Vorbilder translates to "role models" or "idols". It's a compound word that literally means "pre-images" or "examples to follow", making it quite descriptive and interesting.
In the context of the song, the singer laments that his heroes like Robin Hood, Sherlock Holmes, and Winnetou are all dead. He refers to them as his Vorbilder, highlighting their importance in shaping his own sense of justice and purpose. This word is key to understanding the song's theme of inspiration and carrying on a legacy.
Ever wished your best friend was a famous hero? In "Mein Bester Freund" (My Best Friend), the German band Die Prinzen imagines just that! The singer proudly declares that his best friends aren't just ordinary people. Instead, they are legendary figures like Robin Hood, the master detective Sherlock Holmes, and the noble hero Winnetou. What do they all have in common? As the song repeats like a powerful chorus, they all "fight against injustice in the world."
But there's a thoughtful twist. The singer acknowledges that these heroes are fictional and sadly "all dead." He calls them his Vorbilder, or role models. Instead of being sad, he feels inspired. Since his heroes are gone, he decides it's his turn to take up their mission. The song ends with a personal declaration: "Therefore, I now fight against injustice in the world." It's a powerful message about finding inspiration in stories and turning admiration into action.