In 1995, Christoph "Christ" von Freydorf (vocals) and Stefan "Fini" Finauer (drums), pupils of a convent school, founded the band together with Christoph's church choir friend Jamie "Citnoh" Richardson (bass guitar). They were joined by Stephan Karl "Moik" and Franz Wickenhäuser (both guitar). The band was founded in Hohenschäftlarn near Munich. The name Emil Bulls is derived from a children's movie.
In 1996, they recorded their first CD Red Dick’s Potatoe Garden themselves. The CD is in great demand today because of its small circulation. In 1997, they attended the Emergenza festival and finished third in the European competition. For this competition they hired DJ Paul Rzyttka (known as DJ Zamzoe) who afterwards became a permanent member of the band.
After a long tour, their album Monogamy was released by the indie record label Oh My Sweet Records. The record could only be purchased through the internet or during live shows. Monogamy was noticed by Island Records, which offered the band a recording deal. Some of the songs on Monogamy and a few new songs were recorded. The result was Angel Delivery Service, released in 2001. The album was already out of stock a few months later. A new edition was released including a cover version of A-Ha's "Take on Me". The songs "Smells Like Rock'n'Roll", "Leaving You with This" and "Take on Me" were released as singles.
In May 2002, Porcelain was released through Motor Music. "The Coolness of Being Wretched" and "This Day" were released as singles. Between June 2001 and August 2002, the band played 129 live shows including Rock am Ring. In August 2003, drummer Stefan Finauer left the band to go to university. He was replaced by Fabian Fab Füß. In 2003, the band played some shows in Canada and the United States.
On June 20, 2005, The Southern Comfort was released on Pirate Records. It was the last record with DJ Zamzoe.
In February 2007, the live and acoustic album The Life Acoustic was released. The album, which was recorded in Pullach in 2006, was followed by an acoustic tour.
The following album The Black Path was released on April 4, 2008, on Drakkar records. It is the hardest record of the band so far and was recorded in Hannover by Benny Richer (Caliban, Krypteria). The single "The Most Evil Spell" was offered as a free download.
In 2009, Chrissy Schneider left the band and was replaced by Andy Bock, who was the guitar player of From Constant Visions. On September 25, 2009, Phoenix was released. "Here Comes The Fire" was offered as a free download on their website. In September 2009, a music video of "When God Was Sleeping" was released.
The band's latest studio offering, Oceanic, was to be released on September 30, 2011.
Man or Mouse
Emil Bulls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do you wanna be a hero, do you wanna be a clown
Do you wanna be a lion, do you wanna be a flea
We are who we chose to be
Do you wanna be a coward, do you wanna be a brave
Do you wanna be a master, do you wanna be the slave
Do you wanna be a giver, do you wanna be a thief
We are who we choose to be
Hands up, hands up, everybody sing
We don't wanna be controlled like a puppet on a string
Hands up, hands up, everybody sing
We don't know how to follow, we're the ones that always lead
If you wanna be remembered
If you wanna be unique
Extraordinary is the way you have to live
Here we go
Boom! Boom! Here comes the knights
Our legend will never die
We are undeniable
We won't stop until we're done
Eyes wide and open mouthed
The world will see us rise
We are the restless ones
We'll never stop for anyone
Do you wanna be a man or do you wanna be a mouse
Do you wanna be a hero, do you wanna be a clown
Hands up, hands up, everybody sing
We don't wanna be controlled like a puppet on a string
Hands up, hands up, everybody sing
We don't know how to follow, we're the ones that always lead
The lyrics of Emil Bulls's song "Man or Mouse" convey a message of self-awareness and empowerment. The song starts with a simple yet powerful question – "Do you wanna be a man or do you wanna be a mouse?" – which sets the tone for the rest of the track. The lyrics then offer various dichotomies that the listener can choose from, including hero or clown, lion or flea, giver or thief, and coward or brave. The song encourages listeners to take control of their lives and make their own choices, as "we are who we choose to be".
The chorus emphasizes the importance of individuality and independence, urging everyone to raise their hands and sing along in unison. The lyrics highlight a rejection of conformity and being controlled like a puppet on a string, instead advocating for being a leader and not a follower. The second half of the song focuses on the idea of striving for greatness and leaving a lasting impression, as the lyrics urge listeners to be extraordinary and live in a way that will make them remembered and unique.
Overall, the lyrics of "Man or Mouse" challenge listeners to think critically about their choices and take ownership of their lives, while also celebrating the importance of individuality and self-expression.
Line by Line Meaning
Do you wanna be a man or do you wanna be a mouse
Do you want to stand up for yourself and be brave or do you want to hide and let others control you
Do you wanna be a hero, do you wanna be a clown
Do you want to be a symbol of courage and strength or do you want to be a foolish jester
Do you wanna be a lion, do you wanna be a flea
Do you want to be a fierce predator or a lowly insignificant insect
We are who we chose to be
Our choices determine our identity and the person we become
Do you wanna be a coward, do you wanna be a brave
Do you want to shrink away in fear or face your fears with courage
Do you wanna be a master, do you wanna be the slave
Do you want to be in control of your life or be controlled by others
Do you wanna be a giver, do you wanna be a thief
Do you want to contribute to society and help others or steal and take from them
Hands up, hands up, everybody sing
Raise your hands and join in the chorus
We don't wanna be controlled like a puppet on a string
We don't want to be manipulated by others
We don't know how to follow, we're the ones that always lead
We are independent and create our own path instead of blindly following others
If you wanna be remembered
If you want to leave a lasting impression on others
If you wanna be unique
If you want to stand out and be different from others
Extraordinary is the way you have to live
Living an extraordinary life requires effort and taking risks
Here we go
Let's get started
Boom! Boom! Here comes the knights
We are unstoppable and powerful like knights
Our legend will never die
Our legacy will endure even after we are gone
We are undeniable
We cannot be stopped or ignored
We won't stop until we're done
We will persevere until we achieve our goals
Eyes wide and open mouthed
We are in awe and inspired by our own potential
The world will see us rise
Our success and achievements will be visible to the world
We are the restless ones
We are driven and constantly seeking new challenges
We'll never stop for anyone
We will not let anyone or anything get in the way of our dreams and goals
Contributed by Alexander T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Al.Z. Heimer
Was für ein episches und motivierendes Stück!
Freefork
Satisfying melody! Emil Bulls are always on point with the drums, guitar, or vocals! And that ending...
" STOP "
bl4nk
Love this song <3
Oliver Adamson
nice!!
Thomas Hesse
Boom! Boom! Here comes the noise!