Die Bürgschaft

Bodo Wartke's song "Die Bürgschaft" is a humorous and modern retelling of Friedrich Schiller's classic ballad of the same name. The song begins with the protagonist waking up in an unfamiliar room, feeling the aftereffects of a heavy night of drinking. He quickly realizes he is not alone and is in the company of a woman whose identity he cannot recall. The situation escalates when the woman's boyfriend, Daniel, arrives, prompting a frantic search for a hiding place.

The protagonist's attempts to hide lead to a series of comedic events, including a failed attempt to disguise himself as a GEZ (German TV license fee) inspector. This ruse is quickly seen through by another character, Kalle, who humorously claims to be a GEZ inspector as well. The tension peaks when Daniel becomes violent, and the protagonist, in a moment of desperation, quotes Schiller's "Die Bürgschaft" to diffuse the situation. This unexpected literary reference catches Daniel off guard, allowing Kalle to subdue him.

The song concludes with an epilogue where the characters reflect on the absurdity of the situation. The protagonist and Kalle bond over their shared experience, and even Daniel, the initial antagonist, seeks to join their newfound camaraderie. The moral of the song humorously suggests that in dire situations, quoting classic literature might be more effective than brute force. Wartke's clever lyrics and playful storytelling highlight themes of friendship, quick thinking, and the unexpected power of culture and literature in everyday life.