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“Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward.”

- Henry Ford

Sunday, December 9, 2007

Rammstein - Amerika

I was just watching this video called Amerika by the German industrial rock act Rammstein, and I must say, this time, they haven't completely got me. Well, I don't mean that as in I don't understand the video, because I understand it damn well. I mean... there's some stuff in there that they claim to be part of American traditions that I don't feel really are.

Here's the video:


Here's the lyrics translated into English:

"[CHORUS]:
We're all living in Amerika
Amerika ist wunderbar
we're all living in Amerika
Amerika
Amerika

Do you want me?
(no I don't)
Do you need me?
(No I don't)
Dance with me I'm leading?
(No I can't)
Will you love me?
(No I won't)

This is not a love song
(No it's not)
I don't sing my mother tounge
(No I don't)
Afrika for Santa Claus
Und vor Paris steht Mickey Maus

[CHORUS]

Will you do it?
(No I won't)
Should you do it?
(No I don't)
Could you do it?
(No I can't)
Will you please me?
(No I won't)

If you don't want me
(You'll get hurt)
If you don't need me
(You'll get hurt)
If you don't love me
(You'll get hurt)
Fuck you is the magic word

[CHORUS]

We're all living in Amerika
Coca Cola, Wonderbra
We're all living in Amerika
Amerika
Amerika

This is not a love song
No, this is not a love song
This is how we do it
You'll get hurt
Fuck you is the sweetest word

[CHORUS]

We're all living in Amerika
Coca Cola, sometimes war
we're all living in Amerika
Amerika"

So, here's what I don't agree with about Amerika:

Last I checked, Santa Claus wasn't American, and neither is 80% of the modern interpretation of him. Look up Santa Claus on Answers.com. It will tell you that he was from Asia Minor, specifically Turkey, which is in the Middle-East. That's right, Santa Claus is as Middle-Eastern as.... well, me. Not only is he Middle Eastern in true origin, but the modern-day interpretation of Santa Claus is based on Sinterklaas, who was a character that's quite popular in the Netherlands and Belgium, as the article entails. Don't believe Wikipedia? Look anywhere else.

Next, the part about Wonderbras being made in America. Though the product was actually trademarked in America, it was made here in Canada, which I think should be taken into account. But seriously, I'd like to ask... what's so great about showing off your tits?

Apart from that, really, I'm not going to argue the song. Okay, maybe the "sometimes war" bit, because to say that America has had significantly more wars than every other country would be a bit silly, don't you think?

I know this song is old, but I just wanted to put my opinion on it out there, especially since it brought back great old memories.

What do you think about America's effect on the world? What do you think Rammstein is trying to get out?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

We're all living in America
America is wonderful
We're all living in America
America, America

When there's dancing I want to lead
even if you're whirling around alone
Let yourselves be controlled a little
I'll show you how it really goes
We're making a nice round dance
Freedom is playing on all violins
Music is coming out of the White House
and Mickey Mouse is standing in front of Paris

We're all living in America
America is wonderful
We're all living in America
America, America

I know moves that are very useful
and I will protect you from missteps
And whoever doesn't want to dance at the end
doesn't know yet that they must
We're making a nice round dance
I will show you the way
Santa Claus is coming to Africa
and Mickey Mouse is standing in front of Paris

We're all living in America
America is wonderful
We're all living in America
America, America

We're all living in America
Coca-Cola, Wonderbra
We're all living in America
America, America

This is not a love song
This is not a love song
I don't sing my mother tongue
No, This is not a love song

We're all living in America
America is wonderful
We're all living in America
America, America

We're all living in America
Coca-Cola, sometimes war
We're all living in America
America, America

Thats the lyrics in english get it right thank you

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

Rammstein is pretty week lyrically. Well, I am sure much is lost in translation, but most of their appeal I believe just comes from the shock affect.

Plus, something about the German language sounds cool when in Heavy Metal.

I prefer something a little more artistic like Tool.

Flora Korkis said...

To anonymous: Thanks for the translation. I don't know any German, and just got it from some online source that seemed pretty accurate. PS: Where did you get that translation from?

David: I don't know whether I'd consider them to be metal or not. They seem pretty vaguely between industrial rock and metal. I remember them calling their music "dance metal" at some point.

Also, I think I'd have to agree. It seems to be a lot more about the shock value and German lyrics than it does anything else. I personally like them because of the music. I rarely ever care for the lyrics.

Flora Korkis said...

Also, David, I wanted to see your blog, but it won't let me go to your profile to get a link. Can you give me the link to your blog here? I like to read the material of the people who comment on mine.