Autobahn
Kraftwerk Lyrics
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Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn
Vor uns liegt ein weites Tal
Die Sonne scheint mit Glitzerstrahl
Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn
Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn
Fahrbahn ist ein graues Band
Weiße Streifen, grüner Rand
The song "Autobahn" expands beyond just being a simple ode to Germany's highway system. It's an exploration of the culture and mood that the highway embodies. The opening lines, "Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn" are a repetitive chant that almost seems to mimic the sound of driving on the highway. The line is also referencing the speed at which they are driving, emphasizing the importance of velocity and movement.
As the song continues, the lyrics describe the vast expanse of nature around them while the car is traveling on the Autobahn. The line "Vor uns liegt ein weites Tal" refers to the scenery that surrounds their journey, which is met with the beauty and warmth that comes with sunshine, "Die Sonne scheint mit Glitzerstrahl." The lyrics then return to the main chorus, repeating the same sentiment of driving on the Autobahn, but this time it's paired with a description of the road itself. "Fahrbahn ist ein graues Band" describes the grey ribbon of the Autobahn, with "Weiße Streifen, grüner Rand" referring to the white lines separating the lanes and the green fields on either side.
Ultimately, "Autobahn" expresses a sense of freedom, adventure and unity, emphasizing the thrill of being on the open road, moving at high speeds, and enjoying the scenery with the company of others. The song captures the spirit of the highway as a symbol of modernity and progress, while making a profound artistic statement that continues to fascinate fans even after half a century since the release of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Wir fahren, fahren, fahren auf der Autobahn
We are cruising along the highway, moving forward steadily and smoothly.
Vor uns liegt ein weites Tal
Ahead of us is a vast and open valley waiting to be explored.
Die Sonne scheint mit Glitzerstrahl
The sun is shining brightly, casting a glittering beam of light on our path.
Fahrbahn ist ein graues Band
The roadway beneath us is a gray ribbon stretching as far as the eye can see.
Weiße Streifen, grüner Rand
White stripes run down the center of the road, with green borders on either side marking the boundary of the highway.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Emil Schult, Florian Schneider-Esleben, Ralf Huetter
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@truthbtruth8559
CRIKEY! 😆 In 1975 when my parents sent my younger sister and I to visit our relatives and her pen-pal in Germany, Kraftwerk was already famous there. I was 18, she was 16. I purchased their LP vinyl Album there and brought it back to Canada on our return home.❣
We drove on the Autobahn to go shopping in Zurich and sang "Fahn Fahn Fahn on the Autobahn" nonstop LOL 😆
Seriously, my cousin stopped on the side of the Autobahn so I could get out of her green VW BEETLE (of course!) to cross the pavement to the median and take pics of the Swiss Alps mountains in the far distance.
Which is illegal unless we had an extreme emergency!
There literally IS NO SPEED LIMIT!!
Porches and super fast cars whizzed by us at well over 100 kph, it was nuts!
I had finally crossed the median to take pics when OF COURSE a German Police car showed up with 2 Officers who immediately jumped out of their cruiser and yelled at me to "COME HERE!" in German but I couldn't because cars kept whizzing by at supersonic speeds!
They kept yelling at me to "SCHNELL!!" (HURRY!!) even if I were to get killed!! 😆 The Police were naturally quite angry!
Once I was able to run across the double lane road, my cousin had already explained to them that I was her TOURIST cousin and that I didn't know any better, so then the Police didn't ticket us!!
The AUTOBAHN IS REAL, it's NOT to be trifled with!! 😆 🤣 😂😢
@NatureOkie
The lyrics in German, are on back of US album
Fahr'n Fahr'n Farh'n Auf der Autobahn
Driving, on the Autobahn (Interstate, (Autostrada, Motorway)
Vor uns lieght ein weites tal
Before us is a huge valley
Sonnen scheint mit glitzerstrahl
Sun shines upon a glittering stream
Die farhbarn ist ein graus band
The roadway is a grey ribbon
Weissen streiffen greuner rand
White stripes, green edges
Jetzt schall ten wir das radio an
Then just as we turned the radio on
Aus dem lautsprecher Kling ist dan
Out of the speaker sound is spilling
Wir Farh’n auf der autobahn.
“We’re drivin’ on the Autobahn.”
@bobm3957
Very special to me. Back in 1974 I was age 12 and my cousin/ best friend Mike was 9 Mike had Leukemia and one day while watching him recieve a blood transfusion a nurse turned up the radio with Kraftwerk Autobahn playing as we both liked it. A few mins later I passed out for the 1st time in my life. Mike died soon after and this music and he has always stayed with me. To this day I can't get my blood drawn without hearing this in my mind BM. Hamden, Ct.
@lynnflynn5591
Kraftwerk Autobahn is very special to me also. In the 1970's my high school German teacher played this song for us in language class. I thought it was unique and have liked it very much ever since.
@bobm3957
@Lynn Flynn Very unique sound that for me is a portal in my mind back to a most difficult time. I guess I'm lucky to be able to stir up such a vivid memory a half century later
@HarryBlu
❤️
@aldershot5100
Touching story.Thanks for sharing it with us
@catey62
Sorry that you lost you friend like that. 😥
@rolandchang5338
Flying flying flying to heaven. Florian was a genius. He will be missed by the whole world, not just Germany
@stussy7629
I'll second that. The father of all modern synth, techno and dance music. The world would be very different without him. RIP
@RicoGMD
Same stussy76 R.I.P hope he is making music in heaven
@Who_can_save_you_from_hell
He did know Jesus?