Die Lorelei

Album: Memories of Germany (1827)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Die Lorelei" is arguably the most famous of German folk songs, certainly it is the best known in the English speaking world. The Lorelei (or Loreley) is a rock on the River Rhine, and herein it becomes a mermaid or siren, doing what these fascinating but deadly creatures do best, luring hapless sailors to their deaths.

    The song about this particular Rheine Maiden was actually written as a poem by Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) and published in 1827; it was set to music by Friedrich Silcher (1789-1860). Heine was a Jew, and during the Nazi era an attempt was actually made to suppress the song, but the German people wouldn't stand for this, so the name of the author was quietly forgotten in that time, although Heine is today one of the most famous German poets.

    "Die Lorelei" has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, and remains popular as both a folk and a classical work. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England and Martin - Rostock, Germany

Comments: 3

  • Anonymous from United StatesNot crap. Beautiful story. Errors are due to using English keyboard.
  • Kamenomesto from France Not really crap: the missing letters are those which bear an umlaut so I suspect that the error is technical.
  • AnonymousCrap - letters missing from the German. Get a Grip!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Charles Fox

Charles FoxSongwriter Interviews

After studying in Paris with a famous composition teacher, Charles became the most successful writer of TV theme songs.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Eagles Lyrics Quiz

Eagles Lyrics QuizMusic Quiz

Lots of life lessons in these Eagles lyrics - can you match them to the correct song?

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.