A lot of their initial popularity came from positive press in the UK (when many other Krautrock bands were shunned by UK media such as NME) and airplay on John Peel's BBC radio programmes, which led to extensive touring in the UK. They also gained exposure in Germany by doing soundtrack work for German filmmakers.
Keyboardist Irmin Schmidt and bassist/producer Holger Czukay had studied electronic music together under Karlheinz Stockhausen circa 1966. Schmidt was inspired to start the group following a trip to New York where he was "corrupted' by Andy Warhol and The Velvet Underground. As well as Schmidt and Czukay, the initial lineup included guitarist Michael Karoli, a former pupil of Czukay; and drummer Jaki Liebezeit.
Their first vocalist was an American sculptor, Malcolm Mooney, who joined them living in an old castle with their own music studio, Inner Space. Mooney added a sort of "outsider artist" approach to his improvised vocals, but the chaotic lifestyle was damaging to his mental health and he eventually fled back to the USA on advice of a psychiatrist. He later contributed to the 'reunion' album Rite Time in the mid '80s.
Mooney was replaced by Kenji "Damo" Suzuki, found busking outside a café in Munich. With Damo Suzuki they made their classic albums Tago Mago (1971), Ege Bamyasi (1972) and Future Days (1973). Suzuki left the group in 1973, marrying his German girlfriend and becoming a Jehovah's Witness; he subsequently resumed touring and recording as a solo artist. He sadly passed away on 09.02.2024 at the age of 74.
Following Suzuki's departure the music at first became even more atmospheric and electronic-based, with Karoli and Schmidt providing occasional vocals. However they then moved towards conventional music forms such as disco and reggae. The disco-influenced single I Want More was an international hit in 1976. The lineup was bolstered in 1977 by the addition of former Traffic bassist Rosko Gee and percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, while original bassist Czukay was relegated to making electronic sound effects.
The group split in 1979 but reunited briefly in the mid-80s and early 90s.
Vitamin C
Can Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Her mommy holds all the family cash
A beautiful blows, I stay at the corner
She is living in and out of tune
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
Your vitamin C
A monster press machine in on her body
While she is stepping on the quicksand
A beautiful rose, stay at the corner
She is living in and out of tune
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
Your vitamin C
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
The song "Vitamin C" by the German experimental rock band Can is a cryptic and enigmatic piece of music that defies easy interpretation. However, the song is often regarded as a commentary on the emptiness and superficiality of modern society and the loss of vitality and energy that comes with it.
The lyrics speak of a girl whose parents are wealthy and powerful, but whose life is plagued by instability and confusion. The reference to her "living in and out of tune" suggests that she is out of sync with the world around her, unable to find her place or purpose. Meanwhile, the repetition of the line "you're losing your vitamin C" could be interpreted as a warning to the listener not to lose their own vitality and energy, to avoid becoming like the empty and disconnected people that the song describes.
Can's music is known for its experimental and unconventional style, and "Vitamin C" is no exception. The song features a driving beat, distorted guitar riffs, and a hypnotic keyboard melody that loops throughout the song. The lyrics are delivered in a monotone, detached voice that adds to the sense of unease and disconnection.
Line by Line Meaning
Her daddy got a big aeroplane
Her father is wealthy and has a large private plane, indicating her family's wealth and status.
Her mommy holds all the family cash
Her mother is the one who controls the family's finances and wealth, further emphasizing their affluence.
A beautiful blows, I stay at the corner
Despite being surrounded by luxurious things, the singer is still an outsider in this world.
She is living in and out of tune
The girl is not in harmony with her environment or herself; she is struggling with something internally.
Hey you
You're losing, you're losing
You're losing, you're losing your vitamin C
The repeated chorus signifies a warning to the girl that she is losing something essential to her well-being (like vitamin C).
A monster press machine in on her body
While she is stepping on the quicksand
The girl is being pressured and suffocated by something (represented by the 'monster press machine') while also feeling unstable and insecure, like she's on 'quicksand.'
A beautiful rose, stay at the corner
She is living in and out of tune
Once again, the beauty of her surroundings is contrasted with her own dissonance - she cannot find a sense of belonging or comfort despite the luxury around her.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Bucks Music Group
Written by: Holger Schuering, Irmin Schmidt, Jaki Liebezeit, Kenji Suzuki, Michael Karoli, MICHAEL HALLS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind