However, Neubauten soon outgrew the confines of even the broad scope of industrial music. In their 25-plus years, they have produced a dozen studio albums, live records, a remix album and EP, scored theatre pieces, and more.
Lead vocalist Blixa Bargeld is perhaps the best-known member of the group, both for his work with Neubauten and as guitarist for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. His fellow founding members Alexander Hacke and N.U. Unruh have likewise been active in various musical roles outside the group over the years.
Bassist Mark Chung was a member of the group from 1981 to 1994. He founded the publishing house Freibank Music Publishing to handle business affairs for Neubauten and other groups, and has continued in this role (concurrently serving as a senior vice-president of Sony Music International for nine years). Percussionist FM Einheit, was a member from 1981 to 1995, and has also been active as a solo artist and member of groups such as Gry.
Since 1997 the group has also included guitarist Jochen Arbeit and percussionist Rudi Moser.
Neubauten's most recent work has been available exclusively to subscribers to their online home, www.neubauten.org. Neubauten completed the third incarnation of their online project in November 2007 and were touring Europe in 2008 in support of their latest album Alles Wieder Offen.
Currently Einstürzende Neubauten is celebrating their 30th anniversary with a tour through Europe and the United States. In October/November 2010 the band is releasing Strategies Against Architecture IV, the fourth album in the archival compilation series by Neubauten which collates the band’s output from 2002-2010.
Alles wieder offen
Einstürzende Neubauten Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Die Rechnungen
Die Fragen und das Meer
Grenze, Mauer, Lachen, Haus
Feindschaft und Visier
Die Karten liegen offen
Wie die Grube
Wie das Grab
Das Geheimnis und die Quelle
Die Schleuse und der Sarg
Und möglicherweise auch das Magengeschwür
Es ist alles wieder offen
Die Zukunft
Die Folge, Nachfolge
Resultat
Tür, Tor, Wein, Hose, Bluse, Hemd und Haar
Die Fontanelle
Schlucht
Die Zukunft und die Bar
Die Runde
Der Schmerz (Das Spiel)
Die offene Marktwirtschaft
Das Messer
Jacques Offenbach
Es ist alles wieder offen
Vorwärts
Rückwärts
Seitwärts
Raus raus raus
Es ist alles wieder offen
wieder offen
wieder alles
Das System
Die Stelle und der Bahnübergang
Zeit, Platz, Buch, Krieg
Briefe, Schrank und Schuh
Dach, Kanal
Der Sieg und der Kamin
Die Geschäfte bleiben offen
Bleiben offen sowieso
Das Angebot ist offen für alle
Es ist alles wieder offen
wir hoffen
wieder alles
Ich lehne mich kurz zur Seite
und erwarte einen kleinen Schub
Ich weiss nicht ob ich heulen sollte …
Was ist offen?
Die Wunde und das Herz
Das Gesicht
Die Kirche
Die Gesellschaft und der Staat
Das Mikrofon
Der Himmel
Die Partnerschaft
Das Wort
Der offene Vollzug
Es ist alles wieder offen
The lyrics of Einstürzende Neubauten's song "Alles wieder offen" present a sequence of phrases that appear to be disconnected but are linked by the theme of openness. The lyrics begin by listing equations, calculations, questions, borders, walls, laughter, and hostility, which are followed by more abstract concepts such as secrets and sources. The song then moves to a discussion of the future, its consequences, and the open market. The chorus repeats the phrase "alles wieder offen," which means "all is open again," suggesting a turning point or a moment of new possibilities.
The next section of lyrics introduce more concrete imagery, such as a railway crossing, time, and letters. The song's chorus repeats, and new elements are added, such as the victory, the fireplace, and the canal. The final verse introduces more societal elements such as the church, government, and communication. The final line "alles wieder offen" emphasizes the overall theme of being open to new ideas.
Overall, the song seems to be about the idea of being open to new experiences and willing to consider new ideas. It suggests that in life, things are never completely settled and that there is always the possibility of new developments and possibilities. The song's final chorus suggests that the openness can bring hope and that the future is yet to be written.
Line by Line Meaning
Die Gleichungen
All of the mathematical equations that represent the essential truths of the universe
Die Rechnungen
All of the bills, debts, and financial obligations one must meet to sustain oneself in society
Die Fragen und das Meer
All of the unanswered questions and vast mysteries of the ocean, representing the unknowns of life
Grenze, Mauer, Lachen, Haus
The physical barriers and structures of society that separate people and limit their movements, as well as the joy and familiarity of home
Feindschaft und Visier
The hostility and aggression one might encounter, as well as the tools used to aim and focus in on someone or something
Die Karten liegen offen
All of the information and strategies being laid out in a clear and transparent manner
Wie die Grube
Much like an open pit or excavation site, everything is exposed and laid bare
Wie das Grab
As if everything is being uncovered and put on display before it fades into the oblivion of death
Das Ende und die Feuerstelle
The finality and closure of things, as well as the ritualistic gathering around a heat source to reflect and connect with others
Das Geheimnis und die Quelle
All of the hidden knowledge and unsaid truths emerging, along with the source of inspiration and creativity
Die Schleuse und der Sarg
The floodgate of emotion and release, as well as the container for death and loss
Und möglicherweise auch das Magengeschwür
And perhaps even the physical manifestations of stress and anxiety that come with confronting these deep truths
Es ist alles wieder offen
Everything has been brought to the surface and is being re-examined
Die Zukunft
All of the unknown possibilities and outcomes of tomorrow
Die Folge, Nachfolge
The consequences and impacts of one's actions, as well as the succession of generations
Resultat
The end result or outcome of a process or decision
Tür, Tor, Wein, Hose, Bluse, Hemd und Haar
All of the objects and clothing that make up daily life and identity
Die Fontanelle
The vulnerable and delicate part of the skull that represents new life and beginnings
Schlucht
A deep and narrow ravine or gap, representing the challenges or obstacles one may encounter
Die Zukunft und die Bar
The unknown possibilities of tomorrow, with the social gathering place of a bar representing the human desire for community and connection
Die Runde
The circle or group of people that one interacts with, whether socially or professionally
Der Schmerz (Das Spiel)
The pain or discomfort that comes with the game of life, with all of its ups and downs
Die offene Marktwirtschaft
The economic system that values free trade and competition between individuals and companies
Das Messer
The sharp tool that can be used for both beneficial and destructive purposes
Jacques Offenbach
The 19th-century French composer known for his operettas and light-hearted musical works, possibly representing the playful and ironic nature of life
Vorwärts
Moving forward into the future and the unknown
Rückwärts
Looking back on the past, with all of its memories and regrets
Seitwärts
Navigating the present moment, with all of its opportunities and challenges
Raus raus raus
The desire to escape or break free from constraints or limitations
wieder offen
Everything continues to be laid bare and re-examined
wieder alles
All aspects of life are being reconsidered and reevaluated
Das System
The larger structure of society, with all of its rules and regulations governing individuals and organizations
Die Stelle und der Bahnübergang
The physical locations and structures that represent different parts of one's journey through life
Zeit, Platz, Buch, Krieg
The key elements of life that shape one's experiences, including time and space, intellectual pursuits, and conflict
Briefe, Schrank und Schuh
The everyday objects and artifacts that make up one's life, including personal correspondence, furniture, and footwear
Dach, Kanal
The physical structures that protect us from the elements and provide utility, representation shelter and drainage systems
Der Sieg und der Kamin
The moments of triumph and victory in life, as well as the comforting warmth and security of a fireplace
Die Geschäfte bleiben offen
The world continues to turn, and life goes on despite any upheaval or uncertainty
Bleiben offen sowieso
These aspects of life will continue whether or not they are acknowledged or discussed
Das Angebot ist offen für alle
Opportunities exist for anyone who is willing to seek them out and take advantage of them
wir hoffen
There is always hope for the future, even in the face of difficult and uncertain times
Ich lehne mich kurz zur Seite
Taking a brief moment to pause and reflect on one's current situation
und erwarte einen kleinen Schub
Anticipating a small push in the right direction, whether from oneself or others
Ich weiss nicht ob ich heulen sollte …
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions and uncertain how to respond
Was ist offen?
Asking the question of what information or opportunities still remain to be uncovered
Die Wunde und das Herz
The physical and emotional centers of one's being, representing both pain and love
Das Gesicht
The outward appearance and expression that one presents to the world
Die Kirche
The spiritual and religious institutions that provide guidance and community for some
Die Gesellschaft und der Staat
The larger systems of government and social norms that affect every individual's life
Das Mikrofon
The tool used to amplify one's voice and message, often used in creative expression or political activism
Der Himmel
The vast and infinite space above us, representing both the unknown and the potential for transcendence
Die Partnerschaft
The romantic and emotional connections one makes with others in their life
Das Wort
The power of language and communication, whether written or spoken
Der offene Vollzug
The concept of open rehabilitation and reintegration into society for those who have been convicted of crimes
Es ist alles wieder offen
The cycle of life continues to unfold, with all of its mysteries and possibilities still waiting to be revealed
Contributed by Nathan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.