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.
Wo Ist Behle ?
Marius Müller-Westernhagen Lyrics
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Über dem Jammertal
Und die Witwe Bolte
Hat die Qual der Wahl
Wo ist Behle?
Alle oder Keiner
Und dann fragt er ungeniert
Wo man hier pinkeln kann
Wo ist Behle?
Bi-Ba Butzemann
Zieh dein Mäntlein an
Mäntlein purpurrot
In hundert Jahren bist du tot
Frauen zuerst und Kinder
Wer soll das verstehn
Wär es nicht gesünder
Zusammen durchzudrehn
Wo ist Behle?
Ich sitz auf meiner Wolke
Krank vor Eifersucht
Und die Witwe Bolte
Völlig ausgebucht
Wo ist Behle?
Bi-Ba Butzemann
Zieh dein Mäntlein an
Mäntlein purpurrot
In hundert Jahren sind wir tot
Wo ist Behle?
The song "Wo Ist Behle?" by Marius Müller-Westernhagen reflects on societal issues that seem to never go away. The lyricist sits on his cloud, watching the world below and commenting on the absurdities he sees. He mentions the Widow Bolte, who seems to be struggling with a difficult decision or dilemma. However, it seems that her problems are minuscule in comparison to what the rest of humanity is dealing with. The "Jammertal," or valley of sorrow, is mentioned, which signifies the overall suffering and despair of the world.
The chorus repeats the question "Wo ist Behle?" (Where is Behle?), which could be interpreted as questioning the whereabouts of someone who can bring hope and change to the world. It could also represent a yearning for a better future or for someone who can make things right. The phrase "Alle oder Keiner" (all or none) is another nod to societal issues, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation. The last verse brings up the issue of gender roles and hierarchy, which shows the barriers that still exist in society.
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection of the perpetual societal issues that continue to plague us. It highlights the absurdities, inequalities, and problems that we face and seems to be a call to action for change.
Line by Line Meaning
Ich sitz auf meiner Wolke
I am in a position of power and privilege, observing the struggles of those below me
Über dem Jammertal
Above the valley of sorrow and despair
Und die Witwe Bolte
And the widow Bolte, a symbolic representation of a struggling individual
Hat die Qual der Wahl
Is faced with a difficult decision
Wo ist Behle?
Where is the person who could make a difference in this situation?
Alle oder Keiner
Everyone for themselves or all together
Schreit der letzte Mann
The last man standing shouts
Und dann fragt er ungeniert
Asking without shame
Wo man hier pinkeln kann
Where can one relieve oneself in this difficult situation?
Bi-Ba Butzemann
A children's rhyme, representing childhood innocence and simplicity
Zieh dein Mäntlein an
Put on your little coat
Mäntlein purpurrot
A coat of deep purple color, symbolizing life and vitality
In hundert Jahren bist du tot
Death is inevitable and life is short
Frauen zuerst und Kinder
An outdated notion of chivalry and protection, often ineffective in difficult situations
Wer soll das verstehn
Who can understand this irrational behavior?
Wär es nicht gesünder
Would it not be healthier
Zusammen durchzudrehn
To go crazy together, united in the face of adversity
Krank vor Eifersucht
Sick with jealousy, a destructive emotion
Völlig ausgebucht
Fully booked, with no available options
In hundert Jahren sind wir tot
Death is inevitable for everyone, so why waste our time and energy fighting against each other?
Wo ist Behle?
Where is the person who can help us see the bigger picture and find a way forward?
Contributed by Charlotte B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.