Vaterhaus

Frank Rennicke's song "Vaterhaus" is a poignant reflection on the displacement and suffering of the Volga Germans, an ethnic German minority in Russia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a childhood home by the Volga River, now occupied by strangers. This home, once a place of security and familial warmth, is now a symbol of loss and longing. The singer reminisces about his early years, the familiar nooks and crannies of the house, and the carefree days spent playing in the yard. The mention of the mother bearing the burdens alone after the father's banishment adds a layer of personal tragedy to the historical context of the Volga Germans' plight.

The song's chorus, "Es rauscht und strömt in Rußlands Weiten - Rußland du hast viel geseh'n. Uns Wolgadeutsche ließ man schreiten und wortlos dann untergehn," underscores the vastness of Russia and the silent suffering of the Volga Germans. The imagery of the flowing Volga River serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the relentless march of history, which has seen the Volga Germans endure great hardships. The forced displacement from their homes, the emotional farewell to the house, and the journey down the Volga River are all depicted with a deep sense of sorrow and injustice.

The final verses of the song highlight the enduring connection to the homeland, even in exile. The singer dreams of the house by the Volga River, a place where his ancestors once lived and worked the land. The reference to being imprisoned behind barbed wire in the taiga forests evokes the harsh conditions faced by the displaced Volga Germans. Despite the suffering, there is a glimmer of hope and determination as the survivors aspire to return to Germany. "Vaterhaus" is a moving tribute to the resilience of the Volga Germans and a lament for a lost way of life.