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
Hate Me
Die Kreuzen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I ain't no fool
You're the fanatic
And you ain't so cool
You're so depressed
'Cause I'm no fun
You're so nervous 'cause
Your brain's gonna explode
I ain't so dumb
You can hate me
'Cause I've got you down
It's not so dramatic
I ain't no fool
You're the fanatic
You ain't so cool
You're so depressed
'Cause I'm no fun
Just go home
'Cause we don't want you here
The Die Kreuzen song "Hate Me" is a biting, confrontational song that seems to be aimed at someone who is overly dramatic and uptight. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of someone who sees through the facade that this person is putting up, and is not afraid to call them out on it. The opening lines, "It's not so dramatic, I ain't no fool, you're the fanatic, and you ain't so cool" set the tone for the rest of the song, which is essentially a takedown of this person who is trying to project an image of coolness and detachedness.
The song's chorus, "You can hate me 'cause I've got you down" is particularly cutting, as it suggests that the subject of the song is not nearly as in control as they would like to believe. The bridge, which repeats the opening lines with a slightly different emphasis, serves to reinforce the message of the song: that the subject should just go home, because they are not wanted here.
On the surface, "Hate Me" may seem like a simple punk song, but it's actually a cleverly crafted bit of songwriting that uses repetition and lyrical hooks to make its point. The song's message is clear and direct, but it's also nuanced enough to allow for multiple interpretations. Perhaps most importantly, though, the song is just really catchy and fun to listen to, with a raw energy that perfectly captures the spirit of punk rock.
Line by Line Meaning
It's not so dramatic
The situation is not as extreme as you are presenting it to be.
I ain't no fool
I am not stupid or easily deceived.
You're the fanatic
You are the one who is obsessively devoted to your beliefs or cause.
And you ain't so cool
You do not possess the level of composure or self-control that you think you do.
You're so depressed
You are experiencing feelings of severe despondency and dejection.
'Cause I'm no fun
This is because I refuse to engage in activities that you deem enjoyable.
You're so nervous 'cause
Your anxiety levels are high due to the situation at hand.
Your brain's gonna explode
You fear that you will not be able to handle the stress and pressure and will suffer a mental breakdown.
I ain't so stupid
I am not foolish or unintelligent.
I ain't so dumb
I am not ignorant or lacking in knowledge.
You can hate me
You are free to dislike or resent me.
'Cause I've got you down
This is because I am fully aware of your true nature and intentions.
Just go home
You should leave the current location or situation.
'Cause we don't want you here
The reason for your departure is that we do not desire your presence.
Contributed by Elijah L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.