Reise An Die Fruntz, Teil B - Kirchweih
Ulrich Roski
A Day at the Fair: Ulrich Roski's Humorous Take on Family Outings
Ulrich Roski's song "Reise An Die Fruntz, Teil B - Kirchweih" is a humorous and vivid portrayal of a family's day out at a traditional village fair, known as a Kirchweihfest. The song opens with Schwoche, the family patriarch, deciding to take his family to the fair despite the inclement weather. His wife, Frau Schwoche, is initially horrified by the idea due to the hailstorm outside, but Schwoche's enthusiasm prevails, and the family sets off under the protection of an umbrella.
The lyrics paint a lively picture of the various activities and attractions at the fair. Udo, presumably the son, immediately demands cotton candy, while Opa (the grandfather) heads straight for the shooting range to showcase his skills. Schwoche himself tries his hand at the "Hau den Lukas" game, a traditional strength test, and after a few attempts, he succeeds, earning a porcelain vase as a prize. The song humorously highlights the competitive spirit and the simple joys of winning small prizes at such events.
As the day progresses, the family indulges in more fairground attractions, including a rare exhibit featuring a ballet of elderly ice skaters and Europe's largest dwarf. The excitement continues with a lottery stand where Wanda, another family member, eventually wins another porcelain vase. The fair culminates in a visit to the beer tent, where the family enjoys drinks and traditional Bavarian hospitality. The evening takes a chaotic turn as Opa, heavily inebriated, breaks all the porcelain vases they had won, much to the amusement of the younger family members. Frau Schwoche, however, is exasperated and concludes the day by suggesting they take their drunken grandfather home.
Roski's song is a delightful satire on family dynamics and the quintessentially German tradition of village fairs. It captures the essence of communal celebrations, the generational differences in enjoying such events, and the inevitable chaos that often accompanies family outings. The humorous narrative and vivid imagery make it a relatable and entertaining piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced similar family adventures.