☝️ Key Points
- Description of the past as a time of justice and fairness, where virtue and modesty were valued
- Critique of the present time as a bad time, where duty and order are profaned
- Description of the changes in society, especially regarding gender roles and marriage
- Longing for that good time when men were ruled by loving women and marriage was harmonious
- Representation of the changes in society as a curse that has been hanging over them for a long time
Interpretation
The song lyrics 'Die Alte' by
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart are about the changes in society compared to earlier times. Mozart describes the past as a time when 'justice and fairness' prevailed and virtue and modesty were valued. There were clear roles and rules for men and women. Girls were raised virtuously and later became brides, while young men were grateful and discreet when they had pleasure.
The lyrics express concern about the loss of these values. Mozart criticizes the present time as a 'bad time' in which duty and order are desecrated. Now men dominate women and contradict them even when they want to meet with friends. Marriage is no longer marked by unity, but by conflicts.
Mozart expresses his longing for the 'good time' when men were ruled by loving women and marriage was harmonious. He describes the changes in society as a curse that has been hovering over them for a long time.
The song lyrics 'Die Alte' by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart show how values and norms can change over time and how the perspective on relationships and roles in society evolves.