Berlin
Small Sur Lyrics


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Took a walk on a Sunday
to the park where they sing,
through the market where they peddle
almost everything.
Berlin,
Berlin!
Then that evening with some friends,
we spoke fondly of all things,
laughed much louder than the others
and our bellies,
they filled with light!
Berlin,
Berlin!
Oooooh, Berlin!
Sometimes darkness, it creeps in-
to my body while I'm sleeping.
and I watch you fall,
from the pedestal,
where you've rested for so long.
Berlin,




Berlin!
Oooooh, Berlin!

Overall Meaning

The song "Berlin" by Small Sur talks about the city of Berlin in Germany. The first stanza describes the singer taking a walk on a Sunday, passing through the park where people sing and the market where they sell almost everything. The repetition of "Berlin" emphasizes the city and the singer's connection to it. The following stanza describes a fun evening with friends where they talk about their fond memories and laugh loudly, filling their bellies with light. This portrays the city as a place of joy and camaraderie. However, the last stanza introduces a different tone as the singer talks about darkness creeping into their body while they sleep. They observe the city falling from its pedestal where it has rested for a long time, possibly hinting towards the city's turbulent past as a divided city.


The song captures the bittersweet nature of Berlin's history and how it continues to impact the present. The first two stanzas focus on the happy memories and the present-day vibrancy of the city. However, the last stanza introduces a melancholic tone, hinting towards the scars that the city still carries from its tumultuous past. The contrast between the joyful memories and the darker undertones add depth to the song and its interpretation. The repetition of "Berlin" and the use of the first-person perspective also give a sense of intimacy and personal connection between the singer and the city.


Line by Line Meaning

Took a walk on a Sunday
Walking on a Sunday


to the park where they sing,
Went to the singing park


through the market where they peddle
Passed through a market with various wares


almost everything.
Almost everything is sold there


Berlin,
Addressing the city


Berlin!
Expressing excitement for the city


Then that evening with some friends,
Later that evening with friends


we spoke fondly of all things,
Discussed positive memories


laughed much louder than the others
Laughed louder than those around them


and our bellies,
Their stomachs


they filled with light!
Felt full and happy


Berlin,
Addressing the city again


Berlin!
Reiterating excitement for the city


Oooooh, Berlin!
Expressing continued excitement for the city


Sometimes darkness, it creeps in-
At times, darkness affects them


to my body while I'm sleeping.
Physically while they sleep


and I watch you fall,
Watching the city decline


from the pedestal,
From a place of high regard


where you've rested for so long.
A place it held for a long time


Berlin,
Addressing the city again


Berlin!
Closing with excitement for the city




Contributed by Ian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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