Hohelied Der Liebe

Lacrimosa's song 'Hohelied Der Liebe' is a profound exploration of the nature and power of love, drawing heavily from the famous biblical passage 1 Corinthians 13. The lyrics emphasize that without love, all other virtues and abilities are meaningless. The song begins by stating that even if one could speak in the tongues of men and angels or possess prophetic powers, without love, these gifts would be empty and hollow. This sets the stage for the central theme: love as the ultimate and most essential virtue.

The song continues to describe the characteristics of love, portraying it as patient, kind, and devoid of envy or pride. Love does not seek its own interests, is not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. It rejoices in the truth and shuns injustice. These descriptions highlight love's selfless and enduring nature, suggesting that true love transcends personal grievances and societal injustices. The repetition of phrases like 'Die Liebe verträgt alles, sie glaubet alles, sie hoffet alles, sie duldet alles' (Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things) reinforces the idea of love's boundless and unwavering strength.

The song also touches on the transient nature of human knowledge and prophecy, contrasting it with the permanence of love. While our understanding and foresight are limited and incomplete, love is portrayed as perfect and everlasting. The lyrics conclude with a powerful affirmation that faith, hope, and love remain, but the greatest of these is love. This final message underscores the song's central thesis: love is the most powerful and enduring force in the human experience, capable of transcending all other virtues and abilities.