Computerstaat
Die Toten Hosen Lyrics

The lyrics of Die Toten Hosen's song Computerstaat are a scathing commentary on the state's intrusion upon its citizens, both through the overt coercion of totalitarian regimes and the insidious influence of technology in modern society. The song's opening verses enumerate the various forms of state-sponsored oppression and paranoia, from the arrival of Arafat (the former chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization) on a Monday, to the presence of Breshnev (former General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union) in a public bathhouse on a Wednesday. The lyrics paint a haunting picture of a society where one is constantly watched, followed, and controlled by authority figures.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the omnipresence of the state is not limited to physical surveillance, but extends to the realm of technological influence. The lyrics make reference to the "Probealarm" (test alarm) on a Tuesday, which could be interpreted as a reference to the Cold War practice of conducting civil defense drills in the event of a nuclear attack. This is followed by the mention of the Mafia and their ability to import Ravioli from Florida on a Friday, suggesting the global reach of organized crime and its collusion with government authorities. The song culminates in a warning of impending doom, as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war in the Gulf of Mallorca.

Overall, Computerstaat is a powerful condemnation of the ways in which government institutions and technology can be used to suppress individual freedom and autonomy. It highlights the dangers of a society where the state holds unchecked power, and where surveillance and control are the norm rather than the exception.