So What

In the song 'So What' from the musical 'Cabaret,' Fraulein Schneider, a character who has seen the ups and downs of life, reflects on her experiences with a sense of stoic acceptance. The song is a poignant exploration of resilience and the inevitability of change. Fraulein Schneider's narrative is one of survival and adaptation, where she acknowledges the losses and disappointments she has faced but chooses to move forward with a pragmatic attitude. The recurring refrain, 'For the sun will rise and the moon will set,' underscores the idea that life continues regardless of individual circumstances, encouraging a mindset of acceptance and perseverance.

Fraulein Schneider's reflections on her past—her affluent childhood, her disappointing marriage, and her current modest life—highlight the transient nature of fortune and happiness. Her repeated 'So what?' serves as a mantra of indifference to the past and a focus on the present. This attitude is not one of apathy but rather a recognition that clinging to what was or what could have been is futile. Instead, she finds contentment in the present moment, no matter how humble it may be. This perspective is particularly resonant in the context of 'Cabaret,' a musical set in the politically tumultuous period of 1930s Berlin, where uncertainty and change were constants.

The song also touches on themes of aging and the passage of time. Fraulein Schneider's musings about her age and the changes in her life reflect a broader commentary on the human condition. Her acceptance of her current situation, despite its stark contrast to her past, speaks to a universal truth about the inevitability of change and the importance of resilience. The song's message is clear: life goes on, and we must learn to adapt and find peace in the present, regardless of what has come before. This timeless wisdom is delivered with a blend of humor and melancholy, making 'So What' a deeply moving and relatable piece.