarze Madonna, Nimm liebreich uns an der Hand, Madonna, schwarze Madonna, Schütz Kirche und Vaterland' the singer asks the Madonna to lovingly take people by the hand and protect both the church and their homeland.
The second verse speaks about the relief the Madonna offers in times of suffering: 'Bei der Mutter findet Ruhe, Unser sorgenschweres Herz, Du bewahrst uns vor dem Bösen, Du machst leichter jeden Schmerz'. She is portrayed as a source of comfort and peace who protects people from evil and eases their pain.
The last verse 'Oft hat sich Dir in Bedrängnis, Unser Volk und Land geweiht, Hilf, oh Mutter, schenk uns Frieden, In den Nöten dieser Zeit' shows that people pray to her and ask her to grant them peace and support them in their needs during difficult times. Thus, the song is an ode to the Madonna and her role as a loving and protective mother figure.