Formed in Germany in 1970 and existed until 1989, Grobschnitt (which transl… Read Full Bio ↴Formed in Germany in 1970 and existed until 1989, Grobschnitt (which translates to "Rough Cut" in English) were a German rock band. Their styles varied throughout their existence, from progressive rock to pop to NDW. The band was created by Eroc (percussion), Willi Wildschwein (guitars & vocals), and Lupo (guitar).

Their most popular sound was comparable to that of Yes, but they also explored other progressive rock styles. Their sound was characterized by sometimes humorous approach to making music, exhibited in both the lyrics and in the chimeric sound of the instruments.

The band made nearly fifteen albums, from general hard rock album to concept albums. Their vocals are mostly in English, although some albums were released with German vocals for the home market and English vocals for export.

Wir Wollen Leben
Grobschnitt Lyrics

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Der Tag erwacht und leise stirbt die Nacht
Der erste Atem schmeckt noch kalt
Wir stehen hier und drüben steht die Macht
Die Morgenluft riecht noch nach Wald

Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben

5.000 Bäume die heut' sterben soll'n
Ein Blatt Papier erklärt warum
10.000 Menschen die das nicht mehr woll'n
Wir bleiben nicht mehr länger stumm

Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben

Die Sonne reißt den Morgennebel auf
Die Macht marschiert in Reih' und Glied
Sie hat Pistolen, Peitschen, Panzerglas
Wir haben unser kleines Lied

Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben

10.000 haben heute keine Angst
Vor diesem unverschämten Spiel
10.000 und es werden immer mehr
Für uns gibt's nur das eine Ziel

Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben
Wir wollen leben

(Wir wollen leben)
5.000 Bäume die heut sterben soll'n
(Wir wollen leben)
Kein Blatt Papier erklärt warum
(Wir wollen leben)
10.000 Menschen die das nicht mehr woll'n

(Wir wollen leben)
Wir bleiben nicht mehr länger stumm

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Wir Wollen Leben" by Grobschnitt are a powerful call for action against the destruction of nature and the abuse of power. The song starts by describing the beginning of a new day, with the night fading away and the first breath of the morning feeling cold. The presence of power is felt on the other side, while the air still smells of the forest.

The chorus "Wir wollen leben" (we want to live) is repeated several times throughout the song, conveying the urgency and determination of fighting for life against its threats. The first verse refers to the planned deforestation of 5,000 trees for a yet undisclosed reason, and how a simple piece of paper justifies it. The second verse addresses the unity and growing strength of the people who refuse to stay quiet anymore, facing the intimidating force with only their voices and their song.

The last verse reveals that there are now 10,000 people joining the cause, not afraid of the "indecent game" played by those in power. The repetition of "Wir wollen leben" becomes both a chant and a plea, as the fight is far from over, and the desire for life is still threatened.

Overall, "Wir Wollen Leben" is a political and environmental protest song, written during a time when many young people in Germany were worried about the future of the planet and the abuse of power.

Line by Line Meaning

Der Tag erwacht und leise stirbt die Nacht
The day has started its emergence and the night slowly fades away

Der erste Atem schmeckt noch kalt
Our first breath still tastes cold

Wir stehen hier und drüben steht die Macht
We stand here, while power stands over there

Die Morgenluft riecht noch nach Wald
The morning air smells of forest

Wir wollen leben
We want to live

5.000 Bäume die heut' sterben soll'n
5,000 trees are supposed to die today

Ein Blatt Papier erklärt warum
A piece of paper justifies why

10.000 Menschen die das nicht mehr woll'n
10,000 people who don't want this anymore

Wir bleiben nicht mehr länger stumm
We won't stay silent anymore

Die Sonne reißt den Morgennebel auf
The sun tears through the morning fog

Die Macht marschiert in Reih' und Glied
Power marches in line and order