During my time at Theodor Fliedner Haus, I have collected over 300 popular songs that are sung by residents. I have compiled a list of my top 5 songs, which I have performed countless times for various reasons!
In addition to historical information and lyrics, I also offer suggestions on how to utilize the music in a music therapy session to achieve therapeutic objectives. I hope this is beneficial!
1. Mein Vater War Ein Wandersmann
German folk songs have a sub-category called “Wanderlieder,” which are songs specifically about walking and hiking. One particular Wanderlieder song, written by Friedrich Wilhelm Möller, stands out as my favorite. Although the melody originated in the mid-19th century, the known lyrics were written in the early 1950s.
Granted, people usually only know the first verse:
Mein Vater war ein Wandersmann,
Und mir steckt’s auch im Blut.
Drum wandr’ ich froh so lang ich kann
Und schwenke meinen Hut
valleri, vallera
valleri, vallera ha ha ha ha
valleri, vallera
Und schwenke meinen Hut
It’s worth noting that there are dozens of Wanderlieder. Some other Wanderlieder that I often sing include:
- Das Wandern ist des Müllers Lust
- Auf Du Junger Wandersmann
- Wenn Wir Erklimmen
- Von Den Blauen Bergen Kommen Wir
- And many more!
Music therapy goal: Improve general stamina and endurance (muscle strength, muscle tone, breath capacity, etc.)
Using Wanderlieder is an ideal way to encourage residents to be active. Even those who are seated or in a wheelchair respond by moving their legs and arms when I sing Wanderlieder. Sometimes, additional motivation and guidance are necessary, and there are variations available to increase difficulty gradually or target specific movements.
2. Am Brunnen Vor Dem Tore
“Am Brunnen Vor Dem Tore” is a popular German folk song that dates back to the 19th century. The lyrics were written by Wilhelm Müller and first published in 1821 as part of his famous poetry collection “Die schöne Müllerin” (The Beautiful Miller’s Daughter).
The melody was composed by Franz Schubert in 1823 and is commonly performed as an art song (Lied) in classical music settings. The song tells the story of a lover who laments his lost love at a well located outside the city gates.
Am Brunnen vor dem Tore
Da steht ein Lindenbaum;
Ich träumt’ in seinem Schatten
So manchen süßen Traum.
Ich schnitt in seine Rinde
So manches liebe Wort;
Es zog in Freud und Leide
Zu ihm mich immer fort.
Ich musst’ auch heute wandern
Vorbei in tiefer Nacht,
Da hab’ ich noch im Dunkel
Die Augen zugemacht.
Und seine Zweige rauschten,
Als riefen sie mir zu:
Komm her zu mir, Geselle,
Hier find’st du deine Ruh!
Music therapy goal: to facilitate the grieving process
This song is universally loved and can be sung on any occasion. It has been particularly helpful in providing comfort and support for grieving residents. I have successfully used it for lyric substitution to discuss grief and end-of-life issues with residents who have lost a dear friend.
3. Guten Morgen Sonnenschein
“Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein” is a popular German song performed by Nana Moskouri. The song was written by Michael Kunze and Christian Bruhn and based on the Brazilian samba “Canta Canta Minha Gente”. It was first released in 1969. Nana Moskouri, a Greek singer with a distinctive multilingual vocal range, became known for her ability to sing in various languages, including German.
Guten Morgen, Guten Morgen,
Guten Morgen, Sonnenschein [or name of a group participant],
Diese Nacht blieb dir verbogen
Doch du darfst nicht traurig sein
Music therapy goal: to increase participation
I enjoy starting sessions with this song because I can sing “Guten Morgen, Herr …” and then focus on residents who may be sleepy or need more engagement. I never considered using a “Hello Song” that may make residents feel childish, but I was glad to find a popular “Schlager” song to sing at the beginning.
Another goal of this song could be to promote a sense of belonging and group cohesion as everyone in the group focuses on the person we are singing “Good morning” to.
4. Ich Habe Mein Herz In Heidelberg Verloren
“Ich habe mein Herz in Heidelberg Verloren” is a famous German song written by Fred Raymond in 1925. The song takes place in the beautiful city of Heidelberg. It portrays a protagonist who fell in love with someone in Heidelberg but, unfortunately, had to leave the city behind.
The song has become a beloved symbol of the city’s romantic allure and resonates with those who have experienced the bittersweet feeling of leaving a piece of their heart in a special place.
Ich habe mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren
In einer lauen Sommernacht.
Ich war verliebt bis über beide Ohren,
Und wie ein Rausch hat es mich fortgebracht.
Und als wir Abschied nahmen vor den Toren
Beim letzten Kuss, da hab ich’s klar erkannt:
Dass ich mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren.
Mein Herz, es schlägt am Neckarstrand.
Music therapy goal: to promote reality orientation
Heidelberg is a city near Mannheim, where the nursing home is located. This song is well-known by everyone and is used to discuss special places, promote reality orientation, and reminisce about traveling to Heidelberg or other locations.
This could also be used to discuss the locations where residents met their partners. However, caution must be exercised because in most cases, the partners have passed away. If not handled effectively, this discussion may evoke memories that could leave residents feeling hopeless and sad.
5. Auf Wiederseh’n
Rudi Schuricke’s song “Auf Wiederseh’n” is a classic German ballad that was released in 1950. “Auf Wiederseh’n” has stood the test of time and remains a beloved song in German music history. Whether reminiscing about lost love or bidding farewell to cherished memories, this song continues to resonate with listeners.
Auf Wiedersehn, auf Wiedersehn,
Bleib nicht so lange fort
Denn ohne dich wärs halb so schön,
Darauf hast du mein Wort.
Auf Wiedersehn, auf Wiedersehn,
Das eine glaube mir:
Nachher wird es nochmal so schön,
Das Wiedersehn mit dir.
Music therapy goal: Maintain and strengthen interpersonal relationships
This song is ideal for closing any group or session. Unlike many goodbye songs, it is not childish. It can be performed in various ways, such as a slow a capella rendition or with a rhythmic arrangement incorporating multiple instruments.
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