Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: opera
Song Meaning of “Die Walküre / Dritter Aufzug: “Schützt mich und helft in höchster Not”” by Richard Wagner
“Schützt mich und helft in höchster Not” is a song from Richard Wagner’s opera Die Walküre, focused on Siegmund, a mighty hero leading a heroic and proud existence. Throughout the course of this epic journey, many challenges and struggles are faced, and Siegmund needs to find a way to remain true to himself despite the forces of evil that attempt to overpower him. This song is a call for assistance and protection, asking for help in desperate times of need when even the bravest warrior can become fraught with fear and doubt.
The lyrics of the song reflect the feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty as Siegmund’s adventure continues. He plaintively sings “…die Not und Gefahr mir droht, schützt mich”—translated to “protect me from danger and distress”—as he calls out for the protection of gods, higher beings that can provide him with the strength he needs to face each challenge with courage and conviction. He also appeals for steadiness and willpower, singing “Gebet und starke Mut erhaltet Ihr mir nur” (“Grants me prayers and strong courage”), expressing his need to maintain a sense of self, despite of all the difficulties and obstacles he will inevitably encounter along his journey.