Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Die Walküre / Dritter Aufzug: “Nicht weise bin ich, doch wusst’ ich das eine”” by Richard Wagner
This aria from the opera Die Walküre, or “The Valkyrie”, is sung by the character of Wotan, a god in Norse mythology. In the story, Wotan is struggling between what his wisdom is telling him and what his heart is urging him to do, and in this aria he seems to be coming to terms with the truth of his failing relationship with his daughter.
The track opens with a melancholic and forlorn atmosphere, creating a sense of defeat and uncertainty that follows Wotan. The lyrics emphasize his sorrow as he speaks of his foolishness and his disappointment in himself for not being wise enough, and in his helplessness. He is aware that, no matter what he does now, the inevitable has already come – his daughter is gone and his love for her is lost.
The string section enters in the second verse, increasing in intensity and volume as Wotan’s voice gets more and more urgent and desperate. This further underscores his felt sense of powerlessness as he understands the irreversible course of fate. The song ends in stoic resolve as he sings “But I knew this – eternity wills us apart” – acknowledging that regardless of what his heart desires, his fate has been sealed.
The lyrics of this song express a strong sense of regret and defeat, a recognition that even one as powerful as a god can sometimes be too weak to take on destiny.