From 1972 to 1973, Hagen enrolled in the crash-course performance program at The Central Studio for Light Music in East Berlin. Upon graduation, she joined the band Automobil (picture), which released a well-received album in Germany, including her first hit "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" in 1974.
After a concert for a West German labour union in 1976 her stepfather, Wolf Biermann, was forbidden to return to the GDR. Because of their protests against it her mother, Eva-Maria Hagen and Nina were thrown out of GDR in 1977, and followed Biermann to his hometown Hamburg.
Nina subsequently met West-Berlin photographer Jim Rakete (who also produced some bands he shot the cover-photos for - like "Nena" some years later). He brought Nina together with the politically left-wing band "Lokomotive Kreuzberg" (later known as "Spliff"): thus the "Nina Hagen Band" was born.
In 1978 The Nina Hagen Band released their self-titled debut album, which included titles like "TV-Glotzer" (a cover of "White Punks on Dope" by The Tubes) and "Auf'm Bahnhof Zoo".
According to reviewer Fritz Rumler, she thrusts herself into the music, aggressively, directly, furiously, roars in the most beautiful operatic alto, then, through shrieks and squeals, precipitates herself into luminous soprano heights... she parodies, satirises, and howls on stage like a dervish.
Nina Hagen's eccentricity led to big disputes in the band and during a subsequent European tour Hagen decided to leave the band, though she was still under contract to produce a second album in 1979. This LP, Unbehagen (in addition to the obvious pun on her name, in German this also means 'discomfort' or 'unease'), was eventually produced with the band recording their tracks in Berlin and Hagen recording the vocals in Los Angeles, California. It included the single "African Reggae"/"Wir leben immer... noch" (a cover of Lene Lovich's "Lucky Number"). The headless Nina Hagen Band soon developed a successful independent musical career as Spliff.
Meanwhile, Hagen's public persona was steadily creating an increasing media uproar and she became infamous for an appearance on an Austrian talk show called Club 2, in which she performed an explicit simulation of masturbation. She also acted with Dutch sex-drugs-and-rock-'n'-roll legend Herman Brood in the movie Cha Cha, along with Lene Lovich and various Dutch bands.
An European tour with a new band in 1980 was cancelled, she had a love affair with a 16 year old punk from Amsterdam called Noddy (www.noddyriot.co.uk) and sang a RHCP rapduet with him at the OneWorldPoetry festival at the MilkyWay and lived with him in New York and in the Bahamas.
In 1982 her first solo album NunSexMonkRock, a dissonant mix of punk, funk and opera, was a minor hit, and led to a world tour with the No Problem Orchestra.
In 1983 came the album Angstlos and a minor European tour. By this time, Hagen's public appearances were becoming even stranger; over the years they frequently included discussions of God, UFOs, her social and political beliefs, animal rights / vivisection and claims of alien sightings. The English version of Angstlos, 'Fearless', generated two major club hits in America , "Zarah" and the disco/punk/opera classic, "New York New York".
1985's 'Nina Hagen In Ekstasy' fared less well, but it did generate club hits with "Universal Radio" and a cover of "Spirit In The Sky", and it also featured her hardcore punk take on Frank Sinatra's "My Way", which had been one of her signature live tunes in previous years. Her contract with CBS over, she released the Punk Wedding EP independently in 1987, a celebration of her marriage to an 18-year old punk. It followed an independent 1986 one-off single with Lene Lovich, the anthemic "Don't Kill The Animals".
In 1989 Hagen released the album Nina Hagen which was backed up by another German tour. Now living in Paris with her daughter Cosma Shiva, in 1991 she toured Europe in support of her new album Street.
In 1992 Hagen became the host of a TV show on RTLplus. The following year she released Revolution Ballroom and two years later the German-language album Freud Euch appeared, recorded in English as Beehappy in 1996. Also in 1996, Hagen collaborated with electronic music composer Christopher Franke on "Alchemy of Love", the theme song for the Tenchi Universe movie Tenchi Muyo! in Love.
In 1998, Hagen became the host of a weekly science fiction show on the British Sci-Fi-Channel, in addition to embarking on another tour of Germany. In 1999, she released the devotional album Om Namah Shivay, which was distributed exclusively online. She also sang "Witness" on KMFDM's Adios.
Nina has a strong interest in various religions, but that is mainly driven by her urge to build a better world and her own colorful freedom within it.
In 2000, her song Schön ist die Welt became the official song of Expo 2000. The album The Return of the Mother was released in February 2001, accompanied by another German tour.
Hagen dubbed the voice of Sally in the German release of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas and she also did some voice work in Hot Dogs by Michael Schoemann.
Hagen has been featured on many songs by other bands, for instance Oomph!'s song Fieber, a cover of Rammstein's "Seemann" with Apocalyptica and in 2008 appeared readily on psy-trance act S.U.N. Project's X Black Album, most notably on the fully vocal track We're In Space. She also sang the song "Garota de Berlim" with Brazilian singer Supla in her early years.
Her two children are Cosma Shiva and Otis.
URLs:
BEST archive for Nina Hagen pictures and stuff (regrettably just in German), incl. very old GDR pics like a beautiful one at the age of 18 and one shot by the "Stasi" (together with her stepfather Wolf Biermann - wiki)
Was es ist
Nina Hagen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Deine Mauern im Gehirn kannst Du Dir nicht wegbeten.
Du mußt Dein ganzes Denken unendlich erweitern,
dann kannst Du die Prinzessin die nie lacht erheitern.
All die Farben Deiner Aura leuchten voller Pracht,
bald ist jede kleinste Sorge einfach weggelacht.
Das ist das reinste Kinderspiel, das hätt'ste nicht gedacht.
Wat?
Mit dieser riesigen Kraft mit der man wahre Wunder schafft,
erstaunt man bald die Menge die so ungläubig gafft.
Hör mit beiden Ohren zu, ich sprech mit Dir, Dich mein ich, Du.
Ich will Dir doch die Wahrheit sagen, denn ich bin doch Nina Hagen.
Muß man an die UFOs denken darf sich Dein Gehirn verrenken.
Sollst Dein Schicksal selber lenken, will Dir meine Liebe schenken.
Du mußt nämlich wissen, Reiche fallen darauf rein,
Geld ist überhaupt nicht Deines Lebens Sonnenschein.
Jeden Wunsch den Du auch fühlst, ist haargenau das was Du willst.
Laß nicht Deinen Gott den Buhmann sein,
alles was geschieht das handelst Du Dir selber ein.
Liebe Deine Brüder und liebe Deine Schwestern
denn die Wahrheit ist die gleiche noch wie heute so wie gestern.
Ich verteile meine Liebe über die die heut noch lästern.
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist was es ist,
was es ist, was es ist, ja was ist denn dies?
was es ist, was es ist, das ist sonnenklar,
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist einfach wahr!
Ballanziere Dein Leben mit dem richtigen Essen,
ich hoffe nur Du wirst doch keine Tiere fressen.
Genauso zu viel Suff und alle möglichen Tabletten druff,
alle diese Drogen haben viele schon belogen.
Das ist ja fürchterlich, wo ist es denn, dein wahres Ich?
So bitte, bitte, bitte, alle hört auf meinen Rat
Seid ihr selbst sauber, denken, mach 'ne gute Tat
Und spiel doch nicht mit bei diesem grossen Verrat-t-t-t-t-t
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist was es ist,
was es ist, was es ist, ja was ist denn dies?
was es ist, was es ist, das ist sonnenklar,
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist einfach wahr!
Jetzt aufgepasst!
Sauerkohl, kein Mist! Deine List bringt Dich selber um.
Versteck Dich lieber tief im Wald und lauf als Rumpelstielzchen rum.
Deine ganze Armee liegt erfroren im Schnee.
Die ganze Scheiße mit dem Krieg, der Teufel schreit 'Sieg, Sieg'.
Es kommt mir immer vor als wär der Friedenskampf
eine Wolke aus deutschem Haschischdampf.
Wir müssen endlich aufhör'n mit dem Desinteresse
und alle Menschen brauchen Diplomatenpässe.
Wir werden uns beraten was wir sagen sollen
und was wir langsam aber sicher ändern wollen.
Am besten lernt man Friede mit dem Fisch als Lehrer.
Guten Morgen liebe Klasse, ich bin der Bekehrer!
Waswaswaswaswas
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist was es ist
Was es ist, was es ist, ja was ist denn dies?
Was es ist, was es ist, des ist sonnenklar
Was es ist, was ist, es ist einfach wahr!
Ich wiederhole:
Mach Dir mal nichts vor hier auf Deinem Planeten,
Deine Mauern im Gehirn kannst Du Dir nicht wegbeten.
Du mußt Dein ganzes Denken unendlich erweitern,
dann kannst Du die Prinzessin die nie lacht erheitern.
All die Farben Deiner Aura leuchten voller Pracht,
bald ist jede kleinste Sorge einfach weggelacht.
Das ist das reinste Kinderspiel, das hätt'ste nicht gedacht.
Wat?
Mit dieser riesigen Kraft mit der man wahre Wunder schafft,
erstaunt man bald die Menge die so ungläubig gafft.
Hör mit beiden Ohren zu, ich sprech mit Dir, Dich mein ich, Du.
Ich will Dir doch die Wahrheit sagen, denn ich bin doch Nina Hagen.
Muß man an die UFOs denken darf sich Dein Gehirn verrenken.
Sollst Dein Schicksal selber lenken, will Dir meine Liebe schenken.
Will dir meine Liebe schenken.
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Guten Morgen liebe Klasse - heut flieg ma' mit 'ner Untertasse!
In this song, Nina Hagen encourages people to be true to themselves and to enlighten their minds. She advises them to let go of their negative thoughts and to expand their thinking to discover their true potential. She compares life to a child's game, saying that once people start seeing colors in their aura, they will no longer worry about trivial matters. Hagen urges listeners to be mindful of their actions, to love one another and to focus on peace instead of war. She emphasizes the need to choose the right food and to avoid alcohol and drugs that deceive many people.
The song is a blend of pop and rock genres, and it was released in 1983 as part of Nina Hagen's album, NunSexMonkRock. The German lyrics of the song were written by Hagen herself, coming up with rhymes that convey deep and profound messages. The tune takes you on a journey through a spiritual awakening, encouraging people to think beyond their limited perspectives and discover the magic of the universe. The song's bouncy beat and upbeat tone set the stage for an unforgettable message of love and enlightenment.
The song's lyrics were a call to action for many people who embraced the ideology of the punk movement of the 1980s. Hagen promoted non-conformity, authenticity, and individualism, which aligns perfectly with the punk culture. The song resonated with many who had grown tired of the status quo and wanted to break free from the constraints of society to seek their true selves. Overall, "Was es ist "is a masterpiece that reminds us that weare capable of anything and that we should strive to rise above our limiting beliefs and fears.
Line by Line Meaning
Mach Dir mal nichts vor hier auf Deinem Planeten,
Don't deceive yourself on your own planet,
Deine Mauern im Gehirn kannst Du Dir nicht wegbeten.
You can't just wish away the walls in your mind.
Du mußt Dein ganzes Denken unendlich erweitern,
You must expand your thinking infinitely,
dann kannst Du die Prinzessin die nie lacht erheitern.
then you can make the princess who never laughs happy.
All die Farben Deiner Aura leuchten voller Pracht,
All the colors in your aura shine with great splendor,
bald ist jede kleinste Sorge einfach weggelacht.
soon even the smallest worry will be easily laughed away.
Das ist das reinste Kinderspiel, das hätt'ste nicht gedacht.
It's just child's play, you wouldn't have thought so.
Wat?
What?
Mit dieser riesigen Kraft mit der man wahre Wunder schafft,
With the immense power that creates true wonders,
erstaunt man bald die Menge die so ungläubig gafft.
soon people who gawk in disbelief will be amazed.
Hör mit beiden Ohren zu, ich sprech mit Dir, Dich mein ich, Du.
Listen carefully, I am speaking to you, yes, you.
Ich will Dir doch die Wahrheit sagen, denn ich bin doch Nina Hagen.
I want to tell you the truth, because after all, I'm Nina Hagen.
Muß man an die UFOs denken darf sich Dein Gehirn verrenken.
If you must think about UFOs, your brain might twist.
Sollst Dein Schicksal selber lenken, will Dir meine Liebe schenken.
You should steer your own destiny, I want to give you my love.
Du mußt nämlich wissen, Reiche fallen darauf rein,
You should know that the rich fall for it,
Geld ist überhaupt nicht Deines Lebens Sonnenschein.
money is not the sunshine of your life at all.
Jeden Wunsch den Du auch fühlst, ist haargenau das was Du willst.
Every desire you feel is exactly what you want.
Laß nicht Deinen Gott den Buhmann sein,
Don't make a scapegoat of your God,
alles was geschieht das handelst Du Dir selber ein.
everything that happens, you bring upon yourself.
Liebe Deine Brüder und liebe Deine Schwestern
Love your brothers and love your sisters,
denn die Wahrheit ist die gleiche noch wie heute so wie gestern.
for the truth is the same now as it was yesterday.
Ich verteile meine Liebe über die die heut noch lästern.
I spread my love over those who still mock today.
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist was es ist,
What it is, what it is, it is what it is,
was es ist, was es ist, ja was ist denn dies?
what it is, what it is, yes, what is this?
was es ist, was es ist, das ist sonnenklar,
what it is, what it is, that is crystal clear,
Was es ist, was es ist, es ist einfach wahr!
What it is, what it is, it is simply true!
Ballanziere Dein Leben mit dem richtigen Essen,
Balance your life with the right food,
ich hoffe nur Du wirst doch keine Tiere fressen.
I hope you won't eat animals though.
Genauso zu viel Suff und alle möglichen Tabletten druff,
Too much booze and all sorts of pills,
alle diese Drogen haben viele schon belogen.
all these drugs have deceived many people.
Das ist ja fürchterlich, wo ist es denn, dein wahres Ich?
That's terrible, where is your true self?
So bitte, bitte, bitte, alle hört auf meinen Rat
So please, please, please, everyone listen to my advice
Seid ihr selbst sauber, denken, mach 'ne gute Tat
Be clean, think for yourself, do a good deed
Und spiel doch nicht mit bei diesem grossen Verrat-t-t-t-t-t
And don't play along with this great deception-t-t-t-t-t
Jetzt aufgepasst!
Now pay attention!
Sauerkohl, kein Mist! Deine List bringt Dich selber um.
Sauerkraut, not a joke! Your trickery will bring you down.
Versteck Dich lieber tief im Wald und lauf als Rumpelstielzchen rum.
Hide deep in the woods and run around like Rumpelstiltskin.
Deine ganze Armee liegt erfroren im Schnee.
Your entire army is frozen in the snow.
Die ganze Scheiße mit dem Krieg, der Teufel schreit 'Sieg, Sieg'.
All that crap about war, the devil screams 'Victory, victory'.
Es kommt mir immer vor als wär der Friedenskampf
It always seems to me that the fight for peace,
eine Wolke aus deutschem Haschischdampf.
is a cloud of German hashish smoke.
Wir müssen endlich aufhör'n mit dem Desinteresse
We must finally stop being indifferent,
und alle Menschen brauchen Diplomatenpässe.
and all people need diplomatic passports.
Wir werden uns beraten was wir sagen sollen
We will consult on what we should say
und was wir langsam aber sicher ändern wollen.
and what we want to change slowly but surely.
Am besten lernt man Friede mit dem Fisch als Lehrer.
The best way to learn peace is with the fish as your teacher.
Guten Morgen liebe Klasse, ich bin der Bekehrer!
Good morning dear class, I am the convert!
Waswaswaswaswas
Whatwhatwhatwhatwhat
Ich wiederhole:
I repeat:
Will dir meine Liebe schenken.
I want to give you my love.
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Lalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalalala
Guten Morgen liebe Klasse - heut flieg ma' mit 'ner Untertasse!
Good morning dear class - today we're flying with a UFO!
Contributed by Cole O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Jorge luis SOSA
Nina Hagen, una genio sin fronteras. Rompió todo los esquemas de la música 🎶, se su época, muy de banguardia, Llegó a la ARGENTINA, En los 80, fue el boon,!!!!!! BRAVO 👏 👏 👏 NINA HAGEN, única!!!!
Raccoon Records
We need more Nina Hagen's in the world
Alex Orozco
A few months ago this song blew my mind after popping while shuffling my phone's music. I love how I can get to learn to enjoy different Nina Hagen songs as time passes by.
giannis koutras
LOVE IT!
Frank Stefan Horn
Wenn man's bedenkt: Diese Gesellschaftskritik alleine schon... einfach zeitübergreifend gut!
basslobster
Adoring classic ❤
giannis koutras
NIna is a attitute you have to feel it!
JUAN PABLO ARENA
Genia! Te amo!
Alex Orozco
The recording can be much more appreciated with earphones or headphones.
Elfriede Weiss
Unschlagbar Nina ♥️