Willst du tanzen
Marius Müller-Westernhagen Lyrics

The lyrics of Marius Müller-Westernhagen's song "Willst du tanzen" (Do you want to dance) convey the emotions and regrets of a man who has hurt the person he loves. The song starts with a simple question - "Willst du tanzen / Mit mir tanzen / Oder willst du lieber gehen?" (Do you want to dance / Dance with me / Or do you want to leave?) - which can be interpreted as an invitation to start over or an attempt to salvage what is left of the relationship. This is followed by another question - "Darf ich dich küssen / Zärtlich küssen / Oder willst du lieber gehen?" (Can I kiss you / Tenderly kiss you / Or do you want to leave?) - which indicates a desire to be close to the person and ask for forgiveness.

The verses that follow describe the singer's guilt and self-doubt about the relationship. He acknowledges that he has been "gemein" (mean) and regrets it deeply, to the point of "knie vor dir nieder" (kneeling before you) and "fleh dich an: Verzeih" (begging you to forgive him). He also confesses to being "vergiftet" (poisoned) by his doubts and fears, which have overshadowed his love for the person. The lyrics suggest that he sees himself as an "ewiges Kind" (eternal child) and an "alter Narr" (old fool) who has made mistakes and is trying to make amends.

In the end, the song ends on a note of self-reflection, as the singer admits that he is lost in his own stubbornness and needs to find his way back. The final line, "Das sich verlaufen hat / In seinem Eigensinn" (That has lost its way / In its stubbornness), is a powerful admission of vulnerability and self-awareness.