Nomi moved from Germany to New York City in the mid-1970s. He began his involvement with the art scene based in the East Village. After a chance meeting in a nightclub, David Bowie hired him and Joey Arias as back-up singers for a performance on Saturday Night Live on December 14, 1979. Nomi also collaborated with famed producer Man Parrish.
Nomi is remembered for his bizarrely theatrical live performances, sporting heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and highly-stylized hairdos. His songs were just as unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classic opera to covers of songs like Chubby Checker's The Twist.
In the 1990s, Nomi was frequently mentioned in Dennis Miller's monologues as one of his favorite obscure references.
Talk radio host Rush Limbaugh will often play Nomi's cover of Lesley Gore's You Don't Own Me on his program (as introductory music for news items regarding homosexuality).
A cartoon called "The Venture Brothers" had Klaus with David Bowie.
Episode 213 26 "Showdown at Cremation Creek (Part II)"
Aired October 15, 2006 (2006-10-15)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Showdown_at_Cremation_Creek_%28Part_II%29
Born: January 24, 1944; Immenstadt, Germany
Died: August 6, 1983 (aged 39); New York, NY, U.S.
Years active: 1977-1983
Falling in Love Again
Klaus Nomi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Never wanted to
What am I to do
I can't help it
Love's always been my game
Play it as I may
I was made that way
I can't help it
Like moths around a flame
And if their wings burn
I know I'm not to blame
Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß
Auf Liebe eingestellt,
Denn das ist meine Welt.
Und sonst gar nichts.
Ich kann, was soll ich machen,
Ja, doch lieben nur,
Das ist meine Natur,
Sonst gar nichts.
Männer umschwirr'n mich,
Wie Motten um das Licht.
Doch wenn sie verbrennen,
Ja dafür kann ich nicht.
The lyrics to Klaus Nomi's song "Falling in Love Again" explore the inevitability of falling in love for the singer, despite not wanting to. The opening lines, "Falling in love again, never wanted to, what am I to do, I can't help it," set the tone for the rest of the song. Love is depicted as a game that the singer plays, but in reality, it is an integral part of who they are, "Love's always been my game, play it as I may, I was made that way, I can't help it."
The lyrics are written in two languages, with the first half of the song in English and the second half in German. The German lyrics, "Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß Auf Liebe eingestellt, Denn das ist meine Welt. Und sonst gar nichts," express the same sentiment as the English lyrics. The singer is "set up for love from head to toe," and "that is their world, and nothing else." The German lyrics emphasize the singer's natural inclination towards love and their desire to embrace it fully.
The lyrics also touch on the consequences of the singer's attraction, "They cluster to me, like moths around a flame, and if their wings burn, I know I'm not to blame." The singer recognizes the danger of their appeal and the potential harm it may bring to those drawn to them. However, they also acknowledge their own powerlessness and that they cannot control or be held responsible for the choices of others.
Line by Line Meaning
Falling in love again
Starting to fall in love once again
Never wanted to
Didn't plan to, but it happened naturally
What am I to do
Questioning what actions to take, as it's out of his control
I can't help it
Uncontrollably feeling love towards someone
Love's always been my game
Having a natural tendency for love and romance
Play it as I may
Despite trying to act differently, love always takes over
I was made that way
Believing that his natural inclination towards love is inherent in his being
They cluster to me
Others are attracted to him because of his loving nature
Like moths around a flame
Others are drawn to him like moths are attracted to light
And if their wings burn
Knowing that if others are hurt in the process, he's not responsible for their actions
I know I'm not to blame
Acknowledging that he can't control others' feelings and reactions
Ich bin von Kopf bis Fuß
Auf Liebe eingestellt,
Denn das ist meine Welt.
Und sonst gar nichts.
I'm attuned to love from head to toe
Because it's my world
And nothing else.
Ich kann, was soll ich machen,
Ja, doch lieben nur,
Das ist meine Natur,
Sonst gar nichts.
I can do nothing but love
It's just my nature
Männer umschwirr'n mich,
Wie Motten um das Licht.
Men surround me
Like moths around a light.
Doch wenn sie verbrennen,
Ja dafür kann ich nicht.
But if they get hurt, it's not my fault.
Contributed by Lucy L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
verklagekasper
1. This is strange.
2. This is cool.
3. Watching this multiple times in a row.
šeřík
Exactly, lol
SlimyboyDave
This is definitely one of my all-time favorite music videos!
esrjhgbweouringrsg
Talk about a hidden gem, how am I almost 40 and I’ve never heard of this amazing artist?
Joust Jonny
Seriously, same situation as you
gwen
well he died from AIDS in the early 80s :/
rjeuken
This just about defines avant-garde, would still be today. What a legend
Candy Possum
Aaaaa! I'm so happy to see high quality versions of these! So cool ❤
razbitom
a creative genius and super rare countertenor. inventive, and bizarre with a vast range of musical influences. peel opn a cd, read the liner notes, and sink into the unusual depths of klaus nomi.
Ana .
Omg where did this page come from?! These videos of this quality were not on youtube before!! ❤️❤️❤️