Für Hildegard Von Bingen

Devendra Banhart's song "Für Hildegard Von Bingen" is a fascinating blend of historical reference and modern-day metaphor. The song centers around Hildegard Von Bingen, a 12th-century German Benedictine abbess, writer, composer, philosopher, and visionary. Known for her contributions to music, medicine, and theology, Hildegard was a woman ahead of her time. Banhart reimagines her life, suggesting that she leaves the confines of her abbey to pursue a modern career as a VJ (video jockey) at a television station.

The lyrics, "Now she's leavin' congregation, Left the abbeys, suffocation," suggest a sense of liberation from the restrictive and suffocating environment of the abbey. This can be seen as a metaphor for breaking free from traditional roles and expectations. Hildegard's "dreamin', relocation" signifies her desire for a new life, one that allows her to express herself freely and creatively. The move from the mystic regulations of the abbey to the dynamic world of a VJ represents a significant shift from the old to the new, from the spiritual to the secular.

In the modern context, Banhart's lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on the struggle for personal freedom and self-expression. The line "Now she's workin at the station, As a vj, on rotation, In the up town" paints a picture of Hildegard thriving in a contemporary, urban setting. This juxtaposition of historical and modern elements highlights the timeless nature of the quest for individuality and the breaking of societal norms. Banhart's unique musical style, which often blends folk, psychedelic, and indie elements, adds an additional layer of depth to this narrative, making it both thought-provoking and relatable.