Radioactivity
Kraftwërk Lyrics

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Radioactivity
Is in the air for you and me
Radioactivity
Discovered by Madame Curie
Radioactivity
Tune in to the melody
Radioactivity
Is in the air for you and me

Radioaktivität
Für dich und mich im All entsteht
Radioaktivität
Strahlt Wellen zum Empfangsgerät
Radioaktivität
Wenn's um unsere Zukunft geht
Radioaktivität
Für dich und mich im All entsteht

Radioactivity
Is in the air for you and me
Radioactivity
Discovered by Madame Curie
Radioactivity
Tune in to the melody
Radioactivity
Is in the air for you and me

Radioactivity
Is in the air for you and me

Overall Meaning

The song "Radioactivity" by the German electronic band Kraftwerk is an ode to one of the most enigmatic and controversial discoveries of the modern scientific age - radioactivity. The lyrics of the song draw its listeners to the air, the space, the universe, where radioactivity is constantly being created and emitted. The song suggests that radioactivity is ubiquitous, a force that simply cannot be avoided. It pervades everything and everyone, and we can tune into its frequency by just listening to its melody. The air is full of radioactivity, which creates an invisible connection between every living thing.

The song starts off by referencing Marie Curie, the Polish-born French physicist and chemist who is best known for her pioneering research on radioactivity. It is interesting to note that her research began in the late 19th century, and by the early 20th century, the public imagination had been captivated by the prospect of this new scientific phenomenon. In the context of the song, however, radioactivity is being portrayed as a force that is both awe-inspiring and frightening, wonderous and dangerous.

Moreover, the song has been interpreted as a metaphor for the threat of nuclear power, in light of the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island disasters, as well as the Cold War, which characterized a period of global tensions between East and West. In this sense, the song suggests that we need to be aware of the impact that our actions can have on the environment, and that we should all tread carefully when dealing with topics as complex and powerful as radioactivity.

Line by Line Meaning

Radioactivity
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Is in the air for you and me
Radiation is present in the atmosphere for us all to be affected by

Radioactivity
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Discovered by Madame Curie
The discovery of radioactivity is due to the efforts of Madame Curie.

Radioactivity
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Tune in to the melody
The radioactivity is like the melody or rhythm which can be absorbed or felt

Radioactivity
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Is in the air for you and me
Radiation is present in the atmosphere for us all to be affected by

Radioaktivität
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Für dich und mich im All entsteht
Radiation is created in the universe for you and me

Radioaktivität
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Strahlt Wellen zum Empfangsgerät
It generates waves that can be received by a device

Radioaktivität
The phenomenon of the emission of radiation by atomic nuclei

Wenn's um unsere Zukunft geht
Radioactivity is important to consider for our future