The band was already established in 1994 by Rümenapp, Ude and Poschwatta, when the vocalist Sandra Nasic joined later that year. They recorded 3 demo tapes, but their career took off in 1996 after winning the Local Hero contest for unsigned bands. They used the prize money for recording their first hit "Open Your Eyes" and shot a video for that song. They also signed to GUN/Supersonic Records.
"Open Your Eyes" was released as a single (#5 GER) and was followed by their debut album Proud Like a God in 6 October 1997. The album ranked #4 and it was certified platinum in Germany. Two other singles helped the album's popularity and sales: "Rain" (#76 GER) and "Lords of the Boards" (#10 GER). "Lord of the Boards" is performed as the closing song on every Guano Apes concert.
In 1999, they issued the stand alone single "Don't You Turn Your Back on Me" (# 50 GER).
In 2 May 2000, Guano Apes released the sophomore album, Don't Give Me Names. This #1 album in Germany was certifed gold in the same country and it was promoted by four singles: "Big in Japan" (#9 GER, #5 IT), "No Speech" (#75 GER), "Living in a Lie" (#84 GER) and "Dödel Up" (#57 GER).
In 2001, the band credited as Guano Babes featuring Michael Mittermeier, issued the stand alone single "Kumba Yo!" (#3 GER).
Their third album Walking on a Thin Line was released in 3 February 2003. The album peaked #1 and it was certified gold in Germany. Guano Apes released three singles from this album: "You Can't Stop Me" (#10 GER), "Pretty in Scarlet" (#51 GER) and "Quietly" (#51 GER).
After the very long promo tour to the WOATL album, the band decided to take a rest for a while. In 2004 they issued a Best Of album titled Planet of the Apes and the single "Break the Line". The band broke up after a final tour in February 2005. A year later, their label released the compilation Lost (T)apes, which contains previously unreleased demos, originally recorded in 1994 and 1995.
Dennis Poschwatta formed the crossover band Tamoto with his friend G-Ball and released the album Clemenza. Henning Rümenapp worked for Horus Studios in Germany. Sandra Nasic released her solo album The Signal in 2007. In 2006 Dennis, Henning and Stefan formed a new group with singer Charles Simmons, called IO. IO realeased their studio album For the Masses in 2008.
In 2009 Guano Apes reformed and played some dates including Enterro da Gata (Portugal), Rock am Ring (Germany), Nova Rock (Austria), Woodstock Festival (Poland), Sofia (Bulgaria), Bucharest (Romania). In Bucharest, Sandra announced the band is working on a new studio album.
Their fourth album Bel Air was released in Spring 2011, preceded by the single "Oh What a Night".
Official site: http://www.guanoapes.org
We Use the Pain
Guano Apes Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
could you fill the break
we're on the right way, to swing the little axe
it's the right day, to give up the tax
We use the pain, for our fantasy
we need some pain to find the right way
we love the pain and want some more of it
Right way turning, listen we are learning
head full of noise
chickens got no choice
heads are rollin
chickenblood is stolen
the rest of the chicken
wants to picke-nicken
Could you feed your chicken, cause I'm hungering
drinks and chips for free
the muscles like Bruce Lee
We use the pain for our fantasy
we need some pain to find the right way
we love the pain and want some more of it
control the pain, chickenhead
Right way turning listen we are learning ...
Painfull, the table's red
big storm and no regret
dark side, we use the pain
captain, we are lost insane
mother, we cut the dump, mother
mother, we all, we all, we all
Right way turning, listen we are learning ...
The lyrics to Guano Apes’ song We Use the Pain are seemingly cryptic, but upon closer inspection, reveal a statement about pain and how it can be controlled, embraced, and used for one’s personal gain. The song starts with an aggressive tone as the first line is a demand for someone to step away while the next implores that person to fill the break. Then, the lyrics go on to talk about using pain for fantasy and the need for pain to find the right way. The chorus consists of three lines that repeat, solidifying the message that pain is necessary to attain a desired goal. The bridge of the song takes a darker turn, and the lyrics seem to indicate violence and chaos as heads are rolling, and chicken blood is being spilled. The song ends with the repeated line, “Right way turning, listen we are learning...” projecting a sense of determination and a willingness to explore new territory.
Overall, the lyrics of We Use the Pain is a statement about pain, and how it can be used for one’s personal gain while acknowledging the fact that pain is an inevitable part of life that must be somehow controlled. It is a commentary on the human experience and how we must often suffer to achieve our goals or find meaning in life. The lyrics also suggest the idea of embracing one’s pain rather than running away from it.
Line by Line Meaning
Could you step away, I'm a vicious girl
Please move out of my way, as I am a fierce and aggressive woman.
could you fill the break
Would you mind filling in or taking over for a little while?
we're on the right way, to swing the little axe
We are making progress and accomplishing our goals, one small step at a time.
it's the right day, to give up the tax
Today is the perfect day to let go of burdensome taxes or other financial obligations.
We use the pain, for our fantasy
We harness our experiences of pain and suffering to fuel our imagination and creativity.
we need some pain to find the right way
Sometimes we must experience pain in order to find the correct path or make decisions.
we love the pain and want some more of it
We find a strange, addictive pleasure in experiencing pain and wish to have more of it.
control the pain, chickenhead !
Take charge of your own pain, don't let it control you!
Right way turning, listen we are learning
We are headed in the right direction and are open to learning and growing.
head full of noise
Our minds are filled with chaotic and distracting thoughts.
chickens got no choice
The weak and submissive have no say or control.
heads are rollin
People are suffering and experiencing negative consequences.
chickenblood is stolen
Even the weakest and most vulnerable can be taken advantage of or harmed.
the rest of the chicken wants to picke-nicken
The others who remain are too frightened and indecisive to take action.
Could you feed your chicken, cause I'm hungering
Please take care of your own responsibilities, as I am hungry and cannot do it for you.
drinks and chips for free
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and snacks.
the muscles like Bruce Lee
Our strength and abilities are like those of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.
Painfull, the table's red
The situation is extremely distressing and has taken a violent turn.
big storm and no regret
Despite the chaos and turmoil around us, we feel no remorse or regret for our actions.
dark side, we use the pain
We acknowledge and embrace the darker and more painful parts of ourselves.
captain, we are lost insane
We are hopelessly lost and have descended into madness.
mother, we cut the dump, mother
We have rid ourselves of something unpleasant or harmful, and are informing a maternal figure.
mother, we all, we all, we all
We are all connected and united in some way, as if we are one big family.
Right way turning, listen we are learning ...
We are continuing to grow and mature, learning from our experiences as we go.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DENNIS POSCHWATTA, HENNING RUEMENAPP, SANDRA NASIC, STEFAN UDE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind