☝️ Key Points
- The song is about the joy of hiking and the restlessness of the miller.
- Hiking is not just a leisure activity, but part of the miller's identity.
- The miller identifies with the movement and restlessness of nature.
- It is emphasized that hiking is a need that the miller cannot ignore.
Interpretation
"Das Wandern ist des Müllers Lust" is a well-known folk song that addresses the joy of hiking and the restlessness of the miller. The lyrics of the song consist of several verses that describe different aspects of hiking and its significance for the miller.
In the first verse, it says: "Das Wandern ist des Müllers Lust". It becomes clear here that the miller enjoys hiking very much. It is emphasized that a miller who does not enjoy hiking is a bad miller. Therefore, hiking seems to be not only a leisure activity for the miller but also part of his identity.
In the second verse, it is explained that the miller learned hiking from the water. Water is always in motion and never rests. It is always on a journey. Apparently, the miller identifies with this characteristic of water and is therefore also always on the move.
The third verse deals with the wheels. They do not like to stand still and turn all day long. Here it is emphasized that the mill wheels are also restless and always want to move.
In the fourth verse, the focus is on the stones. Although they are heavy, they dance with the Rhine. They even want to be faster. Here, the restlessness and desire for movement of the stones are emphasized.
The song ends by repeating the line "O Wandern, Wandern, meine Lust". The miller asks the Lord and the lady mistress to let him continue his journey in peace. It becomes clear here that hiking is not only a pleasure for the miller but also a need that he cannot ignore.
In summary, it can be said that the lyrics of the song "Das Wandern ist des Müllers Lust" address the joy of hiking and the restlessness of the miller. It is emphasized that hiking is an important part of the miller's identity and that he identifies with the movement and restlessness of nature.