Des Schleusenwärters Blindes Töchterlein

Ulrich Roski's song "Des Schleusenwärters Blindes Töchterlein" is a darkly humorous and tragic narrative set in the picturesque yet grim setting of an old lock in Spandau by the Havel River. The song tells the story of the lock keeper's blind daughter, who, despite her disability, plays a significant role in the daily operations of the lock. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the lock's environment, filled with the scent of fish and the constant flow of fresh water, juxtaposed with the macabre events that unfold.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn when a young mate, attracted to the lock keeper's son, mistakenly encounters the blind daughter. This misunderstanding leads to a series of tragic events, starting with the mate's rejection of the daughter and escalating to a violent confrontation between the lock keeper and the mate. The lock keeper's rage results in the mate's death, which in turn provokes the son to kill his father. The cycle of violence continues as the mother, seeking revenge, kills her son, only to be killed by the blind daughter, who then inadvertently causes the death of her grandmother.

Roski's song is rich with dark humor and irony, particularly in the recurring motif of the lock's fresh water, which contrasts sharply with the bloodshed and death that taint the lock. The song's tragic events are underscored by the innocence and youth of the blind daughter, who, despite her role in the violence, remains a sympathetic character. The song ultimately reflects on themes of love, misunderstanding, and the destructive nature of revenge, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly serene yet ultimately deadly environment.