Published 1827 Writer(s) Friedrich Silcher | Genre Folk song (Volkslied) Language Swabian German | |
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"Muss i denn" (German: Muß i' denn) or "Muss i denn, muss i denn zum Städtele hinaus" is a traditional German song in the Swabian German dialect. The present form dates back to 1827, when it was written and made public by Friedrich Silcher.
The melody and some verses of this song shot to fame worldwide through Elvis Presley's adaptation "Wooden Heart" in 1960, as well as Joe Dowell's version in 1961, becoming one of the most widely known German songs ever.
History
"Muss i denn" is about a soldier having to leave the woman he loves and vowing to remain faithful until he is back to marry her. It first appeared on page sixteen of Friedrich Silcher's collection of popular songs titled Collected Folk Songs Adapted to Four Male Voices („Volkslieder, gesammelt und für vier Männerstimmen gesetzt“ opus 8 Nr. 12). The origin of the song, however, is obscure and the original text was not recorded. Silcher mentioned to Ludwig Uhland though that the melody was "an old melody from Württemberg".
The song became famous beginning in the mid 19th century. It soon was especially well-liked among the German military as well as among excursion groups and thus was early on considered a patriotic song. It also became popular among German merchant seamen as a capstan shanty, and has been played as a Naval quick march since the days of the Kaiserliche Marine. An early English translation titled "Must I, then? Must I, then? From the town must I, then?" was made by Henry William Dulcken in 1856.
Some "Muss i denn" versions were widely popularized in the 20th century; those interpreted by German American actress Marlene Dietrich and by Greek singer Nana Mouskouri deserve mention.