The band emerged in 1968 out of the scene of hippies and squatters in Munich, Germany, but their strong interest in music led them to go their own way. They took their name from the old Egyptian name Amon, being an Egyptian sun god, and Düül, a character from Turkish fiction. Their personnel changed constantly, but maybe the most permanent members were Renate Knaup (vocals), Chris Karrer (guitar, violin), John Weinzierl (guitar), Peter Leopold (drums), Falk Rogner (organ, synthesizer). After several successful albums with a style that reached from long improvisation to more structured rock songs they split. Later they tried several resurrections but none of them brought back the old days of glory.
Amon Düül was initially an anarchist commune, but it split into two factions, Amon Düül (sometimes called Amon Düül I for disambiguation) and Amon Düül II. ADI was more politically inclined, but ADII preferred making music. Their anarchist tendencies are clearly seen in their music, especially on the albums Yeti, Tanz Der Lemminge, and Wolf City.
The band can be seen as having two distinct periods in their glory days, the improvisational period and the compositional period. The improvisational period consisted of albums such as Phallus Dei and Yeti, and, to a lesser extent, Tanz Der Lemminge. These albums all featured long, improvisational tracks (Phallus Dei was entirely improvised, and disc two of Yeti was as well, but Tanz Der Lemminge only featured one improvisation). Their compositional period starts with Carnival in Babylon and is highlighted by Wolf City. In this period, the band moved to more structured composed pieces. Many fans saw this as a poor move, but some believed that Amon Duul II proved that they were just as good at composing as they were at improvising.
Amon Düül II's drummer Peter Leopold died on 8 November 2006.
Bass player Lothar Meid died on 3 November 2015.
Ladies Mimikry
Amon Düül II Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're sitting in your cottage preserved from destiny
Considering vaguely that the inside trip would free
Illuminate your consciousness as far as I can see
And what's about a change to the extroverted way
Devotion can be good for you, at least some times I think
Let's forget about philosophy life is rough enough
An invitation from [....]
So please be patient
As a brand new settee
Synthesised ladies and young men
Are there for you to feel our pain
Zombies [sold a decadent robe?]
Naked lips are calling from the phone
With the expression
Of smiling colours
With [?love in question?]
And dithering ice
With cool emotion
Without distortion
As we lie
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry
That's ladies mimicry, ah
In the song "Ladies Mimikry" by Amon Düül II, the lyrics seem to be a message from one friend to another, urging him to try something new and break out of his comfort zone. The first verse describes a letter the friend received, in which the sender suggests that the friend try taking an "inside trip," presumably some kind of mind-altering experience, in order to expand his consciousness. The sender also suggests that the friend try being more extroverted, and enjoy some "nice diversion" rather than always contemplating philosophy.
The second verse introduces the idea of an invitation, possibly to some kind of party or gathering. The exact nature of this event is unclear, but the lyrics mention "synthesized ladies and young men" and "naked lips calling from the phone." The overall tone is one of excitement and invitation, urging the recipient to join in and experience something new and different.
Line by Line Meaning
You brother you sent me a letter last week
You, my brother, sent me a letter last week
You're sitting in your cottage preserved from destiny
You are sitting in your secluded cottage, safe from any fate or destiny that may befall you
Considering vaguely that the inside trip would free
You are half-heartedly considering the notion that an introspective journey could liberate you
Illuminate your consciousness as far as I can see
As far as I can tell, you hope to expand your consciousness and gain clarity
And what's about a change to the extroverted way
Have you considered switching to a more outgoing lifestyle?
Devotion can be good for you, at least some times I think
I believe that sometimes dedication and commitment can be beneficial
Let's forget about philosophy life is rough enough
Let's not delve into philosophical discussions, as life is already difficult as it is
Let's have some nice diversion, enjoy yourself and laugh
Instead, let's find some enjoyable distractions and take pleasure in laughter
An invitation from [...]
There is an invitation from someone or somewhere, not specified in the lyrics
So please be patient
Please wait a moment
As a brand new settee
As if you were a new sofa
Synthesised ladies and young men
Artificial, computer-generated women and men
Are there for you to feel our pain
They are available for you to empathize with their struggles
Zombies [sold a decadent robe?]
Zombies, possibly dressed in luxurious clothing, are present
Naked lips are calling from the phone
There are unidentified individuals speaking seductively over the phone
With the expression
With the countenance
Of smiling colours
With bright, cheerful appearances
With [?love in question?]
Perhaps with love in doubt or debate
And dithering ice
And ice that is indecisively moving
With cool emotion
With reserved, calm feelings
Without distortion
Without alteration or interference
As we lie
As we rest or recline
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry
This is what mimicking women look like
That's ladies mimicry, ah
This is what mimicking women look like, ah
Contributed by Elijah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
David Metcalfe
on She Came Through the Chimney
Maybe it's "indigo sea" and not Indian sea on Sleepwalkers Timeless Bridge?