PUNK band called Abwärts (in german for Downwards) is among the oldest exis… Read Full Bio ↴PUNK band called Abwärts (in german for Downwards) is among the oldest existing West German punk bands, led by singer/guitarist Frank Z., and founded in 1979 in Hamburg. Abwärts first achieved popularity within the punk and new wave scene with the "computerstaat" EP and the album "Amok Koma" both released in 1980 by "ZickZack Records". Soon Abwärts got fans in the faster hardcore as well as in the NDW Neue Deutsche Welle - New German Wave scene, with their second album, the dark and mysteriou "Der Westen Ist Einsam". After this album bassist Marc Chung and keyboardist FM Einheit left the band to join the Industrial legend band Einstürzende Neubauten. Abwärts recorded sporadically throughout the rest of the 1980s, before a shift in a more "crossover / thrash-metal" oriented direction led to a flurry of albums (5 in 5 years) in the early 1990s, before Frank Z. started a solo career. Today, Die Ärzte bassist Rod Gonzalez is member of Abwärts.

Softly Softly
Abwärts Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hey Mann, Kopf aus Styropor
Hey Mann, Zähne ganz aus Flour
Hey Mann, Body aus Vinyl
Hey Mann, dein Atem ist so kühl
Hey Mann, jetzt ziehst du deinen Colt
Hey Mann, ein Pimmel ganz aus Gold

It's softly softly hey-e-hey

Softly softly hey-e-hey
Softly softly hey-e-hey
Softly softly hey-e-hey

Hey Mann, und wenn du rot siehst
Dann siehst du meistens mich
Hey Mann, und wenn ich jemand erhängen möchte
Dann mein' ich meistens dich
Dann mein' ich meistens dich
Dann mein' ich meistens dich

Dann mein' ich meistens dich
It's softly softly

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Abwärts's song Softly Softly appear to be describing a character with a plastic and artificial appearance. The first stanza describes him as having a "Styrofoam head," teeth made of flour, and a vinyl body. His breath is described as "cool," while he draws his "Colt," which is "a penis made entirely of gold." The use of these unusual materials in the description of the character suggests a lack of authenticity and a sense of artificiality.

The second stanza suggests that the character is prone to anger and violence, symbolized by the line "when you see red, you usually see me." The following lines imply that the character is the one the singer would like to hang, highlighting a sense of tension and aggression. However, the repetition of "softly softly" throughout the song contradicts this sense of violence, suggesting a need for caution and restraint.

The repetition of "softly softly" acts almost like a chorus, and creates a sense of tension and release throughout the song. The lyrics and melody combine to create a sense of unease and an ominous tone, making this a compelling and thought-provoking song.

Line by Line Meaning

Hey Mann, Kopf aus Styropor
Hey man, your head is as empty and fragile as Styrofoam

Hey Mann, Zähne ganz aus Flour
Hey man, your teeth are as artificial and lifeless as flour

Hey Mann, Body aus Vinyl
Hey man, your body is as fake and superficial as vinyl

Hey Mann, dein Atem ist so kühl
Hey man, your breath is as cold and heartless as ice

Hey Mann, jetzt ziehst du deinen Colt
Hey man, now you're reaching for your gun

Hey Mann, ein Pimmel ganz aus Gold
Hey man, your manhood is as hollow and materialistic as a golden trophy

It's softly softly hey-e-hey
It's a gentle and gradual approach, with a hint of mockery

Softly softly hey-e-hey
Continuing the idea of a slow and mocking approach

Softly softly hey-e-hey
Repeating the same phrase to emphasize the mocking tone

Softly softly hey-e-hey
Ending the chorus with the same mocking phrase

Hey Mann, und wenn du rot siehst
Hey man, when you see red