German Music Obsession

Agonoize - Bis das Blut gefriert

2009-12-06T11:25:00.005-06:00

I've been listening to a lot of aggrotech recently, so I thought I'd share some with you. I recently got a CD by this band, and I absolutely love this song. The video, on the other hand, isn't really my thing. I was expecting a more modern setting that would match the sound of the band better. Anyway, one quick warning before you decide to watch the video: aggrotech is not for prudish people, people who get upset by the mention of violence, or those with strong religious beliefs. Oh shoot, that just ruled out most of the population.

Lyrics translation:

Run if you can, as far as it takes you
Don't look back, it is much too late
Your pain is so so deep, death so near
Decay is creeping up, the end is here

Where is your God?

Illness tugs on you without restraint
Belief so close, but the world so foreign
Lost in belief, you truly hear nothing
Accept it, God hates you too
Already blind from belief, do you understand or not
Nothing is real, God hates you too

Give me your hand, no matter what happens
The pain will persist, until the blood freezes
The beast knocks, the darkness wins
Only torment remains, until the blood freezes
God hates you too
God hates you too

You feel fear when the last curtain falls
Then you are alone, no God to hold you
Totally isolated, but he does not answer
Accept it, God hates you too

Death so near, until the blood freezes
Give me your hand, no matter what happens
The pain will persist, until the blood freezes
The beast knocks, the darkness wins
Only torment remains, until the blood freezes
God hates you too
God hates you too

Lyrics from: http://lyrics.wikia.com/Agonoize:Bis_das_Blut_gefriert
Translation by me.

Recommendations: X-Fusion, Noisuf-X, Nachtmahr, Feindflug, Suicide Commando, Straftanz, Centhron

Alexander Veljanov - Nie Mehr

2009-06-20T17:27:00.005-05:00

If you like Deine Lakaien, you'll like this song. This is the vocalist from the band's solo project, and even though he's not German, he sings in German sometimes on his solo CDs - even though he doesn't for Deine Lakaien's CDs despite the fact that the other guy in that band is German... oh well. But this counts as German music because he's singing in German and is also in a German band and I think he recorded this in Germany and... yeah. Well, I love this song musically, and I love the lyrics (I can definitely connect to them). And I like how emotional the acting in the video is, even though the video's very simple... Yeah, I should stop obsessing. :)

Lyrics Translation:

Will you return
waiting was all vain
I was down
almost out of my mind, breathless
eyelids heavy
dull the gloss of tired eyes
repeatedly
secondhand pictures

Already let myself down
There I layed on the ground
mockery in return
laughed at
in your name

I lay awake
night after night
counted the hours
passing by without sense
no feeling
I loved pale lies
from the land of mediocrity
I wanted you

And you aren't here
don't want to yearn anymore
just throw it all away

Don't return
Stay where the sun
shines for you forever
All gold in the world
Felicity
this is what I wish you
what I wish you
But please stay away from me
Heaven only knows
only knows
what's hidden in you
But please stay away from me
please stay away from me
and cross it out
my name
cross it out forever
cross it out, please
please cross it out

And you aren't here
won't yearn anymore
Throw it all away
Over and done
Won't beg anymore
Go with God, but go!

Eternity
Mediocrity
spoiled brilliance
over and done

Don't return
please don't return
over and done
Night after night
Over and done
Night after night
Won't beg anymore
Throw it all away
And you aren't here
Won't yearn anymore
Go with God, but go!

Won't beg anymore
Throw it all away
Over and done
Won't beg anymore
Go with God, but go!

Translation from: http://durloth.deviantart.com/journal/22541159/

Recommendations: Deine Lakaien, Diorama, Diary of Dreams, Helium Vola, Goethes Erben, ASP

Wise Guys - Denglisch

2009-06-20T13:44:00.007-05:00

Long time no post! Well, here's a funny song that I actually discovered in one of my German classes. It's about the overuse of English words in German, and is much better if you speak German... but it's fun even if you don't. It's full of references to English slang that young Germans use as well as other words that have crept into the language so much that they are even used on signs. Some Germans actually get very worked up about the overuse of English words being a threat to their language, and there is even a group that divides English words used in German into 3 groups based on how useful and/or threatening they are to the language. It's actually pretty interesting... but here's the song (it starts about a minute into the video):

Oh, and in case you were wondering, in the beginning of the video, the guy who's talking is explaining that the band's name is in English even though they are German and sing in German because they were in school together and back then they thought that English sounded cooler than German. They kind of regret that now, as they show in this song.

Lyrics Translations: (The English words in quotes are in English even in the original lyrics, but everything else is originally in German. The German words in quotes are preserved from the original lyrics to preserve meaning.)

Oh, Lord, please give me my language back
I long for peace and a little piece of happiness
Let us still understand a word in this difficult time
Open our hearts, widen our minds

I ran to the train station and was "a little bit too late"
On my new Swatch it was already just "after eight"
I sought the toilet but only found a "McClean"
I still needed a "Connection" and a "ticket" to Berlin

"Kids" sat outside and had "fun" with a "joint"
I sought an information desk but there was only a "service point"
Unfortunately my train had departed - I could forget about the "traveling"
Then I wanted to eat chicken but they only gave me "McChicken"

Oh, Lord, please give me my language back
I long for peace and a little piece of happiness
Let us still understand a word in this difficult time
Open our hearts, widen our minds

You try to "update" me, but my "feedback" "turned" you away
You say that I desperately need a "wellness weekend"
You say that I'll come back into the "flow" with "good vibrations"
You say that I need "energy" and I think: you say that so...

Instead of news I get the "infotainment flash"
I long for dough but they never give me "cash"
When "communicating" I feel less sure than ever
No "bodyguard" will help me with this
I need "security!"

Oh, "Lord", please give me my "language" back
I long for "peace" and a little piece of happiness
Let us still understand a word in this difficult time
Open our hearts, widen our minds

I want "Kaffeehaus" (lit: Coffee house) to be written above "coffee shops"
Or for "Lufttasche" (lit: Airbags) to come out in "auto crashes"
And it would be great if we called "bodybuilders" "Muskel-Mästers" (lit: Muscle masters)
And if only "Nordisch Gehers" (lit: Nordic skiers) ran across the landscape

Oh, "Lord," "please help, for my "language" is "stressing" me out
I long for "peace" and "a bit of happiness"
Help us, so that we "understand" in this difficult time
"Open" our "hearts", and "make" our minds wide

Oh, "Lord," "please" give me my "language" "back"
I'll soon be fighting "crisis" here, "man", but "it has" no purpose
Let us still understand "a word", "it goes me on the" soul
And make it so that "Microsoft" once again is called "Kleinweich" (lit: Small soft)

Translation by me (but if you speak German, read the German lyrics for the full effect. You can find them easily with Google).

Recommendations: Bodo Wartke, Die Prinzen, Ganz Schön Feist, Pur

Schnuffel - Ich Hab' Dich Lieb

2009-06-05T13:02:00.003-05:00

The last song I posted was kind of depressing... so here's something completely different! It's a cute little animated bunny singing to ultra-happy techno! Aww, isn't it sweet?

Lyrics Translations:

I'm fond of you, I'm so happy that you exist
In the whole wide world, you're the only one for me

I'm fond of you, I'm so happy that you exist
I am always there for you, you're my star

I catch the clouds for you
So that the sun always shines
I'll convince it
To paint in the sky

For you I'll steal the clocks
Hold their arms still
Time should never pass by
So that you'll always be with me

I'm fond of you, I'm so happy that you exist
In the whole wide world, you're the only one for me

I'm fond of you, I'm so happy that you exist
I am always there for you, you're my star

Translation by me

Recommendations: Gummibär

Diary of Dreams - The Wedding

2009-06-02T12:06:00.005-05:00

Sorry for not posting in ages, I'm really busy this week and will be next week too, so you're getting another video in English. I like this band, but unfortunately, my favorite song of theirs doesn't have a video. I have to say, I always find videos like this one kind of funny - they're not shown playing the instruments that are actually in the song (except the drums), but for some reason they have a string bass. Eh, whatever, lots of bands do that, I guess.

No translations this time.

Recommendations: In Strict Confidence, Diorama, Deine Lakaien

Deichkind - Luftbahn

2009-05-18T08:20:00.007-05:00

Hmm, I discovered this song the other day, and I like the song a lot, but I have to say, the music video is not my type at all. Too much partial nudity! Argh! Well, I like the song enough that I'm posting it anyway. From the other songs I've heard from the band, this is not their usual style. They're a fusion between hip hop and electronica, but usually are much closer to the hip hop side of things.

Lyrics translation:

We drive with the air train through the night
The moon shines only for us
We've soon made it
And all the problems
On earth
Are far away from us

We drive with the air train through the night
Where the starry sky laughs for us
And all the problems
On earth
Are far away from us

From your shoulders
Fall the whole burden
You never feel it again
The gravity

And if it really should happen
That we get lost in the universe
Then I'll burn up for you
So that you never freeze

Weightless, we feel weightless
Weightless, we feel weightless

Your doubts were huge
Nobody was interested
You feel how it gets easier slowly
The worst is behind you now
You're still a little dazed
We've soon arrived
You don't need to cry now anymore
Because I took you by the hand
Sometimes you just have to get out
Because sometimes the world is too small
Do you want eternity
Then let yourself fall and get in
I show you true love
And how good it feels to clench one's fist
We fly from the darkness into the sunlight
Until we fall to dust

We drive with the air train through the night
The moon shines only for us
We've soon made it
And all the problems
On earth
Are far away from us

We drive with the air train through the night
Where the starry sky laughs for us
And all the problems
On earth
Are far away from us

Weightless, we feel weightless
Weightless, we feel weightless

Translation modified from: http://lyricstranslate.com/en/luftbahn-air-train.html

Recommendations: Dendemann, Egotronic, Peter Fox, Das Bo

Ich + Ich - So soll es bleiben

2009-05-17T13:01:00.007-05:00

Another song in German! :) Sorry, I've been busy/lazy this week, so I haven't been uploading enough. Well, here's a song by a band that I had never heard until today, but it seems like a good song, even if it's not my usual type.

Lyrics translation:

I've been waiting so long
for that one moment.
I'm searching
for 100%.
When will it finally be right,
when will there be meaning?
I won't know the answer
until I get there.

I want to say:

So it should be,
so it can stay.
So have I wished it.
Everything matches perfectly
because everything is finally right
and my heart is captured.

I will celebrate when it is here.
I know there's more to it than that.
So much is still ahead of me.
I still run after it.
Until now I've only felt half
of all that's there.
I need to keep searching
because something is still missing.

I want to say:

So it should be,
so it can stay.
So have I wished it.
Everything matches perfectly
because everything is finally right
and my heart is captured.

I don't know where you are
ore where you live.
But one thing is sure,
it's worth the trouble.
I pray every night that I will find you.

And you say:

So it should be,
so it can stay.
So have I wished it.
Everything matches perfectly
because everything is finally right.

So it should be,
so it can stay.
It's good exactly as it is.
Everything matches perfectly
because everything in me is finally at rest.

Translation by me

Recommendations: Rosenstolz, Christina Stürmer, Pur, Juli

QNTAL - Flamma

2009-05-11T13:35:00.004-05:00

You know that other band I mentioned in the last post that also sings in a lot of languages? Well, here they are. Actually, I don't know if QNTAL sings any songs in modern German, but they do have a very cool one in old German. And this one is taken from the Carmina Burana and in Latin... which I don't speak, so don't expect any translations. :)

This song is definitely one of their more electronic, danceable ones, so if you want something a bit mellower, just listen to some of their other songs.

No lyrics translation, sorry!

Recommendations: Estampie, Helium Vola, Faun

In Extremo - Vollmond

2009-05-11T13:00:00.005-05:00

Whoa, a song in German! I'm really sorry about posting so many in English recently, but I haven't had much free time to translate lyrics. But here's a song for you that is in German! The band actually sings in German less than half the time; they also often sing in Latin, English, French, Gaelic, Hebrew, and many other archaic and modern languages. There's another German band that does that a lot that I haven't posted anything by yet; I'll probably do that soon.

Lyrics Translation:

Come close your eyes, believe me
We will fly over the sea
I need the love so badly
Which got drunk on my blood

The day ended
You ripped your dress from your body
Lit me with your white light
You are my woman of the night
With hair of roots and animal face
And my eyes always dilate
When in the night
Such a moon appears to me

Come close your eyes...

The trees grow in May
Who wants to be lonely
But today in the mild light
You are so naked and hot
Mouth on mouth throughout the long night
The bright moon casts its circle
On the ground
Your white dress is lying there

Come close your eyes...

Translation from: http://www.inextremo.org/lyrics/suender_ohne_zuegel_english

Recommendations: Salatatio Mortis, Subway to Sally, Schandmaul, Tanzwut

Deine Lakaien - Over and Done

2009-05-04T13:13:00.006-05:00

Well, now that I'm posting music in English, I need to post something by Deine Lakaien. They're one of my favorite bands, and this is the first song I heard by them. It took me a while to get used to them, but now I love them. Today was one of those days when I didn't want to listen to anything except this CD.... it's so pretty!

Yay for songs in English that don't require translation!

Recommendations: Veljanov, Diary of Dreams, Helium Vola, QNTAL, Diorama

Die Toten Hosen - Pushed Again

2009-05-03T22:44:00.003-05:00

Yes, their name does mean "The Dead Pants." Well, punk bands can do things like that and still be taken (somewhat) seriously. Kidding aside, though, this video does actually demand to be taken seriously. Unlike "Die Ärzte," this band focuses on politics more often than humor.

The song is in English, so I get to be lazy this time. :)

Recommendations: Die Ärzte, Farin Urlaub, Die Roten Rosen, WIZO

L'Âme Immortelle - Nur Du

2009-05-02T23:27:00.004-05:00

I posted the last post as an exception, planning to restrict the blog to songs in German. After the positive feedback, though, I think I will post more songs by German bands that are sung in English. This will open up possibilities for more bands' songs to be featured here, since many bands choose to sing in English in an attempt to make their music more popular in other countries. You'll be able to find the songs in English easily by clicking on the "English" tag in the side bar. This post, however, is a German song, not an English one, although the band occasionally sings in English as well.

Don't be confused by their name; L'Âme Immortelle is an Austrian, not French band. For those of you who don't speak French, their name means "The Immortal Soul." Most of the band's songs are tragic love stories. I had a difficult time choosing which of their videos to post. I think that "5 Jahre," "Dein Herz," "Fallen Angel," and "Stumme Schreie" are their best songs, and they have good videos too, but "Nur Du" has one of the cutest music videos that I've ever seen. It's not at all like their usual visual style (or really even their musical style), but I like it and its story a lot. Enjoy!

Lyrics Translations:

You have reignited
A fire in my heart
You have turned the night in me
To day

You have also brought radiance
Back into my eyes
And with your warmth
Have finally brought me home

I have never since seen anything
As beautiful as you
I have never since felt anything
As good as you

You were always my sunshine
In dark hours
You were strong when I couldn't be
Full of confidence

Your unfaltering character
Helped me understand myself
But you remained hidden to me
I couldn't see you

I have never since seen anything
As beautiful as you
I have never since felt anything
As good as you

I have never since seen anything
As beautiful as you
I have never since felt anything
As good as you

You locked yourself up in yourself
To get away from all your sorrows
All your suffering and your pain
Remained hidden from me

I still couldn't climb over
The walls of your soul
I couldn't find any keys
To the gates that I found

I have never since seen anything
As beautiful as you
I have never since felt anything
As good as you

I have never since seen anything
As beautiful as you
I have never since felt anything
As good as you

I have never before lost anything
As valuable as you
I will never be able to love again
For my only love is you

I have never since seen anything
As beautiful as you
I have never since felt anything
As good as you

Translation by me

Recommendations: Mantus, Persephone, Unheilig, Oomph!

mind.in.a.box - Change

2009-04-29T10:36:00.004-05:00

Okay, I was going to only post songs in German here, but as of this week, I'm expanding this to bands from German speaking countries. Why? Well, actually, because I'm lazy... as you may have noticed, I haven't posted in a while; I've been busy. So I don't really have the time to translate a song right now. Here's a song from mind.in.a.box: an Austrian futurepop group. Their CDs follow the story of someone in a cyberpunk world (think Neuromancer) who's tracking another person for another person. It's a pretty cool concept, I think. I also love the computerized vocals. Basically, this song (and CD) is my newest obsession.

This video is fan made since the band has no official videos (as far as I know).

No lyrics translations this time since it's English.

Recommendations: Neuroticfish, Rotersand, Edge of Dawn, Seabound

Einstürzende Neubauten - Die Interimsliebenden

2009-04-20T19:44:00.004-05:00

I hope you've been enjoying the fairly standard, melody driven music I've been posting up to this point, whether you've been enjoying the pop, metal, hip-hop, or electronica. This song is nothing like it. Einstürzende Neubauten is a very experimental band from 1980. I've heard them be lumped into the "gothic rock" category before, but despite some similarities, their music really doesn't seem to fit in there even though the audience may be similar. It's avant-garde more than anything else, and even though the band is labeled as industrial, it's because they inspired and started industrial, not because they sound that much like most industrial bands today.

If you want something that's melody driven and catchy, this band isn't for you, but if you're interested in more experimental stuff, they're great.

Lyrics Translations:

In the space of just one slipped beat of the tongue
there is big bang and total entropy
from red giants to white dwarfs
the whole scale
of cosmic dimensions are falling
out of my mouth
in the description of a kiss
of the interimlovers

of the interimlovers
in the interim

between microphone and macrocosm
between chaos and on no course
between plankton und philisophia
between semtex and utopia

there they are
the interimlovers

in their communal mouth
lives a hummingbird
with each humming beat of its wings
too swift for the eye to see
cultures flourish and perish
whole continents vanish
here are no harmless words
all by far too large
an example most simple explodes
in 10^14 for
the interimlovers

the interimlovers
in the interim

between toothache and oil of cloves
between genesis and sixsixsix
between c'' and vitamin c
between ultramarine and navy frigate

the interimlovers are intimate

the interimlovers
in the
INTERIM

in the course of just one winking beat of an eye
they have putsched
the government was felled
parliament dissolved
elections held
results annulled
new elections called
then finally exiled
in history reviled
I wade through the filth of mighty
metaphors
meta, meta, meta by metre
with gestures far too wide
for the interimlovers

the interimlovers
are lovers in the interim

between temporary and tenpura
between rope and sword dance
between times and on the seafloor
between semtex and utopia
they lay in each others arms

thirstily devour
that last little drop of light
they are not there yesterday
and tomorrow not yet
the lovers
the interimlovers
they are not there yesterday
and tomorrow not yet
not really
the interimlovers
they are not there yesterday
and tomorrow not yet

Translation from: http://www.songs-lyrics.net/so-Einstü%3brzende-Neubauten-lyrics-Tabula-Rasa-lyrics-The-Interimlovers-(English)-lyrics-32001020E001100598.html

Recommendations: FM Einheit, Alexander Hacke, Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft

Falco - Rock Me Amadeus

2009-04-18T19:41:00.005-05:00

Today I feel like going back in time to the 80s, so here's some Falco for you. You've probably already heard this song, but I don't know if you've seen its ridiculous video. :) It seems like so much 80s music is pure fun, and this song is no exception.

Lyrics Translation:

Ooo rock me Amadeus
Rock me Amadeus...
Rock rock rock rock me Amadeus
Rock me all the time to the top

He was a Punker
And he lived in the big city
It was Vienna, was Vienna
Where he did everything
He had debts, for he drank
But all the women loved him
And each one shouted:
Come on and rock me Amadeus

Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus

He was Superstar
He was popular
He was so exalted
Because he had flair
He was a virtuose
Was a rock idol
And everyone shouted:
Come on and rock me Amadeus

Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus

Come on and rock me Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus

It was around 1780
And it was in Vienna
No plastic money anymore
The banks against him
From which his debts came
It was common knowledge
He was a women's man
Women loved his punk

Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus

Come and rock me Amadeus...

Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Yes yes yes
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me
Baby baby do it to me rock me

Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, Amadeus
Amadeus Amadeus, oh oh oh Amadeus...

Translation from:http://german.about.com/library/blmus_falco01e.htm

Recommendations: EAV, Nena, Peter Schilling, Trio

ASP - Krabat

2009-04-15T17:29:00.013-05:00

I'm finally posting a video from my favorite band! Why didn't I do this before, you may ask. Well, this band doesn't exactly make many music videos. I'm only aware of one that they've made, and it's great, but the song is sung in English. Since I didn't want to end the streak of songs in German, I decided not to post it, even though it's a great song and video and the claymation seems perfect to me for the band's style. If you want to check it out, just search for "Me" by ASP on youtube. I highly recommend it.

This video is fanmade, but it's actually very good for a fanmade video. The only issue I have with it is that the colors and the style of the artwork really do not fit my image of the musical world ASP has created, and because of that I feel like it actually dampens the emotions in the music instead of highlighting them. Well, I'll let you watch and see what you think.

The song is from ASP's newest album: the first of their albums that does not continue the story of the Black Butterfly. It's definitely a bit of a change, lyrically and musically, from their other CDs, and while I don't like the album as much as some of their older ones, it's still very good and has a couple great songs.

Sorry for rambling so much; that's what happens when I really love a band!

Lyric Translations:

Obey the voice
of the master, obey it
Obey the voice
of the master, obey it

I followed the master's call
The voice drew me in
The raspy call in the night
In a dream put me under his spell
Finally, with sweating hands
I pry open the door
To a secret, black room
And the master talks to me
He asks me "What should I teach you?
Milling and the Other too"
He stuck out his left hand
I grasped it with mine
As is customary

And raven feathers sprouted upon me
And so I flew unrecognized
Over borders into life
Like the wind, fast over the ground
And I'll break every rule
To be with you tonight
Feel my raven heart it beats so
Quickly and only for you

I'll send you a raven feather
Our love pledge
Think of me, I'll come back
Think of me, hold it in your hand

Obey the voice
of the master, obey it
Obey the voice
of the master, obey it
Obey the voice
of the master, obey it
Obey the voice
of the master, obey it

He speaks: "Yes, now you belong to me
In skin and hair you are mine"
I wanted to flee, full of fear
His stare sees through me to my core
With one glance he sees
That you want to die from fear
The other under the pavement
Black yet all-seeing
Before which I seem so terribly naked
Hex after hex
He reads out loud to us from the Koraktor
White writing in a black book

And raven feathers sprouted upon me
And so I flew unrecognized
Over borders into life
Like the wind, fast over the ground
And I'll break every rule
To be with you tonight
Feel my raven heart it beats so
Quickly and only for you

I'll send you a raven feather
Our love pledge
Think of me, I'll come back
Think of me, hold it in your hand

Where did you fly to?
His eyes seek you everywhere
We've drawn the circle around us
But I'm already being pulled back
Hear your master's voice
Obey for he'll catch you
He'll find you and you know that
Only my heart still calls louder
After you

And raven feathers sprouted upon me
And so I flew unrecognized
Over borders into life
Like the wind, fast over the ground
And I'll break every rule
To be with you tonight
Feel my raven heart it beats so
Quickly and only for you

I'll send you a raven feather
Our love pledge
Think of me, I'll come back
Think of me, hold it in your hand

Think of me, I'll come back
Think of me, hold it in your hand

Think of me, hold it in your hand

Translation: Mine (Sorry for any confusing bits, a couple parts of this song were really hard to translate. I'll try to revise it later)

Recommendations: Samsas Traum, Unheilig, Letzte Instanz

Wir Sind Helden - Nur Ein Wort

2009-04-13T12:18:00.004-05:00

Back to more upbeat, popish music. Well, okay, technically they're alternative rock, but they're very popular in Germany. The great thing about this music video if you're learning German is that they have a large percentage of the lyrics in the video, which makes it really easy to follow along.

Lyrics Translation:

I see that you think
I think that you feel
I feel that you want
But I don’t hear you, I

Have borrowed a dictionnary
Have shouted A to Z into your ear
I’m piling up a thousand cloudy words
That tug at your sleeve

And where you want to go
I’m clinging to your legs

[direct translation: “If you have to be fallen on your mouth why not on mine”, doesn’t make sense in English but I really can’t translate it because it is a proverb and it also isn’t logical in German! Figuratively it means s.th. like: If you never talk why not talk to me or maybe even kiss me.]

Oh please give me just an Oh
Please give me just an Oh
Please give me just an Oh
Please give me just a
Please give me just one word

It is crazy how you remain silent
How you bend your handsome head
And in doing so give the whole loud world and me
The cold shoulder

Your silence is your tent
You put it in the middle of the world
Tighten the laces and marvel
Dumb when
A girl stumbles over them at night

At your feet I’m talking
myself into trouble
I want to produce big waves
In your deep water

[proverb: “Stille Wasser sind tief” = Still water runs deep, means that silent/inconspicous people have a lot to say/offer more than you’d thought, so if she wants to produce waves in his waters it means they’re not silent any more so he will either talk or it turns out that he really has got nothing to say]

Oh please give me just an Oh

In my blood the endorphines
Are forming bubbles
When behind your silent
Eyes of a hare the thoughts are racing

Translation slightly modified from: http://earthlingsoft.net/ssp/blog/2005/07/wir_sind_helden_in_english#5901

Recommendations: Juli, Silbermond, MIA.

E Nomine - Das Tier In Mir (Wolfen)

2009-04-12T22:42:00.006-05:00

E Nomine is one of those bands that likes to be so epic that sometimes it's hard to tell if they're awesomely dark, powerful, and beautiful, or too over the top to the point that it's corny. I tend to favor the first view, because I absolutely love their fusion of EBM, lyrics spoken by famous German voice actors, and gorgeous choirs and soloists singing in Latin. I think my favorite video of theirs is Mitternacht, but embedding was disabled for that one. So... here's another video, with an amazing boy soprano soloist.

Lyrics Translation:

In the ancient moonlit woods
Is my dwelling.
It is in the lighted woods
Under the Stars.

It is the animal in me
that awakens my greed for you
I would gladly devour you
can you sense my desire?

Dark clouds and dark thoughts
The night of the full moon breaks my barriers
Greed builds up within me for animals
That I massacre
I feel a lust for blood here and now…
Deep in the night of the twinkling stars
A sweet smell pulls me into the distance
When I have completely seen the night
My desire is kindled and the hunter in me awakens..

In the ancient moonlit woods
Is my dwelling.
It is in the lighted woods
Under the Stars.

It is the animal in me
that awakens my greed for you
I would gladly devour you
can you sense my desire?

Strange thoughts, wild lust
The desire for the tender breast meat
I want to tear, I want to bite and shred withered flesh
I hunt my prey with lustful agitation
Glowing red eyes follow your trail
The weather leads me across far halls
I mutate into an animal, I am a creature of the night
I am the hunter of the moon until the morning awakens

In the ancient moonlit woods
Is my dwelling.
It is in the lighted woods
Under the Stars.
Under the Stars.

I am the animal
I am the animal

Translation from: http://www.popsynth.com/enomine.htm

Recommendations: Unheilig, L'Âme Immortelle, Blutengel

Elis - Der Letzte Tag

2009-04-11T16:03:00.005-05:00

Elis is one of many female-fronted metal bands that have replaced vocalists recently. Sadly, in this band's case, it wasn't because of conflicts within the band or artistic differences; Sabine, the singer in this song, died in 2006 of a cerebral hemorrhage. The band now has a new vocalist and is still making new music.

Lyrics Translation:

It happened in time
When the Sun made the Earth glow from heat
And the people longed for the night,
For shadows
And relief from their pain

The air is stuffy and still,
The earth shakes in the heat
No wind blows to ease the pain,
Sweat runs from the cold forehead
Fever rages in the pale body,
No wind blows to ease the pain

The night floats by on gentle wings
The last day
Closing the dark eyes with a careful flap of the wings
The night floats by on gentle wings
The silent lament
It fades, powerless and unheard

Dust floats in the hot air
It is difficult to breathe
No wind blows to ease the pain
Praying at his bed lies
His loved one, waiting for the night
No wind blows to ease the pain

It happened in time
And finally the night came

Translation is mine

Recommendations: Erben der Schöpfung, Xandria, Atargatis, Visions of Atlantis

Equilibrium - Blut Im Auge

2009-04-10T20:53:00.005-05:00

For metalheads (and open-minded people): this band rocks. They play epic viking/folk metal that rocks hard. That's really as much of an intro as this song needs; it speaks for itself. The vocals are growled, so it's not exactly the most helpful song for learning German, but it's too good not to post.

Lyrics Translation:

What I saw on my journey
seems too true to tell about
therefore I'll try my way
to take you there with me

When I once on dark paths
far from here in northern land
saw, what stole my breath,
what I never knew before

Blood in the eye
on wounded knees
I fell down
I saw her

So I decided to stay there
what I saw kept my mind
to discover her secret
the night was lost for me

Day by day in grey rain
I sought the view again
was addicted to this magic
I hadn't seen until then

Blood in the eye
on wounded knees
I fell down
I saw her

Left behind the gates of town
climbed up into icy height
stoms and thunderlashes
tried to put me down
saw into waterfalls
behind bushes, birches
restless views, grey waves
where may she be?

Sleepless, restless I seach ...
Soundless, noise, she doesn't hear me ...

Over rocks, mountains, moorland,
bushes, thornes, darkness,
I search for her by night,
seach the glowing heavenlight ...

Translation from: http://www.lyricsondemand.com/e/equilibriumlyrics/blutimaugelyrics.html

Recommendations: Finsterforst, XIV Dark Centuries, Wolfchant, Riger

Tanz der Vampire - Die Unstillbare Gier

2009-04-10T16:18:00.002-05:00

Okay, I couldn't resist. Here's a video from Tanz der Vampire, which I think is the second most successful German language musical after Elisabeth. Most of the musical is fairly light, and it definitely is a comedy more than anything else, but this song is one of the few serious ones. This scene gives insight into the mind of a vampire (no, not Edward Cullen) who has been alive for too long.

Subtitles by me.

Recommendations: Elisabeth, Rebecca, Mozart!, Marie Antoinette

Die Ärzte - Männer sind Schweine

2009-04-10T14:41:00.004-05:00

I love this song and video. It's completely ridiculous and very funny. Well, at least I think so. And I think that most women would agree. :) Actually, a lot of the band's songs are very funny. I think my favorite of theirs is "Meine Ex(plodierte) Freundin" (translation: "My Ex(ploded) Girlfriend"), but unfortunately, it doesn't have a music video. That song is about how the song's protagonist's girlfriend literally exploded. Well, how she and all his previous girlfriends all exploded. Obviously, he says, they just weren't being careful enough. :)

This band is great pop-punk humor, so even if you normally don't care about translations of songs, I suggest you check them out for this band. If you like this song and want translations of more of Die Ärzte's songs, just let me know.

Lyrics Translation:

Hello my darling, I love you,
You are the only one for me
I think all the others are stupid,
That's why I'm courting you
You're so different, so special,
I always notice these things.
So get undressed and lie down
because I'm so in love with you

It's dark, it will soon be night
But here's a word of warning

Men are pigs
Don't trust them my child
They just want One Thing
Because that's the way they are

A man doesn't feel like a man
Unless he can give you a good seeing to
He lies and swears just to get you into bed
And then the next morning
He doesn't even remember your name
Inconsiderate and with no guilt
Feelings are completely foreign to him

To him, love is just using semen
Girl, you've been warned

Men are pigs
Don't ask for sunshine
Sadly there are no exceptions
Inside every man there is a pig
Men are bastards
Don't believe a word they say
Thy swear to be eternally true
And then the next morning they're away
Yeah yeah yeah

And then if you make the mistake
of finding yourself a husband
Your Rose cavalier mutates
into an animal after the wedding,
Then he shows you the "real him"
Unshaven and disgusting
drinks beer, watches telly and quickly gets fat
and burps and farts in the marital bed

Then you have King Kong as a husband
So I tell you, think better of it

Men are pigs
Don't trust them my child
They just want One Thing
For true love, they're blind
Men are Rats
They come across as cunning
They all want to copulate
Men are pigs
Don't ask for sunshine
Sadly there are no exceptions
Inside every man there is a pig
Men are cars, but without spare tires

Translation from: http://lyricwiki.org/Die_Ärzte:Männer_Sind_Schweine

Recommendations: Farin Urlaub, Bela B, Die Toten Hosen, Madsen

Xavier Naidoo-Was Wir Alleine Nicht Schaffen

2009-04-10T13:57:00.004-05:00

Here's another more mellow song: R&B or soul with some hip-hop in the middle would be my way of describing it. This song was very popular in Germany a few years ago, and it became a sort of anthem for Germany's soccer team in the finals leading up to the 2006 World Cup. The German team didn't win that year, but the song's themes of brotherhood, working together, and all that make it a good song to represent national pride in sports. This video isn't the actual music video for the song; instead it sets the song to clips of the German soccer team.

Lyrics Translation:

While the others toil and nothing happens
we are in the right place at the right time
and everything is taken care of. I am thankful for that
because every day with my brothers and sisters
I feel truly alive

What we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We need no weapons for it
Our only weapons are our minds
And what we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We must only be patient
For it won't take much longer

The others can laugh. No one laughs more than us.
What else should they do? We are knights who see life through rose-colored glasses
A life without you makes little sense. No life, no sound
It would be as though I were blind

What we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We need no weapons for it
Our only weapons are our minds
And what we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We must only be patient
For it won't take much longer

Something lies before us, life lies before us
Can you sense the approach of joy?

What we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We need no weapons for it
Our only weapons are our minds
And what we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We must only be patient
For it won't take much longer

We have wind in our sails again
And now nothing speaks against
achieving our goals, since many signs show that we are
superior for we are on the right track. Even when
we are met with problems
we can overcome the rain and remain calm
and manage it somehow
As we always have done
But without an inner map we would be lost and would have to
realize that we go in circles like on a
go-cart track
So let us be thankful that it isn't so
In times like these, we should never lose sight
of that which is the most important thing for so many people:
life's eternal challenge that has no rules except to
get to first place in the best time
But who cares what the people babble about, the inpatient ones who stumble
and fall
for achieving success through violence will not bring them anything
and that's exactly what we should understand

What we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We need no weapons for it
Our only weapons are our minds
And what we can't achieve alone
We can achieve together
We must only be patient
For it won't take much longer

-Translation: me

Recommendations: Zeichen der Zeit, Söhne Mannheims, Glashaus

Elisabeth - Rastlose Jahre + Die Schattern Werden Länger

2009-04-09T10:57:00.003-05:00

I discovered this musical a few years ago, and It's been my favorite show since then. It recounts the history of Empress Elisabeth of Austria while adding a romance between her and Death. Okay, it sounds a bit strange when I put it that way, but it's really good. Good music, good characters, and all that jazz.

This clip contains two songs from the second act of the musical. The first song takes place during a time when Elisabeth was unhappy with her husband and her whole life in general. She kept traveling to avoid Vienna. The guy in the black shirt who criticizes her is Luigi Lucheni, her assassin and the narrator of the musical. The second song (starting around 2:20) is one of the show's biggest hits. In this scene, Death basically tries to convince Rudolf (Elisabeth's unhappy son who eventually commits suicide) to get involved in politics. This results in a conflict between him and his father, and it ends in Rudolf's death.

Subtitles on the video done by me.

Recommendations: Rebecca, Mozart!, Marie Antoinette, Tanz der Vampire

Lacrimosa - Lichtgestalt

2009-04-09T09:34:00.006-05:00

Back to gloomy rock, this time with Lacrimosa. They're classified as gothic metal, darkwave, and symphonic metal, but unlike most symphonic metal bands, their CDs have a couple purely orchestral songs and a few purely metal/rock songs. Lichtgestalt is definitely one of their more metal/rock songs. Actually, despite what I just said it reminds me a bit of Malice Mizer because of the keyboard... but it's very different in most other ways. Check it out:

Lyrics Translation:

I am the breath on your skin
I am the velvet around your body
I am the kiss on your neck
I am the shine on your eyelashes
I am the fullness of your hair
I am the corner of your eyes
I am the print of your fingers
I am the blood in your veins
And day in - day out I flow through your heart

No matter how fast you run
And how far you get
You carry me with you!
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I am a part of you!

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I am a part of you!

I am the unlived dream
I am the longing that is chasing you
I am the pain between your legs
I am the scream in your head
I am the silence - the fear of your soul
I am the lie - the loss of your dignity
I am the faint - the anger of your heart
I am the void - that you one day will become

No matter how fast you run
And how far you get
You carry me with you!
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I am a part of you!

Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I am a part of you!

Creature of light, in your shadows I am turning

Translation: http://www.nomorelyrics.net/lacrimosa-lyrics/358323-lichtgestalt-lyrics.html

Recommendations: Iluminate, Elis, L'Âme Immortelle

Seeed- Dickes B

2009-04-08T22:08:00.003-05:00

In case you were starting to worry that German music was all somewhat depressing and only consisted of rock and electronica, here's something completely different. This song is upbeat hip-hop/reggae about Berlin. Enjoy!

Lyric Translations:

The asphalt floor shook, my ears were ringing
When I lost my heart to a phat beat
Since then the city has seemed better to me than before
When I cruise through Berlin, reggae is my motor

I sing on my bike, sometimes bass and sometimes tenor
At home I turn up the sound - the neighbors don't mind
I throw down fresh beats at my record store

Concrete jungle, supersonic sound system culture
When there's a party, we're on the dance floor
The DJ makes the verse and the ladies the chorus
You sink into the bass like a corpse in a moor

It makes you move your knees, for the rhythm is hardcore
We show what we've got until 7 in the morning
Where others have a closing time, we have waste collection
Then we smoke a pipe, appear again
And blow thick smoke through the Brandenburg Gate

Phat B, up on the river
In summer you're great and in winter, it's painful
Mama Berlin, brick and gasoline
We love your ambience when we leave our houses

The Berlin air in comparison to other cities
Has the most delicious taste, the best quality of all
To celebrate parades and exclusive festivals
The masses have come here without being begged

They once went at Berlin with tanks and missiles
Today I live in the East between hanging flowers
I don't worry too much about money
Build stuff here and there, but nothing concrete

The city's bursting at the seams with coolness
But now where are the guys who stand seriously in line?
Their potential, their styles have to be relaxed
Too much power in their lungs for too few trumpets

Phat B, up on the river
In summer you're great and in winter, it's painful
Mama Berlin, brick and gasoline
We love your ambience when we leave our houses

This a one name it nice reggae music I say nice, nice
inna Berlin is just like a paradice, it nice
everybody say dem love di vibes, vibes
when the reggae play dem say dem feel allright
when the reggae play trust me ju nah fe worry,
everybody come the reggae vibes dem all a study
make we take a check up pan the crew dem way promote it.
cause a reggae well it come fe run the city.
every monday night you now say dat a escobar
coming from near me say you coming from far.
every tuesday night you now say dat a tanzbar.
everybody go dey want fe look like a star.
every wensday night you can go check out subground
way the reggae music mash the whole place down .
black kappa voice comming through di microphone
an make me say one love to all of the sound
big up Barney Millah , Concrete Jungle crew dem
big up Panza, Supersonic crew dem
big up Alex an the Such A Sound crew dem
and make me say one love to the nex sound dem.
we sing

Phat B, up on the river
In summer you're great and in winter, it's painful
Mama Berlin, brick and gasoline
We love your ambience when we leave our houses

Translation by me. Please excuse any mistakes; I'm not quite up to speed on German slang.

Recommendations: Gentleman, Freundeskreis

Paul van Dyk/Peter Heppner - Wir Sind Wir

2009-04-08T21:47:00.004-05:00

Now for a bit of German history through music. No, not World War II, its aftermath. Germany trying to rebuild itself, deal with being separated into two countries, and eventually face reunification. This song is fairly laid back electronica, I suppose. I've seen it classified as trance, but it has more of a popish, epic chorus and melody than most trance I know. Well, check it out yourself and then you can label it.

The original version of the song can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_hmswsKSrM (embedding was disabled). The video embedded below is a more mellow remix of the song with fewer synthesizers and a less catchy sound:

Lyrics Translation:

Day by day, year by year, when I walk through these streets
I see how the ruins of this city are rising up to houses again
But many windows stay empty, for many there was no returning
And we prefer not to talk about the things that just happened

But I ask...
I ask myself who we are

We are who we are, we are standing here
Seperated, beaten, and yet we are still alive
We are who we are, we are standing here
This just couldn't have been all, there is no time to be sad
We are who we are, we are standing here
We are who we are

Resurged from ruins we thought we achieved a dream
For 40 years we pulled together, we turned ash to gold
Now everything is different again, and that what was before has no worth today
Now we can have what we want, but didn't we actually want more?

And I ask...
I ask myself where we stand

We are who we are, we are standing here
Again united in one country, super rich and broke
We are who we are, we are standing here
We won't be broken down that easily, there is no time to be bitter
We are who we are, we are standing here
We are who we are

We are who we are
Seperated, beaten, and yet we are still around
We are who we are
And we will overcome it because life has to go on
We are who we are
It is only a bad run, we won't resign so easily, wont we?

Translation: Vadios83 on youtube

Recommendations: Wolfsheim, Deine Lakaien, Paul Van Dyk

Subway to Sally - Besser du rennst

2009-04-08T08:01:00.008-05:00

I promised music from diverse genres, but now I'm posting another rock video. Sorry about that! But this is one of my favorite band's new songs, so you'll just have to deal with it. :)

Subway to Sally is usually credited as being the first Mittelalter Rock (aka Medieval Metal) band. Their sound is similar to Folk Metal, but generally less harsh, fast, and upbeat. They have evolved significantly over the years to the point where I'm not even sure if their latest album conforms to the label of Mittelalter Rock, but they're still good. Herzblut, Hochzeit, and Nord Nord Ost are my favorite albums of theirs.

"Besser Du Rennst" is from Subway to Sally's newest album, Kreuzfeuer. This isn't my favorite song of theirs, and I'm not all that impressed by the video, but they aren't well known outside Germany, so they don't have many videos to choose from.

Once again, the translation and similar bands can be found below the cut.

Empty your bags
Throw everything on the floor
You don't need these things
That weigh down your coat

You have cheated yourself
Of truth and of time
That demonically quickly vanished
You're borrowing your life

You will destroy everything here
I can only swear to you
It is time to start anew
It is time to flee

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
And as far
As your breath can take you

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
Don't turn around
Maybe you'll escape sometime

Better that you run

Say goodbye to everyone
To the days gone by
Let your stars dance
Clear the air at last

For you must now dare everything
You should not hold any sorrow
The world continues to turn
With or without you

You will destroy everything here
I can only swear to you
It is time to start anew
It is time to flee

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
And as far
As your breath can take you

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
Don't turn around
Maybe you'll escape sometime

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run

You will destroy everything here
I can only swear to you
It is time to start anew
It is time to flee

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
And as far
As your breath can take you

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
Don't turn around
Maybe you'll escape sometime

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
And as far
As your breath can take you

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run
As fast as you can
Don't turn around
Maybe you'll escape sometime

Better that you go
Better that you move
Better that you run

Better that you run

-Lyrics: Subway to Sally; Translation: me

Similar bands: Schandmaul, Salatatio Mortis, In Extremo

It's a blog! / Oomph! - Sandmann

2009-04-07T20:46:00.019-05:00

Hi! Hmm, I've never had a blog before, but I've enjoyed reading plenty of other peoples' blogs, so I decided I might as well give it a go myself. I'll post links to music videos... whenever I feel like it, and I'll tell you about similar bands so you know where to look if you like what you hear. If you have any requests, want to know more, or want recommendations, let me know. I'm always happy to promote my favorite bands. :)

Whenever I post a song, I'll post an English translation of it... unless I'm stupid and forget. I'm very forgetful. Another thing you should know: my tastes in music range a lot. So, if you hate what I post one week, don't worry, I'll probably post something very different the next week. Just pay attention to tags if you're not a fan of certain genres. I like metal, musicals, electronica, and many other genres, so I hope you'll be tolerant of what I post.

Enough talk, more music!

My most recent obsession: "Sandmann" by Oomph! It's basically heavy, melodic Neue Deutsche Härte with (IMO) better lyrics than Rammstein. (Translation of the lyrics below the cut in case you're interested)

Poor Germany
Can you see your children?
How they stand in line before the abyss

Sick Germany
Can you understand their fear
When they go to sleep?

La Le Lu,
Only the man in the moon is watching
When the poor children sleep
You sleep too

La Le Lu,
And the small heart freezes over
When the other children ask:
"How much do you have?"

Sandman, Sandman
Turn the lights off
The truth is ugly
So send me a dream

Sandman, Sandman,
Come to me at home
Scatter sand in my eyes
And never wake me up again

Poor Germany
Can you see your children?
How they slowly go to the wolves

Rich Germany
When will your fun die?
When will you understand?

La Le Lu,
Only the man in the moon is watching
When the poor children sleep
You sleep too

La Le Lu,
And the small heart freezes over
When the other children ask:
"How much do you have?"

Sandman, Sandman
Turn the lights off
The truth is ugly
So send me a dream

Sandman, Sandman,
Come to me at home
Scatter sand in my eyes
And never wake me up again

Dry bread makes cheeks red
The young boy lives in need
He has been screaming enough to wound his lungs
The hunger burns in his child’s mouth

Dry bread makes cheeks red
But everyone is in his own boat
Now I’ll show you what affluence is
In the land that forgets its offspring

Sandman, Sandman
Turn the lights off
The truth is ugly
So send me a dream

Sandman, Sandman,
Come to me at home
Scatter sand in my eyes
And never wake me up again

-Lyrics by Oomph!, translation by me

If you like this song, check out "Augen Auf" and "Labyrinth" by the same band, or "Brennende Liebe" (also by Oomph! but features the vocalist from L'Âme Immortelle). If you're looking for other similar bands, check out Rammstein, Eisbrecher, and Megaherz. ASP (my current favorite band) and L'Âme Immortelle are other bands who sing primarily in German and play music that often falls under the Neue Deutsche Härte label, but to my ears, they have a more original sound. ASP frequently uses instruments like violins and bagpipes to add a beautiful, melodic contrast to their heavy sound, and L'Âme Immortelle has a female vocalist, unlike most NDH bands.