Trainer lügen nicht
Udo Jürgens
The Unyielding Truth of the Coach's Words
Udo Jürgens' song "Trainer lügen nicht" ("Trainers Don't Lie") humorously explores the unwavering belief in the wisdom of a sports coach, even when the advice seems to lead to less than ideal outcomes. The lyrics depict a series of comical misadventures on the soccer field, where the protagonist follows the coach's instructions to the letter, only to find himself in awkward and unfortunate situations. The song captures the blind faith athletes often place in their coaches, highlighting the sometimes absurd consequences of such obedience.
The narrative begins with the protagonist being instructed to lace up his shoes and maintain a certain feel for the ball. However, his first attempt at a shot results in a loss of balance, with the ball going out of bounds and his shoe ending up in the goal. Despite these mishaps, the refrain "Trainer lügen nicht" underscores the protagonist's steadfast belief in the coach's infallibility. This phrase, repeated throughout the song, serves as a humorous reminder of the trust placed in authority figures, even when their guidance leads to failure.
As the song progresses, the protagonist continues to follow the coach's advice, leading to further comedic situations. From being penalized for playing too aggressively to catching a cold after sticking too closely to an opponent, the protagonist's experiences illustrate the potential pitfalls of blind obedience. Yet, despite these setbacks, the protagonist remains convinced of the coach's honesty and wisdom, reflecting a broader commentary on the nature of trust and authority in sports and beyond.