Never Surrender
Graue Zellen Lyrics

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wir sehen rude boy immer noch, der knall vor zwanzig jahren
die ganze wut ist immer noch
wir stehen hier noch länger, weiter gegenan
nenn uns einen grund zu gehen. wir kennen keinen.
never surrender
in eine polizeiwache wird jemand reingezerrt
denn sein gesicht ist wie ein paß
sie schlagen ihn, den uniformen macht das spaß

seine farbe, seine haut die ist nicht weiß
die gewalt der macht
facetten tausendfach
gegen alles, was im wege steht
geändert hat sich daran nichts
never surrender
wir sehen rude boy immer noch, der knall vor zwanzig jahren
die ganze wut ist immer noch

wir stehen hier noch länger, weiter gegenan
nenn uns einen grund zu gehen. wir kennen keinen.

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are from the song "Never Surrender" by the German band Graue Zellen. The lyrics reflect a sense of defiance and resistance against oppression and injustice that still persists after twenty years.

The first verse talks about a figure called "rude boy" who has been present for the past two decades. This term typically refers to a rebellious youth subculture that originated in Jamaica and later influenced punk and ska music scenes. The "knall" mentioned here can be interpreted as a loud impact or a notable event that took place twenty years ago. The lyrics suggest that despite the passage of time, the anger and frustration that prompted the rebellion are still very much alive.

The second verse describes a situation where someone is forcibly taken into a police station because of their appearance. The lyrics imply that their non-white skin color is the reason for their mistreatment. The line "sie schlagen ihn, den uniformen macht das spaß" translates to "they're hitting him, the uniforms enjoy it," highlighting the sadistic pleasure some authority figures derive from exerting power and inflicting violence. This verse portrays the ongoing issue of police brutality and the institutional racism that persists despite the passage of time.

The chorus, "never surrender," summarizes the central theme of the song. It suggests a refusal to give up or back down, a determination to continue the fight against injustice despite the challenges and obstacles faced. This sentiment is reinforced in the final lines of the lyrics, where the band expresses their commitment to stand firm and persevere. They challenge anyone to give them a reason to leave their cause, asserting that they have no intention of giving up because they understand that change has not come and therefore they must continue resisting.

Overall, these lyrics convey a powerful message of resistance, highlighting the persistence of anger and frustration against oppression, particularly in the context of racial injustice and police violence. The band encourages listeners to stand strong, remain committed, and never surrender in the face of social and systemic injustices.

Line by Line Meaning

wir sehen rude boy immer noch, der knall vor zwanzig jahren
We still see the rude boy, the explosion from twenty years ago

die ganze wut ist immer noch
The entire anger is still present

wir stehen hier noch länger, weiter gegenan
We are still standing here, fighting on

nenn uns einen grund zu gehen. wir kennen keinen.
Give us a reason to leave. We don't know any.

never surrender
Never give up

in eine polizeiwache wird jemand reingezerrt
Someone is dragged into a police station

denn sein gesicht ist wie ein paß
Because his face is like a passport

sie schlagen ihn, den uniformen macht das spaß
They hit him, the uniforms enjoy it

seine farbe, seine haut die ist nicht weiß
His color, his skin is not white

die gewalt der macht
The violence of power

facetten tausendfach
Countless facets