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.
Wilhelm Wilhelm
Amon Düül II Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause a Kaiser is needed partout
Voluntarily willing
A welcome way in Compiègne
Ma-Ma-Maria-Theresa meets Marie-Louise
Kurfürstendamm relates to the peace of Schönbrunn
Deliberately puzzling
"Rien ne va plus à Sedan," said Napoléon le troisième
For the sake of saving his face
Unwillingly visiting
Wilhelmshöhe im Wald
"Mirror, mirror," asks Bismarck beaming
"Who's united in this land?"
Deliberately lending
A hand to a entente cordiale
(Mensch, Willi, i lieb di ja so sehr)
Garibaldi's glorious gladiators
Guard the peace south the Limes
Simultaneously willing
Rosso bianco e verde
General, General who guards the Grand Canyon
Ulysses liberalises the KKK's regime
Indefinitely ruling
From '69 to '77 pm
The song "Wilhelm Wilhelm" by Amon Düül II is a commentary on nationalism and war. The lyrics refer to historical figures and events, such as Wilhelm II of Germany, Napoleon III of France, Bismarck, and Garibaldi's army. The first stanza of the song says that the nation needs Wilhelm because a Kaiser is needed everywhere, suggesting that war is imminent and that Wilhelm should be ready for his role as a leader. The next stanza references Maria-Theresa, Marie-Louise, Kurfürstendamm, and Schönbrunn, all symbols of imperial power and wealth. The third stanza mentions the Battle of Sedan and Napoleon III's visit to Wilhelmshöhe im Wald, again suggesting conflict and imperial ambitions.
The fourth stanza refers to Bismarck's question about who is united in this land, suggesting that nationalism and unity must come before war. The final stanza references Garibaldi and his army guarding the peace, Ulysses Grant and his liberalization of the KKK, and a leader ruling for eight years. All of these references point to the idea that war and conflict are not the answer and that unity and peace should be the ultimate goal.
Line by Line Meaning
Wilhelm, Wilhelm, the nation needs you
The Kaiser is in demand everywhere and Wilhelm should come forward willingly for his nation.
'Cause a Kaiser is needed partout
There is an urgent need for a new emperor everywhere.
Voluntarily willing
Wilhelm should come forward willingly.
A welcome way in Compiègne
It would be a happy occasion in Compiègne.
Ma-Ma-Maria-Theresa meets Marie-Louise
The two queens meet each other.
Kurfürstendamm relates to the peace of Schönbrunn
A street in Berlin relates to the peace made in Vienna.
Deliberately puzzling
Intentionally confusing.
The crème de la crème of their age
The elite of their time.
"Rien ne va plus à Sedan," said Napoléon le troisième
"All is lost in Sedan," said Napoleon III.
For the sake of saving his face
To protect his reputation.
Unwillingly visiting
Not visiting willingly.
Wilhelmshöhe im Wald
A place called Wilhelmshöhe in the woods.
"Mirror, mirror," asks Bismarck beaming
"Mirror, mirror," says Bismarck with a smile.
"Who's united in this land?"
"Who is united in this country?"
Deliberately lending
Intentionally helping.
A hand to a entente cordiale
Extending an olive branch to form an entente cordiale.
(Mensch, Willi, i lieb di ja so sehr)
A personal message expressing love for Wilhelm.
Garibaldi's glorious gladiators
The brave soldiers of Garibaldi.
Guard the peace south the Limes
Protecting peace south of the Roman frontier.
Simultaneously willing
Ready to go at the same time.
Rosso bianco e verde
Colors of the Italian flag - Red, White, and Green.
General, General who guards the Grand Canyon
Someone guarding the Grand Canyon.
Ulysses liberalises the KKK's regime
Ulysses Grant freed slaves and challenged the KKK.
Indefinitely ruling
Being in power for a long time.
From '69 to '77 pm
Between 1869 and 1877.
Contributed by Thomas M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Julian Perry
Absolutely sublime! As great as Blue Öyster Cult at their best as far as I'm concerned - and with great vocals too!