Marius Müller-Westernhagen (often just referred to as "Westernhagen" by fan… Read Full Bio ↴Marius Müller-Westernhagen (often just referred to as "Westernhagen" by fans as well as on record covers) is a German singer and actor. He was born 1948 in Düsseldorf.
His breakthrough in music came with the album "Mit Pfefferminz bin ich dein Prinz" ("With peppermint, I'm your prince") in 1978.
Müller-Westernhagen's music is shaped through his concise voice and shouting passages. His texts are very direct and provoking, e.g. "Dicke" ("Fat people"), but also social critical texts like "Freiheit" (freedom) are included in his emotional repertoire.

Steh' auf
Marius Müller-Westernhagen Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wenn Dir jemand sagt, Du bist zu klein
Und Du hörst nur immer, laß das sein
Wenn Dir jemand sagt, Du bist nicht schön
Kann die Lust auf's Leben schon vergeh'n

Wenn Dir jemand sagt, viel zu riskant
Ich hab' Deinen Vater gut gekannt
Wenn Dir jemand sagt, Du trinkst zu viel

Deine letzte Mark ging drauf beim Spiel

Steh' auf
Steh' auf
Steh' auf
Steh' auf

Mit 'nem Koffer kommt der Drogenmann
Schaut sich lächelnd Deine Wunden an
Macht Dich glauben, daß er Jesus ist
Bis er Deine Eingeweide frißt

Steh' auf
Steh' auf
Steh' endlich auf
Steh' auf

Ich will Dich
Ich brauch' Dich
Laß mich nicht allein

Steh' auf
Steh' auf
Steh' endlich auf
Steh' auf

Wenn Dir jemand schwört, daß er Dich liebt
Es keinen and'ren Menschen für ihn gibt
Wirst Du es dann glauben oder nicht
Wirst Du Dich entscheiden für das Licht

Steh' auf
Steh' auf

Steh' endlich auf
Steh' auf

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Marius Müller-Westernhagen's song Steh' auf (Stand Up) convey a message of encouragement and resilience in the face of various challenges and obstacles that life may present. The first stanza describes different scenarios where someone might be put down, criticized, or discouraged -- whether it's for their physical appearance, their risky behavior, or their perceived lack of talent or worth. The repeated refrain of "Steh' auf" emphasizes the need to rise above these negative comments and attitudes and not let them define one's sense of self or purpose. The song encourages the listener to find their own way, even if it means going against the norm or the expectations of others.

The second stanza takes a more macabre and surreal turn, with the introduction of a drug dealer who preys on the singer's vulnerabilities and illusions. The imagery of the dealer eating the singer's insides can be interpreted as a metaphor for the destructive effects of addiction and dependency. Once again, the refrain serves as a call to action, urging the singer to snap out of their delusions and take control of their fate. The final section of the song brings the focus back to the themes of love and trust, asking the listener whether they would believe someone's sincere declarations of affection and commit to the path of light.

Overall, the song is a powerful and cathartic anthem that speaks to the human desire for agency, self-worth, and connection. It acknowledges the struggles and doubts that everyone faces at some point in their lives, but encourages us to keep fighting and standing up for ourselves and our dreams.

Line by Line Meaning

Wenn Dir jemand sagt, Du bist zu klein
If someone tells you that you're too small

Und Du hörst nur immer, laß das sein
And you only hear, 'let it be'

Wenn Dir jemand sagt, Du bist nicht schön
If someone tells you that you're not beautiful

Kann die Lust auf's Leben schon vergeh'n
It can already make the joy in life fade

Wenn Dir jemand sagt, viel zu riskant
If someone says it's too risky

Ich hab' Deinen Vater gut gekannt
I knew your father well

Wenn Dir jemand sagt, Du trinkst zu viel
If someone tells you that you drink too much

Deine letzte Mark ging drauf beim Spiel
Your last coin went down at the game

Steh' auf
Stand up

Mit 'nem Koffer kommt der Drogenmann
The drug dealer comes with his suitcase

Schaut sich lächelnd Deine Wunden an
He smiles while looking at your wounds