Du bist Die Ruh: An Uncomfortable Thought

If it is true that most piano music in the 1800s was written for girls and women and one takes the view that the lyrics of the song “Du bist die Ruh” request a visit from an illicit lover, then that gives a different feeling to this popular Lied (classical music song in German) by Franz Schubert and Friedrich Rückert. 
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Was this poem that Schubert turned into a song written so young women could sexually fantasize or give coded messages to secret lovers?

To wholeheartedly embrace that theory seems sensationalist, even as it feels perfectly in tune with human nature. 

I wonder what parental conversations were about this song. What was wondered, but never recorded?

I can imagine one parent saying, “Don’t let our daughter learn that risque song! It will give her ideas about how to sneak around with boys. It could ruin her life!”

And the other responding, “It’s fine! Everyone is singing it. You’re reading too much into it. It’s just music.”

In modern times, “Duh bist die Ruh” is taught to student singers. 

Singers of classical music quickly get used to learning standard repertoire with lyrics that do not represent their own attitudes. They even devote themselves to learning songs that express ideas precisely opposite of their values. 

“Du bist die Ruh” is often interpreted as a beautiful love song. It can also be considered a spiritual song where the object of the singer’s devotion is God. 

But if it is true that this song speaks of afternoon trysts and booty calls, that is an uncomfortable thought. Imagine teaching this song, and this particular interpretation, to a high school or college student!

Considering that some parents think that classical music is “safe” for their young adults, this particular interpretation may be jarring or offensive. Then again, it doesn’t take much looking into classical music to find all sorts of objectionable ideas set to song.

From a different perspective, perhaps this interpretation makes the song more interesting to sing and more relatable to today’s mores. 

Maybe this is a reminder that humans are the same throughout history. The specifics may change, but the core motivations and concerns are constant.