They existed from 1987 until 2001 and "founded at a time in which it was said that punk rock is dead, remaining always faithful to their style" (Trini Trimpop, Power Vision Festival in October 1995.) The band's Punk rock attitude is often pure, although the lyrics are about love, pain and longing.
The Bates published alongside original compositions on each of their albums at least two cover versions. Due to the fact that the cover versions arrived very well, the band released in 2000, an album that only included foreign compositions from different styles, which were presented in a completely new, Bates typical style - by the Beatles (Helter Skelter) and the Rolling Stones (Out of Time) on Sailor (Glass of Champagne) and Aneka (Japanese Boy) to Eiffel 65 (Blue). The highest chart placement of a single was number 10 in Switzerland for the Michael Jackson cover version of "Billie Jean".
In 2001, the band broke up, allegedly over disputes over the consumption of alcohol by singer / bassist and frontman Markus "Zimbl" Zimmer . Zimbl continued to record two solo albums and a side project until his death, and were released unprofessionally in small quantities and as a consequence are long out of print.
Zimbl died in his apartment on 18 June 2006, caused by a circulatory collapse, as a result of long-standing alcohol and drug addiction. In December 2006, the 3-CD compilation "A Tribute to Zimbl - Rocking on heaven's door appeared as an obituary. The proceeds of the tribute CD went to foundations in the fight against drugs.
The band, as well as family and friends Zimmer, organized a honour to him on 28 December 2006, the so-called Zimbl tribute "Rocking on heaven's door". This is also where the filming of the documentary "Zimbl - a real cool time" by Sascha Nölke occurred. Again, the entrance fees were used by the organization "Global care" to make a donation.
Poor Boy
The Bates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I couldn't speak and go
My mother worked each day
And she learned me to say
Mother and father and son
Sister and uncle are fun
And she learned me to say
Life is so hard each day
Poor boy you must know
Poor boy the life is a hard road
Poor boy poor boy you must say
Life is very hard to stay
The Bates's song Poor Boy is a powerful reflection on the struggles of life for those born into poverty. The opening lines reference the difficult start to life that many may have when born without the ability to speak or move. However, the mother's dedication to teaching her child the basics of communication and family relationships is highlighted, as she imparts the importance of familial connections and the difficulties of life.
This theme of struggle and hardship is reinforced throughout the song, as the chorus repeats the phrase "poor boy" and reminds the listener of the hardships that come with poverty. The final lines of the song underscore this message, as the singer implores the listener to acknowledge the realities of life and the difficulties that may come with it.
Overall, Poor Boy offers a poignant reflection on the realities of poverty and the difficulties that come with it. Through simple lyrics and a powerful chorus, the song encourages empathy and understanding for those who face difficult circumstances in life.
Line by Line Meaning
When I was born you know
From the moment I was born, I was unable to communicate or move freely.
I couldn't speak and go
I was unable to speak or walk on my own as a newborn.
My mother worked each day
My mother had to work hard every day to provide for our family.
And she learned me to say
My mother taught me how to speak.
Mother and father and son
She taught me the names of my family members.
Sister and uncle are fun
She taught me that my sister and uncle were enjoyable and important people in my life.
And she learned me to say
My mother continued to educate me on how to communicate and express myself.
Life is so hard each day
My mother wanted me to understand that life is difficult and full of challenges, even on a daily basis.
Poor boy you must know
As a poor boy, it was important for me to understand the hardships of life.
Poor boy the life is a hard road
Growing up poor means that life will be a difficult journey full of obstacles to overcome.
Poor boy poor boy you must say
As a poor boy, I had to acknowledge and accept the reality of my struggles and limitations.
Life is very hard to stay
Life is hard to endure and persevere through, especially when dealing with poverty and its various challenges.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Dystopia23
Eine der für mich prägensten Bands ever!
Ein grandioser Musiker der ganz klar fehlt :/
Anna Palava
Live und auf CD - die waren der Hammer und lassen mich immer noch tanzen (und leider auch weinen, wenn ich dran denke, dass Zimbl von uns gegangen ist..)
Louis Varas
Er lebt in uns weiter! Wir schulden es ihn weiter zu leben und zu rocken!
Das Rostkehlchen
Sämtliche Songs die von Zimbl und Co gecovert wurden lassen das Herz eines jeden Rock fans höher schlagen. 👍🎵🎶🎼😎
Lotte Lange
ich glaube Elmar Naumann hat nicht verstanden ,das durch ,so großartige Menschen wie Zimbl die Klassiker niemals in Vergessenheit geraten,ich bin mit dieser Musik aufgewachsen ,und ich finde es göttlich,wie er es rüber bringt,Schade deine Zeit war wohl doch nicht so wild,ich bin unendlich traurig das Er nicht mehr da ist !!!!!
ChiChi andJo
LOVE this! :D
zico 2193
Zimbl & die Bates waren einzigartig!!
F Froschkonzert
Witziges Video! Die Musik klasse! Hätte ich gerne auch mal live gesehen.
Crazy-B.
Absolut unvergessen! Absolut ewig!!!
Die Metal Schlagzeugerin
Geil!