Klaus Sperber (January 24, 1944 - August 6, 1983), better known as Klaus No… Read Full Bio ↴Klaus Sperber (January 24, 1944 - August 6, 1983), better known as Klaus Nomi, was a German countertenor performer, noted for his remarkable vocal performances and unusual stage persona. He became one of the first celebrities to die of AIDS, in 1983.

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

Wayward Sisters
Klaus Nomi Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wayward sisters,
you that fright
the lonely traveller by night,
Who, like dismal ravens crying,
beat the windows of the dying.
Appear!
Appear at my call,
and share in the fame.

Of a mischief

shall make all Carthage flame.
Appear!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Klaus Nomi's song "Wayward Sisters" are an allusion to the witches in William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. The sisters, who at times are referred to as the "Weird Sisters," are known for their prophecies of doom and their association with the supernatural. The opening lines, "Wayward sisters, you that fright the lonely traveller by night," evoke the sense of fear and foreboding that the witches bring to those they encounter.

The following lines, "Who, like dismal ravens crying, beat the windows of the dying," describe the witches' eerie and haunting presence. They are not only associated with death and decay but also with the idea of fate and destiny. The singer calls upon the witches to "appear at my call" and "share in the fame" of a "mischief" that will "make all Carthage flame." This line implies that the witches will play a role in a destructive event, where "Carthage" could be a metaphor for any society or civilization.

Line by Line Meaning

Wayward sisters,
Oh, wandering women,

you that fright
who instill fear

the lonely traveller by night,
in the hearts of those traveling alone in the dark,

Who, like dismal ravens crying,
who resemble crying ravens,

beat the windows of the dying.
who tap on the windows of the dying,

Appear!
Come forth!

Appear at my call,
Come when I call upon you,

and share in the fame.
and be celebrated.

Of a mischief
For the trickery

shall make all Carthage flame.
that will set Carthage ablaze.

Appear!
Come forth!