Tomorrow Belongs To Me (reprise)

The song 'Tomorrow Belongs To Me (reprise)' from the musical 'Cabaret' is a chilling and powerful piece that captures the rise of nationalism in pre-World War II Germany. The musical, set in 1930s Berlin, explores the decadence and political unrest of the Weimar Republic, and this song serves as a stark reminder of the growing influence of the Nazi party during that time. The lyrics, sung by characters Fraulein Kost and Ernst, along with the ensemble, are deceptively beautiful, evoking images of nature and a hopeful future, but they are laden with ominous undertones.

The song begins with idyllic descriptions of nature: the warm sun on the meadow, the free-running stag, and the leafy linden branch. These images symbolize a pure and untainted Germany, appealing to a sense of nostalgia and national pride. However, the line 'But gather together to greet the storm' introduces a foreboding element, suggesting that this idealized vision of the future requires unity and perhaps, a willingness to face upcoming turmoil. The repetition of 'Tomorrow belongs to me' reinforces the idea of an inevitable, glorious future that is just within reach.

As the song progresses, the lyrics become more direct in their nationalist sentiment. The reference to the 'Fatherland' and the call for a sign that 'your children have waited to see' taps into the deep-seated desire for a strong, unified nation. The final lines, 'The morning will come when the world is mine,' are particularly chilling, as they hint at the expansionist ambitions of the Nazi regime. The song's beauty and simplicity mask its dangerous message, making it a powerful tool for propaganda. In the context of 'Cabaret,' it serves as a stark warning of the seductive allure of nationalism and the devastating consequences it can bring.