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.

Salamandrina
Einstürzende Neubauten Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina

Nicht Nixen, Nymphen, Sylphen, Elfen,
Musen oder Feen
Für dich will ich die Motten versteh'n
die können nicht widersteh'n
Für dich bin ich ein Phoenix nur, Geschichte
ist bekannt

nur immer wieder, nimmer, nimmer nichts
dazugelernt

Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina

Zunächst leg' ich die Hand ins Feuer
und zieh' mich daran 'rein
dann verzehren Flammen sich
und ich werd' eine davon sein

Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina

"In girum imus nocte
et consumimur igni"
Wir irren des Nachts im Kreis umher
und werden vom Feuer verzehrt

Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina
Du wirst niemals vom Feuer verzehrt

Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina
Du wirst niemals vom Feuer verzehrt

Overall Meaning

The song "Salamandrina" by Einstürzende Neubauten is an unusual song. The lyrics are poetic and cryptic, creating a sense of mystique and intrigue. The song starts with the repeated phrase "Salamandrina," which is the name of a species of salamander. The first verse suggests that the singer is willing to go to great lengths to understand and appreciate the subject of their affection. The singer compares themselves to a phoenix, a mythical bird that is reborn from its own ashes. The line "nur immer wieder, nimmer, nimmer nichts dazugelernt" suggests that the singer keeps making the same mistakes, despite their best efforts.

The chorus of the song, "Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina," adds to the sense of mystery surrounding the lyrics. The second verse takes a more literal turn, describing the act of placing a hand in the fire and becoming one of the flames. The third verse quotes a Latin phrase, "In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni," which means "we go round and round in the night and are consumed by fire." This line suggests a sense of futility or endless repetition, and reinforces the idea of being consumed by something.

Overall, "Salamandrina" is a complex and intriguing song that leaves a lot of room for interpretation. The lyrics suggest a struggle with desire or obsession, as well as a fascination with fire and transformation.

Line by Line Meaning

Nicht Nixen, Nymphen, Sylphen, Elfen, Musen oder Feen Für dich will ich die Motten versteh'n die können nicht widersteh'n Für dich bin ich ein Phoenix nur, Geschichte ist bekannt nur immer wieder, nimmer, nimmer nichts dazugelernt
I reject the typical fantasy creatures and offer to understand moths for you. I am like a phoenix, with a known history of rebirth but with no added knowledge or growth.

Zunächst leg' ich die Hand ins Feuer und zieh' mich daran 'rein dann verzehren Flammen sich und ich werd' eine davon sein
I will willingly submerge myself into the flames, becoming one with them as they consume me.

"In girum imus nocte et consumimur igni" Wir irren des Nachts im Kreis umher und werden vom Feuer verzehrt
"We wander in circles at night and are consumed by fire." This represents a cycle of pain and destruction.

Du wirst niemals vom Feuer verzehrt
You, Salamandrina, will never be consumed by the fire. This could be seen as a form of admiration or envy towards the titular character.

Salamandrina Salamandrina Salamandrina
Repetition of the name Salamandrina, possibly to emphasize the central focus of the song.

Contributed by Allison G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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