Biography:
1989 - Ellen Allien lived for one year in London where she first came into contact with electronic music. When she later returned to Berlin, electronic music had become increasingly popular in Germany.
1992 - She worked in the "Fischlabor" where she got interested in DJ-ing. She later became a resident DJ there and also laid down tracks in the 'Bunker', 'Tresor', and the 'E-Werk'. At around the same time, she started her own show on the Berlin radio station Kiss-FM and created her own record label, calling them both "Braincandy." Due to discrepancies with distributers, she gave Braincandy up again in 1997 and instead, organized parties under the name "B Pitch".
1999 - Allien created the label Bpitch Control. With publications of Sascha Funke and Tok Tok the label became very successful.
2001 - Allien released her first album, Stadtkind (City Child).
2003 - Ellen released her second studio album Berlinette, in collaboration with Apparat (aka Sascha Ring).
2005 - She issued her third studio album, Thrills.
2005 - Allien created a Bpitch sub-label for minimal tech and minimal house, called "Memo Musik"; first artists are Ben Block, and Zander VT.
2006 - Ellen Allien and Apparat released the album Orchestra of Bubbles.
2007 - Allien was the first female artist to mix for the Fabric series (Fabric 34: Ellen Allien).
2008 - She released mix album titled Boogybytes, vol. 04.
2008 - After the death of her grandmother, Allien released her studio album Sool.
2010 - Ellen issued the studio album Dust.
Trash Scapes Vocals
Ellen Allien Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wo ist where
Wer is wo
Wo is where
Was ist when
When is what
Why we are here
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
The lyrics in Ellen Allien's song "Trash Scapes" are open to interpretation, as is often the case with electronic music. However, one possible interpretation is that the first few lines ("Where is wo, Wo ist where, Wer is wo, Wo is where, Was ist when, When is what") suggest a sense of confusion or disorientation, perhaps speaking to the character's questioning of their place in the world. The repetition of these lines creates a dreamlike, surreal feeling that underscores this sense of dislocation.
From here, the song turns to the repeated phrase "The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes." This line suggests that the singer sees the past as a kind of vehicle that takes them to dark or unknown places. The word "trash scapes" suggests urban decay or perhaps even a sense of spiritual or emotional decay. The repetition of this line underscores its importance--it's as though the character is trying to convince themselves that their past is something to be left behind.
Ultimately, the lyrics of "Trash Scapes" are open to interpretation. However, the sense of disorientation and searching in the first verse and the focus on the past as something to be escaped in the refrain suggest a character who is trying to move forward in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Where is wo
The presence of wo is questioned, possibly indicating confusion or a search for a specific location
Wo ist where
Asking the location of where, perhaps in search of a specific place
Wer is wo
Asking for the identity or existence of someone or something named wo, suggesting a search or unfamiliarity
Wo is where
Asking for the location of where, potentially implying a desire to go there or a lack of knowledge
Was ist when
Questioning the meaning or definition of when, potentially indicating a lack of understanding or confusion
When is what
Questioning the specific timing or existence of something named what, potentially indicating uncertainty or doubt
Why we are here
Asking the purpose or reason for being in a specific location or situation, hinting at a search for meaning or direction
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
The past is a journey that leads to unfamiliar or unpleasant places, possibly conveying regret or negative feelings toward past experiences
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
Repeating the previous line, perhaps emphasizing the idea of a disappointing or bleak journey through past events
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
Repeating the previous line again, perhaps emphasizing the idea of a repetitive, cyclical journey through past experiences
The past is a light train to unknown trash scapes
Repeating the previous line one final time, perhaps driving home the idea of a never-ending journey through the negative aspects of one's past
Writer(s): ellen allien +h. zilske
Contributed by Christopher T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.