Schade wie kann das passieren?
Die Toten Hosen Lyrics

The lyrics of Die Toten Hosen's song "Schade wie kann das passieren?" (which translates to "What a pity, how can this happen?") tell a story of a defeated team trying to hold on to their pride and dignity, despite losing to what they perceived to be a weaker opponent. The singer expresses disappointment and frustration, but also determination to bounce back and seek revenge. The song seems to be about sports, but it could also be interpreted as a metaphor for any situation in which someone undergoes a setback and struggles to regain their confidence and status.

The first stanza establishes the band's identity and values: they have a history and tradition that cannot be bought, and they refuse to be defeated or silenced. They acknowledge their defeat but vow to come back stronger. The second and third stanzas describe the reaction of the defeated team to the gloating of their opponents and the sadness of their fans. They congratulate the victors but also remind them that they will meet again and have a chance to prove themselves. The chorus serves as a repeated refrain that emphasizes the bitterness of the defeat and the determination to seek revenge.

One interesting aspect of "Schade wie kann das passieren?" is that it was written as a response to the German national soccer team's loss to Croatia in the quarterfinals of the 1998 World Cup. The band's lead singer, Campino, is a passionate soccer fan and had written several songs about the sport before. The defeat of the German team was a huge disappointment to fans and players alike, and the song was meant to express the feelings of many people who were upset by the loss. However, the lyrics are ambiguous enough to apply to any situation of defeat and redemption.

Another noteworthy feature of the song is the use of the word "Schade" in the title and chorus. This German word can mean "shame," "pity," or "too bad," depending on the context. It conveys a sense of regret and disappointment that is particularly fitting for the theme of the song. The word is also used in a playful way in other parts of the lyrics, such as when the band says they will make a "böse Miene" (a bad face) to the other team's "gutes Spiel" (good game).

In addition, the song features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm that make it a favorite of Die Toten Hosen's fans. The band has been active since the 1980s and is known for its punk rock energy and political activism. "Schade wie kann das passieren?" is a relatively upbeat and optimistic song compared to some of the band's more socially critical and angry works, but it still reflects their commitment to independent thinking and resistance against oppression.