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.

Wenn Dann
Einstürzende Neubauten Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wenn du fertig bist wenn dann komm zu mir
Warte nicht bis irgendwas passiert
Und wenn dann Armageddon ausbleibt
Verbleibe ich getrennt von dir

Wenn dann komme zu mir
Wenn dann halt dich an keine Regeln
Wenn dann komm zu allen Zeiten

Komm früh und mit den Sternen
Mit den Früchten und vor dem Schnee

Wenn du fertig bist dann komm zu mir
Was heiss sein soll ist wieder heiss
Was kalt sein soll ist kalt

Warte nicht bis irgendwas passiert
Sonst verbleibe ich getrennt von dir

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Einstürzende Neubauten's song "Wenn Dann" convey a sense of urgency and longing for connection. The singer implores the listener to come to them when they are finished with whatever they are preoccupied with, not waiting for something significant to happen. The reference to Armageddon suggests that the singer wants to be united with the listener before any cataclysmic event occurs. However, if Armageddon does not happen, they will remain separated. The repeated line "wenn dann komm zu mir" emphasizes the desire for the listener to be present.

The lyrics also touch upon the idea of breaking societal rules and expectations. The singer encourages the listener to disregard rules and come at any time, whether it be early or late, with the stars, fruits, or even before the snow. They are essentially inviting the listener to be spontaneous and unrestricted in their actions.

Line by Line Meaning

Wenn du fertig bist wenn dann komm zu mir
Once you have completed whatever you are doing, come to me

Warte nicht bis irgendwas passiert
Don't wait for something to happen

Und wenn dann Armageddon ausbleibt
And if the Armageddon doesn't happen

Verbleibe ich getrennt von dir
I will remain separated from you

Wenn dann komme zu mir
If you do come, come to me

Wenn dann halt dich an keine Regeln
If you do come, disregard any rules

Wenn dann komm zu allen Zeiten
If you do come, come at any time

Komm früh und mit den Sternen
Come early and with the stars

Mit den Früchten und vor dem Schnee
With the fruits and before the snow

Was heiss sein soll ist wieder heiss
What should be hot is hot again

Was kalt sein soll ist kalt
What should be cold is cold