☝️ Key Points
- The song is a traditional German children's prayer and expresses the feelings and thoughts of a child before going to sleep
- It expresses the child's desire to sleep under God's protection and for God to watch over their bed
- The child wishes for all their relatives to also rest under God's protection, expressing care and love for family and loved ones
- The child's care and compassion extend to all people, regardless of age or status
- The song asks for peace and relief for those who are suffering, and wishes for a world of calm and peace during sleep
Interpretation
The lyrics of 'Müde bin ich, geh′ zur Ruh' is a simple and traditional German children's prayer that is recited before going to sleep. It expresses the thoughts and feelings of a child who is ready to sleep and places themselves under the protection of God.
In the first two verses 'Müde bin ich, geh′ zur Ruh, Schließe meine Augen zu' the child expresses their tiredness and desire for sleep. It expresses their wish for God, as a loving and protective presence, to watch over their bed, as in the following lines 'Vater, lass die Augen dein, Über meinem Bette sein'.
In the next lines 'Alle, die mir sind verwandt, Gott, lass ruh'n in deiner Hand' the child expresses their wish for all their relatives to also rest in the care and protection of God. It is also an expression of care and love for family and loved ones.
In the lines 'Alle Menschen, groß und klein, Sollen dir befohlen sein' the child extends their wish to all people. It shows a universal love and care.
'Kranken Herzen sende Ruh′, 'Nasse Augen schließe zu' - here the child asks God to bring peace and relief to those who are physically or emotionally suffering.
The last lines 'Lass den Mond am Himmel steh'n, Und die stille Welt beseh'n' present an image of calm and peace. They express the wish for the world to rest in peace while the child sleeps.
In summary, the song is an expression of love, care, protection, and peace.