They set about practicing and playing wherever and whenever they could, and seizing every opportunity to broaden their horizons by playing out of town (i.e. Minneapolis, Chicago, Madison, Indianapolis). Their name was chosen specifically to avoid stereotyping, because "no one knows what it means". -- Keith Brammer "The band's name is broken German for "the crosses" and was from a German Bible." -- Brian Egeness
Their first recorded output was two songs on Noise magazine's Charred Remains cassette compilation, followed by three on The Master Tape compilation LP. This and the ensuing press in Milwaukee and especially elsewhere led to the release in late 1982 of a 7" on the Version Sound label, entitled Cows & Beer, the title being "an in-joke on peoples' preconceptions of life in Wisconsin". This proceeded to sell out two pressings of 1,000 apiece, and is incidentally a much sought-after collector's item, prompting them to undertake their first tour of the South and West Coast in the summer of 1983.
Upon returning, they were greeted with the news that Touch and Go Records wanted to release an album, which for various reasons did not appear until July 1984. This 21-song self-titled LP then proceeded to sell upwards of 13,000 copies in the U.S. and Europe, and is still selling today. The release was followed by two years of repeatedly touring the States and Canada and gradually, through word of mouth and press of all sorts, spreading their name everywhere.
Gradually their songs were changing, their sound evolving and maturing. This was exhibited on their second LP for Touch and Go Records, October File, released in May 1986. Two more years of slow but steady songwriting and touring, helped along by positive critical response resulted in the release, in July 1988, of their third Touch and Go Records album, Century Days.
Progress, variety and melody are the key words here, adventurous songwriting accented by diverse production and outside help from horns without losing the band's trademark drive and excitement. Attractive packaging, multiple formats (11 song LP, 12 song cassette, 13 song CD), international distribution and increased airplay helped Century Days do very well.
After more extensive touring and various side projects, the band flirted with some new record labels but eventually released their fourth LP for Touch and Go Records in 1991, Cement. Of course, the band resumed touring in support of their new album.
On April 1, 1992, Die Kreuzen disbanded amid much conflict when guitarist Brian Egeness decided to pursue other interests. "He had different things to do, a different agenda." Keith Brammer said.
Official Websites
Official MySpace Page
Official Page at Touch and Go Records
"Counting Cracks" The Die Kreuzen Online Archive Site
Brian Egeness' Official website
Brian Egeness on IMDB
Decapitado Official Website
Fighting
Die Kreuzen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In the city there's no room
For the small to grow
Fast and clever and strong are we
Those rich and wealthy must know
There's no room for them and they must go
So watch out
The lyrics of "Fighting" by Die Kreuzen are a commentary on the struggles of living in the city, where the strong and fast are often the only ones who are able to survive. The phrases "Fighting for our lives is all we know" and "In the city there's no room for the small to grow" paint a picture of a competitive and cutthroat environment in which individuals must constantly fight to stay alive and thrive.
The song also has a political edge to it, as it calls out the rich and wealthy for their privileged position in society. The lyrics state that "Those rich and wealthy must know/There's no room for them and they must go," suggesting that the band members see wealth as something that is not earned or deserved, but rather, something that is inherited or gained through exploitation.
The chorus of "So watch out" is a warning to those who have been lucky enough to secure their place in society: the hardworking and impoverished people of the city are not going to go down without a fight. Overall, the lyrics of "Fighting" are a powerful statement on the struggles of the urban poor, and the tensions that can arise between social classes in a crowded and competitive environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Fighting for our lives is all we know
All we know is how to fight for survival.
In the city there's no room
There's no space for living in the crowded city.
For the small to grow
Small or weak people cannot thrive in the competitive environment of the city.
Fast and clever and strong are we
We are quick-witted and physically capable to survive.
Those rich and wealthy must know
The wealthy and privileged people need to understand our struggles.
There's no room for them and they must go
There's no space for the elite in this society and they must leave.
So watch out
Be cautious, as we are ready to fight for our survival.
Contributed by Alice N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.