Zum Tier machen
Einstürzende Neubauten Lyrics

The lyrics to Einstürzende Neubauten's song "Zum Tier machen" are complex and open to interpretation. In these lyrics, the band uses vivid and contrasting imagery to explore themes of transformation, loss, and the impending destruction of the world.

The repetition of colors - red, green, yellow, black, rust brown, and dead red - suggests a diverse and vibrant world. However, the line "Kohlrabenschwarz ist farbenfroh" (crow black is colorful) adds an interesting twist, implying that even darkness and death can possess their own beauty or significance.

The mention of a lost vocabulary notebook and a lost hat raises questions about identity and the search for meaning. These objects symbolize the loss of important tools or symbols that help one navigate the world. The repeated question "Where is the key? Where is my hat?" expresses a sense of disorientation and longing.

The mention of "Betonrosa oder Permafrost" (concrete pink or permafrost) and "Schmelzvorgänge oder nicht" (melting processes or not) suggests a contrast between permanence and transience. The reference to déjà vu becoming historical indicates that time is passing, but patterns and experiences repeat themselves. The line "Die Gemengelage wie gehabt ich blute, Irgendwas ist immer" (the current situation as usual, I bleed, something is always there) hints at a continuous struggle or emotional pain.

The lyrics continue with an inability to recall a particular "cut" or memory. This implies a sense of detachment or disconnection from past experiences. The repetition of "Ich gehe jetzt" (I am leaving now) throughout the song suggests a desire to move forward or to escape from a troubling situation.

The lyrics then touch upon themes of fate and hardship, with references to Fortuna being held hostage and the need to put an end to the optimism represented by the "Wegfahrsperre" (immobilizer). The concluding lines paint a picture of a world in turmoil, with references to destructive natural disasters like floods, tornadoes, tsunamis, and purges. The repeated phrase "Ich gehe jetzt" takes on a more ominous tone, suggesting that the singer is leaving as a precursor to impending chaos and destruction.

Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of unease, uncertainty, and impending doom. Through vivid imagery and fragmented thoughts, Einstürzende Neubauten captures the complexity of human experience and explores themes of loss, transformation, and the fragile state of the world.