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.

Schwindel
Einstürzende Neubauten Lyrics

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Schwindel
erregend
Schwindel
erregend
gut gut
gut gut
Schwindel
aber erregend

trinke geistige Getränke
bis kein Gran in meinem Leib noch zuckt
Schwindel
ja ja
aber besonders erregend
in dieser Höhe
ja und das ist die Höhe
ist das Klima
für geistige Gespraeche
zum Beispiel:
Schwindel
erregend
früher war es einfacher
von Dach zu Dach zu springen
Schwindel
hör auf zu
Schwindel
wie soll ich?
in dieser Höhe?

Schwindel
erregend
weniger Wege waren vermint
jaja
Schwindel

erregend
Schwindel

Overall Meaning

The song "Schwindel" by Einstürzende Neubauten evokes a feeling of vertigo or dizziness. The repeated chant of "Schwindel erregend" (meaning "dizzying" or "stimulating") creates a sense of disorientation and a loss of control. The lyrics describe the physical sensation of being high up in the air, and the mental state of being intoxicated. The singer is consuming "geistige Getränke" (alcoholic beverages), trying to attain a state of drunkenness where no sensation remains in their body. The use of the word "geistige" (meaning "spiritual" or "mental") in reference to alcohol adds a layer of depth to the meaning of the song. It suggests that the intoxication is not only physical but also mental, allowing the individual to escape reality.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of danger and risk-taking behavior, with the mention of jumping from roof to roof. The singer acknowledges the danger but seems drawn to it, unable to resist the thrill of being "Schwindel erregend." The final lines of the song express the singer's desire to stop feeling dizzy, but they are unsure of how to do so while being so high up.

Line by Line Meaning

Schwindel
A feeling of dizziness

erregend
Exhilarating, exciting

Schwindel
Dizziness

erregend
Exciting

gut gut
Good good

Schwindel
Dizziness

aber erregend
But also exciting

trinke geistige Getränke
Drink spiritual beverages

bis kein Gran in meinem Leib noch zuckt
Until not a single part of my body is restless

Schwindel
Dizziness

ja ja
Yes yes