Peace in Germany? "Frieden in Dir" (Your Peace Within)

One of my students, Johannes Schroeder from Germany, has written a new song entitled "Frieden in Dir" (Your Peace Within). Johannes writes, "This project [is aimed at] the [youth] and middle-aged people of Germany. The rise of international terrorism and economic insecurity caused a shift [in the] number one concern of German people [going] from personal freedom to personal security – an indicator for a longing for inner peace." 

To view the song and video (in the original German with English subtitles), click HERE.

Johannes adds, "The song is composed in a slow 6/8 jazz-feel that is quite popular [across generations] at the moment. It also is in a minor key that creates a feel of melancholy and is suitable for soul-searching themes in songs. By nature, it is not written to be played on the radio but either in an explanatory context of a concert or meeting, or on an I-pod where repeated listening will open the message of the song to the hearer."

In Johannes' view, the song ultimately points to "Jesus Christ [is] the one who brings peace into the heart as the Prince of Peace. The message of the song is best explained while considering the lyrics."

Verse 1
Religion, fantasy, reality, you never figured it out
where to go, who is right - is this world just bad, good or unfair?
You’re honestly just looking for
Your peace within
 
Science, knowledge, power, make it all good over night
Tomorrow it will be different again what’s true today
What this world promises can’t finally create
Your peace within

Pre-Chorus
Maybe you should turn around and look somewhere else?

Chorus 1
Dream-world out there beyond the horizon
Where everyone lives as he desires
But the way to there is so hard to find
Where does the path begin that leads to
Your peace within

Verse 2
Your identity, how you perceive yourself is based on familiar things
But when relationships break you realize that people are
Not firm enough for
Your peace within.

Whereto you go, in what world you flee, what substance can really give
Expansion of mind, later the Cold turkey. You weave around and long for
Your peace within

Pre-Chorus
Maybe you should turn around and look somewhere else?
 
Chorus 2
Dream-world nowhere, not in this world
For who can find peace within himself?
Someone beyond us must be the source
Place of safety that leads you to
Your peace within

Outtro
Peace is deeper than mere thoughts
Don’t seek for it within yourself for
Within the confinements of your humanity
You won’t find your peace within.

Peace does not lie in the things you possess
For you have tried it and missed out on so much
For only someone beyond you can give
Your peace within

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Your peace within, who gives you peace, how is beyond you, where is the dream-world, Peace, for me, in me, I am looking for it…