Es wollt ein Bauer früh aufstehn

The song "Es wollt ein Bauer früh aufstehn" by Zupfgeigenhansel tells a humorous and cautionary tale about a farmer who wakes up early to tend to his fields. The narrative begins with the farmer's routine, emphasizing his hardworking nature as he heads out to his fields. Upon returning home, he asks his wife, Lieschen, to prepare a meal of millet porridge, fried potatoes, and a fried egg, highlighting the simplicity and traditional aspects of rural life.

As the farmer enjoys his meal, he hears a noise coming from the chamber. His wife tries to dismiss it as the wind rustling in the kitchen cupboard, but the farmer's curiosity leads him to investigate. To his shock, he finds a priest (Pfaff) hurriedly putting on his pants, indicating that the priest was having an affair with his wife. This discovery sets the stage for the song's comedic and moralistic climax.

In a fit of rage, the farmer grabs a stove poker and hits the priest, who then screams and sticks his rear end out the window. The villagers, seeing this unusual sight, mistake it for the morning star, only to realize it is the priest's backside. The song concludes with a moral lesson, warning against trusting deceitful priests who visit other men's wives at night. This tale, wrapped in humor and satire, reflects the distrust of religious authority and the importance of fidelity and honesty in relationships.