Einstürzende Neubauten is an ever-changing musical entity, originally forme… Read Full Bio ↴Einstürzende Neubauten is an ever-changing musical entity, originally formed in Berlin, Germany, on the 1st April 1980. Neubauten were initially seen as part of the second wave of industrial bands, filling the space left when Throbbing Gristle terminated their mission. Neubauten's early output fit the term "industrial" well, as it (ab)used the sounds of machinery, metal-on-metal, construction-site equipment, and treated tape loops, creating harsh soundscapes and rhythmic textures reminiscent of krautrock. Their inclusion on the record label Some Bizarre, with acts like Foetus, Coil, and Test Dept., consolidated this position as new industrial pioneers.

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.

I kissed Glenn Gould
Einstürzende Neubauten Lyrics

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Ich habe völlig überraschend einen Oscar bekommen.
Renovierung bei Karl Lagerfeld
Wofür eigentlich?
I kissed Glenn Gould
Dinosaurier
kleine Pferde
gezähmte Dinosaurier
halbtote Vögel, und ein Lamm das verfüttert wird

die mit Lufballon-peitschen angetrieben, Rikschas ziehen
so, und andere Varianten, die halbe Nacht
jetzt sind da so Schlaufen…
Was für Schlaufen?
…Na bei den dreien…am Anfang da waren zwei Pulvermänner und eine Lebertochter…zum aufblasen, da steht:
To Mam and Dad
…ganz toll ist das.
Kreuzberg:
Ich versuche…
Ich versuche die Strasse zu überqueren…
Ich ver...

ein rabiates grünes Auto will mich daran hindern, ärgerlicherweise ist es die Polizei.
Das Erwachen entzieht mich der Behandlung.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Einstürzende Neubauten's "I kissed Glenn Gould" explore a series of seemingly disconnected events and images, creating a collage of surreal and fragmented experiences. The opening lines refer to unexpected success (receiving an Oscar) and luxury (renovations at Karl Lagerfeld's), raising the question of their purpose and value. The title line "I kissed Glenn Gould" stands out as a striking image, referring to the Canadian pianist known for his interpretations of Bach and who died in 1982. It is unclear who the singer is and what the significance of this kiss is, adding to the enigmatic and dreamlike quality of the lyrics.

The second stanza introduces a series of seemingly random images, including dinosaurs, horses, and half-dead birds, as well as strange modes of transportation. The reference to "Rikschas" suggests an Asian influence, adding to the global and multicultural scope of the lyrics. The final lines of the stanza refer to loops or ribbons that are attached to a message to "Mam and Dad", creating a sense of nostalgia or sentimentality that contrasts with the chaotic and primal imagery that precedes it.

Line by Line Meaning

Ich habe völlig überraschend einen Oscar bekommen.
I received an Oscar unexpectedly.

Renovierung bei Karl Lagerfeld
Karl Lagerfeld's place is going through a renovation.

Wofür eigentlich?
What's the reason behind it?

I kissed Glenn Gould
I kissed Glenn Gould.

Dinosaurier
Dinosaurs.

kleine Pferde
Small horses.

gezähmte Dinosaurier
Domesticated dinosaurs.

halbtote Vögel, und ein Lamm das verfüttert wird
Half-dead birds and a lamb being used as food.

die mit Lufballon-peitschen angetrieben, Rikschas ziehen
Pulling rickshaws propelled by balloon whips.

so, und andere Varianten, die halbe Nacht
And other variations, all night long.

jetzt sind da so Schlaufen…
Now there are loops.

Was für Schlaufen?
What kind of loops?

…Na bei den dreien…am Anfang da waren zwei Pulvermänner und eine Lebertochter…zum aufblasen, da steht: To Mam and Dad …ganz toll ist das.
....I'm talking about the three of them... In the beginning there were two powder men and a daughter of the liver...to blow up, it says: To Mam and Dad ...that's great.

Kreuzberg:
In Kreuzberg:

Ich versuche…
I'm trying...

Ich versuche die Strasse zu überqueren…
I'm trying to cross the street...

Ich ver... ein rabiates grünes Auto will mich daran hindern, ärgerlicherweise ist es die Polizei.
I'm tr... a violent green car is trying to stop me, unfortunately it's the police.

Das Erwachen entzieht mich der Behandlung.
The awakening takes me away from the treatment.

Contributed by Claire W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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