De Kinett’n Wo I Schlof

Wolfgang Ambros' song 'De Kinett’n Wo I Schlof' paints a vivid and poignant picture of the harsh realities faced by a homeless person. The lyrics, written in Austrian dialect, describe the daily struggles and the sense of isolation experienced by someone living on the streets. The song begins with the protagonist waking up in a 'Kinettn,' a slang term for a makeshift bed or a rough sleeping spot. The morning light signifies the end of another night spent in discomfort and vulnerability.

The protagonist's day starts with evading authorities ('Tschuschn') and trying to clean up as best as possible. The lack of basic hygiene and the reliance on alcohol ('a Flaschl Rum') for breakfast highlight the dire circumstances. The act of begging for cigarettes and small change ('an Schilling') underscores the desperation and the daily grind of survival. The imagery of people approaching like a wall, with the protagonist being the only one moving against the tide, symbolizes the societal alienation and the invisible barriers faced by the homeless.

The song also touches on the futility and hopelessness felt by the protagonist. The line 'Es is do ganz egal ob i was arbeit oder net' (It doesn't matter if I work or not) reflects a sense of resignation and the belief that their efforts are meaningless in the grand scheme of things. The plea to be left alone ('Laßt’s mi in Ruah') and the fear of losing even the meager shelter they have ('weu heit schüttns mei Kinettn zua') encapsulate the constant threat of instability and the yearning for a semblance of peace. Ambros' raw and unfiltered portrayal of homelessness serves as a powerful commentary on social neglect and the human condition.