This song opens with a rumbling, galloping accompaniment, rather like Schubert's Erlkonig in its galloping rhythm and darkness, which is quickly followed by the entry of the vocal part, rising in a harsh, almost savage, hunting call. "With its fierce, fast tooth, like a dog, love has bitten me. By following the spilt blood, you will be able to follow my trail. Take a thoroughbred horse, leave, and follow my hard path, through swamp or lost ways, if the course does not terrify you!" The sudden stops and starts further enhance the impression of hunting, seeming as though they momentarily lose, and then pick up the trail again.
In the next verse, the mood changes completely, becoming morose and pensive, losing the sense of defiance and savagery. The accompaniment changes to slow, sad chords, and the vocal lines become smooth.
"In passing where I have passed, you will see, how alone and wounded, I've traveled this sad world, and how I shall have died, far, far away from finding the blue mansion of Rosamund."
The reference to Rosamund is rather obscure, but it is most likely the Fair Rosamund of medieval English history and legend. ~ All Music Guide
