He is the only artist to score a #1 Hit in the U.S. with a German language song, and his albums and singles have sold about 60 million copies worldwide.
Early Years
Born in Vienna, studying at the Vienna Music Conservatory in 1977 which he left after one semester to pursue a career in music, he lived for a short time in West Berlin while singing in a jazz-rock band. When he returned to Vienna he was calling himself "Falco," reportedly in tribute to the East German ski jumper Falko Weißpflog, and playing in the Austrian bands Spinning Wheel and Hallucination Company. En route to becoming an international rock star in his own right, he was bass player in the Austrian hard rock-punk rock band Drahdiwaberl (from 1978 until 1983). With Drahdiwaberl he wrote and performed the song "Ganz Wien" which he would also include on his debut solo album Einzelhaft.
Individual success
Falco's first hit was "Der Kommissar" from the 1982 album Einzelhaft. A German language song about drug consumption that combines rap verses with a sung chorus, Falco's record was a number-one success in many countries but failed to break big in the U.S. The song, however, would prove to have a life of its own in two English-language versions. British Rock band After the Fire recorded an English cover version, loosely based on Falco's lyrics and also called "Der Kommissar" (with "uh-oh" and "alles klar Herr Kommissar" the only other lyrics held over from the original). This time, the song shot to number three in the United States (their only major hit there) in 1983, though it failed to crack the UK Top 40. The band - who had been together more than a decade - broke up almost immediately thereafter. That same year, American singer Laura Branigan recorded a version of the song with new English lyrics, under the title "Deep in the Dark" on her album Branigan 2.
After a second album, Junge Roemer, failed to provide a repeat to his debut single's success (outside of Austria and Germany, where the album topped the charts), Falco began to experiment with English lyrics in an effort to broaden his appeal, and chose a new production team. The result would be the most popular album and single of his career.
Falco recorded "Rock Me Amadeus" inspired in part by the Oscar-winning film Amadeus, and the song became a worldwide hit in 1986. This time, his record reached #1 in the U.S. and UK, bringing him the success that had eluded him in that major market a few years earlier. The song remained in the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks and his album, Falco 3, fittingly peaked at the number three position on the Billboard album charts. Unheard of at the time for a white performer, much less a European one, the Austrian rapper's single climbed to the upper reaches of the Billboard Top R&B Singles Chart (only a few years earlier called the "Black Singles" chart), peaking at number 6. Falco 3 peaked at number 18 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. Ultimately, "Rock Me Amadeus" went to the #1 spot in over a dozen countries including the Soviet Union and Japan. Follow-up single "Vienna Calling" was another international pop hit, peaking at #18 of the Billboard Charts and #17 on the U.S. Cash Box Charts in 1986. A double A-side 12" single featuring remixes of those two hits peaked at #4 on the U.S. Dance/Disco charts.
"Jeanny" the third release from the album Falco 3, brought the performer back to the top of the charts across Europe. Highly controversial when it was released in Germany and the Netherlands, the story of "Jeanny" was told from the point of view of a rapist and possible murderer. Several DJs and radio stations refused to play the ballad, which was ignored in the U.S., although it became a huge hit in many European countries, and inspired two sequels on later albums.
In 1986, the album Emotional was released, produced by Rob and Ferdi Bolland (Bolland & Bolland). On the Album were "Coming Home (Jeanny Part 2, Ein Jahr danach)" and the song "Kamikaze Cappa" which was written as a tribute to the late photojournalist Robert Capa. "The Sound of Musik" was another international success, and a Top 20 U.S. Dance hit, though he failed to make the U.S. pop charts. He also went on "Emotional-Tour" which was a world tour where he ended up in Japan at 1987. In 1987, he sang a duet with Brigitte Nielsen "Body Next to Body" and the single was a Top 10 hit in the Germanic countries. The Album Wiener Blut was released in 1988 but it did not get much publicity outside Germany and Austria.
After "Jeanny," there were a number of European hits, but Falco was rarely heard in the U.S. and the UK. His 1992 U.S. comeback attempt, the album Nachtflug with the song "Titanic" won a number of awards, but failed to chart in America.
Death
Falco died of severe injuries received from a collision with a bus in his Mitsubishi Pajero near the city of Puerto Plata, in the Dominican Republic on 6 February 1998, just two weeks before his 41st birthday. While it was initially reported that the autopsy showed high blood levels of alcohol and cocaine, this was disputed. At the time of his death, he was working on a comeback into the music world.
He was buried in the Zentralfriedhof (Central Cemetery) in Vienna, Austria.
Years active: 1974 -1998
Tricks
Falco Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aber ich bitte Sie
Alright
Say what?
Alright
Man fragt sich, was ist dran an ihm?
Was könnte es wohl sein?
Ist der Wein aus Österreich, den er uns einschenkt, immer rein?
Bavarian Hungarian happy hippie vegetarian
Was ist das Wiener Blut
Was tut daran uns gut?
If I feel for driving crazy in the middle of the night
I smash the party, denn ich zahle bar
Dass mein Bentley und mein Penthouse jemand stören
Ist mir nicht klar
Wollt ihr 'nen Liedermacher oder einen Star?
(Oh oh oh yeah)
Man tut, dass es gefällt
Wofür man es auch hält
Ich weiß genau worauf ihr scharf seid, sind noch immer meine
Tricks! (wo oh oh oh)
Gimme Tricks! (Wo oh oh oh)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
Tricks! Tricks, yeah, alright
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Vishnu, Batu, Fu-Manchu, too
Hu-hu, Jonny Manushutu
Dr. Wu, Peggy Sue
Randy Andy, too
One thing in common when they get up to their tricks
They do it for kicks
So if you ever see me acting
Like a kid from outer-space
And you think of lending a hand
But if you look real close
You'll see the smile on my face
Then I'm sure you'll understand
(Oh oh oh yeah)
Man tut, dass es gefällt
Because I know, I know, you're just a victim, victim, victim of my
(Tricks!)
Hey, gimme
(Tricks!)
Gimme
(Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
Tricks! Yeah
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Livin' without a trick, any other trick
(Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
(Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
(Tricks!)
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Gimme (Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Gimme (Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
(Tricks!)
(Tricks!)
The lyrics to Falco's song Tricks seem to be centered around the idea that performers, especially musicians like him, need to continually come up with new tricks to keep their audience engaged and satisfied. The first verse begins with Falco acknowledging his appreciation for his audience ("Es hat uns sehr gefreut"), but then he requests their attention and asks them what they want. The following lines suggest that the audience is curious about what makes him unique as an Austrian musician and what he has to offer, perhaps wondering if it has something to do with the pure wine he serves. The chorus then emphasizes that his audience loves his tricks, which is why he continues to implement them in his performances. Falco also mentions that even other notable celebrities, such as Vishnu and Dr. Wu, thrive on their own tricks and surprises.
Falco seems to be asserting that his act is all about surprises and keeping the audience entertained. Even though his audience loves his tricks, they also make him who he is, as indicated in the lines "That's the only reason my heart still ticks." He is willing to do anything to maintain his status as a star, even if that means smashing a party or buying luxurious cars and penthouses. However, he is also aware that his performance is not just about him, but also about the audience. He sees them as victims to his tricks, but also ultimately as people who enjoy a good show.
Overall, Tricks is a song about the power of performance and entertainment, and how performers need to continually come up with new tricks to keep their audience engaged and satisfied. Falco suggests that this process is what makes him a success, but also acknowledges that entertainment is a two-way street, with both performer and audience participating in the experience.
Line by Line Meaning
Es hat uns sehr gefreut
I'm glad to be here
Aber ich bitte Sie
But I have a request for you
Say what?
I'm listening
Man fragt sich, was ist dran an ihm?
People wonder what's special about me
Was könnte es wohl sein?
What could it possibly be?
Ist der Wein aus Österreich, den er uns einschenkt, immer rein?
Is the wine I'm serving you from Austria, always good?
Bavarian Hungarian happy hippie vegetarian
I'm a person with a mixed heritage, who is happy and loves nature and doesn't eat meat
Was ist das Wiener Blut
What is the essence of Vienna
Was tut daran uns gut?
What about it is good for us?
If I feel for driving crazy in the middle of the night
If I feel like driving recklessly in the middle of the night
I smash the party, denn ich zahle bar
I'll pay cash for any damages I cause when I party too hard
Dass mein Bentley und mein Penthouse jemand stören
It's not clear to me why someone would be bothered by my Bentley or my penthouse
Ist mir nicht klar
It's not clear to me
Wollt ihr 'nen Liedermacher oder einen Star?
Do you want a songwriter or a star?
(Oh oh oh yeah)
Yeah
Man tut, dass es gefällt
People do what they think is pleasing
Wofür man es auch hält
No matter what they think it is
Ich weiß genau worauf ihr scharf seid, sind noch immer meine
I know exactly what you're interested in, which are still my
Tricks! (wo oh oh oh)
Tricks, you know
Gimme Tricks! (Wo oh oh oh)
Give me tricks
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine Tricks!
You know I am alone without my tricks
Tricks, yeah, alright
Tricks, sure, alright
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
My tricks are the only reason I'm alive
Vishnu, Batu, Fu-Manchu, too
These are all mythical or historical figures
Hu-hu, Jonny Manushutu
This is another name, maybe of a person
Dr. Wu, Peggy Sue
These are other names
Randy Andy, too
This is yet another name
One thing in common when they get up to their tricks
The one thing they have in common when they are up to their tricks
They do it for kicks
Is that they do them for fun
So if you ever see me acting
So if you ever see me behaving strangely
Like a kid from outer-space
Like a child from another planet
And you think of lending a hand
And you feel like you should help me
But if you look real close, You'll see the smile on my face
But if you look carefully, you'll see that I'm happy
Then I'm sure you'll understand
Then I'm sure you'll understand why I'm doing what I'm doing
(Oh oh oh yeah)
Yeah
Because I know, I know, you're just a victim, victim, victim of my
Because I know that you're just another victim of my
(Tricks!)
Tricks
Hey, gimme
Hey, give me
(Tricks!)
Tricks
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
You know I'm alone without my
(Tricks! Yeah)
Tricks, yeah
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
My tricks are the only reason my heart is still beating
Livin' without a trick, any other trick (Tricks!)
Living without a trick, any other trick
(Tricks!)
Tricks
Don't know what I would do without my
I don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Tricks
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
You know I'm alone without my
(Tricks!)
Tricks
Lyrics © Budde Music Publishing GmbH, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ferdinand D. Bolland, Robert J. Bolland, Johann Hoelzel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nia Tankian
Es hat uns sehr gefreut
Aber ich bitte Sie
Alright
Say what?
Alright
Man fragt sich, was ist dran an ihm?
Was könnte es wohl sein?
Ist der Wein aus Österreich, den er uns einschenkt, immer rein?
Bavarian Hungarian happy hippie vegetarian
Was ist das Wiener Blut
Was tut daran uns gut?
If I feel for driving crazy in the middle of the night
I smash the party, denn ich zahle bar
Dass mein Bentley und mein Penthouse jemand stören
Ist mir nicht klar
Wollt ihr 'nen Liedermacher oder einen Star?
Man tut, dass es gefällt
Wofür man es auch hält
Ich weiß genau worauf ihr scharf seid, sind noch immer meine
Tricks! (wo oh oh oh)
Gimme Tricks! (Wo oh oh oh)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
Tricks! Tricks, yeah, alright
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Vishnu, Batu, Fu-Manchu, too
Hu-hu, Jonny Manushutu
Dr. Wu, Peggy Sue
Randy Andy, too
One thing in common when they get up to their tricks
They do it for kicks
So if you ever see me acting
Like a kid from outer-space
And you think of lending a hand
But if you look real close
You'll see the smile on my face
Then I'm sure you'll understand
Man tut, dass es gefällt
Because I know, I know, you're just a victim, victim, victim of my
(Tricks!)
Hey, gimme
(Tricks!)
Gimme
(Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
Tricks! Yeah
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Livin' without a trick, any other trick
(Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
(Tricks!)
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Gimme (Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Gimme (Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
(Tricks!)
(Tricks!)
gamer knights
The best of the best!!! Love his looks, his uniqueness. He was an artist in all sense of the word. There never be another one like him. Like the words of one of his songs, his spirit will never die.
Robin Kämpe
The song is ofcourse great and I have to say that I love this video!! Nice work! Falco Forever
Damhod
oh mein gott , das ist so verdammt geil !! auch wenns gerade 2:45 in einer montag nacht ist dreh ich die anlage auf , es ist mir völlig egal was meine nachbarn sagen oder denken mögen - es ist schließlich FALCO !! und irgendjemand muss ja den Lady Gaga geschädigten leuten beibringen was wertvolle und gute musik ist.
Kay Ketelaar
@David Böhm Ja da hast du recht. Da sind heute vielen die keine artist sind aber Gaga ist ja richtig gut:) Aber der Falke steht alein in seinem unik talent und timing;)
Rito Danger
falco ist ohne gleichen, gaga auch. eine der größten künstlerinnen unserer zeit als negativbeispiel nennen & den bushido feiern... geht sich ned aus burschi
Mila Royal
Falco ist ein Musik Gott und ich bin zu 100% derselben Meinung.
Ich möchte dir aber heftig widersprechen, denn Lady Gaga hat niemanden geschädigt... Traurig so was zu lesen - ich denke unser Falco hätte diese Frau gemocht! Sie ist ein wahnsinniges musikalisches Talent und war die einzige in der modernen Popmusik die sich etwas Originalität erlaubt hat. Bisschen Hintergrundwissen bevor man jemanden runtermacht wär gut ;)
Gunny Akdo
das sind wohl deine "tricks" )
David Böhm
hey ich gebe dir fast recht,bin auch ein rießen Falco-fan,but die gaga um ehrlich zu sein,sie kann singen und mehrere Instrumente spielen,und sie schreibt ihre songs selbst,also so wie da Hansi.! Und ob man fan ist oder nicht,das respektiere ich immer bei ernstzunehmenden Musikern.! peace,Falco-forever.!
Nia Tankian
Es hat uns sehr gefreut
Aber ich bitte Sie
Alright
Say what?
Alright
Man fragt sich, was ist dran an ihm?
Was könnte es wohl sein?
Ist der Wein aus Österreich, den er uns einschenkt, immer rein?
Bavarian Hungarian happy hippie vegetarian
Was ist das Wiener Blut
Was tut daran uns gut?
If I feel for driving crazy in the middle of the night
I smash the party, denn ich zahle bar
Dass mein Bentley und mein Penthouse jemand stören
Ist mir nicht klar
Wollt ihr 'nen Liedermacher oder einen Star?
Man tut, dass es gefällt
Wofür man es auch hält
Ich weiß genau worauf ihr scharf seid, sind noch immer meine
Tricks! (wo oh oh oh)
Gimme Tricks! (Wo oh oh oh)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
Tricks! Tricks, yeah, alright
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Vishnu, Batu, Fu-Manchu, too
Hu-hu, Jonny Manushutu
Dr. Wu, Peggy Sue
Randy Andy, too
One thing in common when they get up to their tricks
They do it for kicks
So if you ever see me acting
Like a kid from outer-space
And you think of lending a hand
But if you look real close
You'll see the smile on my face
Then I'm sure you'll understand
Man tut, dass es gefällt
Because I know, I know, you're just a victim, victim, victim of my
(Tricks!)
Hey, gimme
(Tricks!)
Gimme
(Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
Tricks! Yeah
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Livin' without a trick, any other trick
(Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
(Tricks!)
That's the only reason my heart still ticks (Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Gimme (Tricks!)
Don't know what I would do without my
(Tricks!)
Gimme (Tricks!)
Ihr wisst ich bin alleine ohne meine
(Tricks!)
(Tricks!)
Dein Geist
Hab früher immer "Titts" verstanden und mich gewundert, weshalb er über Titten singt ...😄😆
Wie konnte das passieren🤔, wo er doch sonst so schön das R rollt.