Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Das Rheingold, WWV 86A / Scene 4: “Bin ich nun frei?”” by Richard Wagner
This song from Richard Wagner’s opera ‘Das Rheingold’ is a beautiful and powerful expression of freedom and liberation. It is sung by Loge, the god of fire who is in the process of freeing Alberich, the dwarves king, from an enchantment. The song is a metaphor for the quest for freedom and independence throughout life.
The lyrics of the song center around the phrase, “bin ich nun frei?”, which in English translates into “am I now free?”. The phrase conveys an emotional plea for freedom and liberation. It is repeated multiple times throughout the song and serves to emphasize the importance of freedom to the song’s protagonist.
The lyrics contrast the feelings of joy and hope as Alberich regains his freedom with the recognition of the loneliness that comes with independence. Alberich’s newfound freedom is celebrated joyfully as the chorus echoes his cry of “bin ich nun frei?”, but the sadness of being alone is also present. This sadness still hangs over the song even as the chorus sings joyfully about being free at last.
‘Das Rheingold, WWV 86A / Scene 4: “Bin ich nun frei?”‘ is an incredible expression of the struggle for freedom, joy of liberation and heartache of being alone at the same time. The song speaks powerfully to the struggles everyone faces in search of liberation and independence.