Süsse kleine sechzehn
Udo Lindenberg Lyrics

The lyrics of Udo Lindenberg's song "Süße kleine Sechzehn" depict the excitement and infatuation of young teenagers, particularly sixteen-year-old girls, with rock and roll music and their idolization of famous musicians. The song takes the listener through various cities and states in the US where the rock and roll scene is thriving, such as Boston, Pittsburgh, Texas, Frisco Bay, St Louis, and New Orleans. In each of these places, every young boy is crazy about "Sweet Little Sixteen," emphasizing the universal appeal of this age and the allure of the teenage girl.

The first verse highlights the enthusiasm and passion of young people for rock and roll. They rock out in different cities, fueled by their love for the music and their idols. The repetition of the cities emphasizes the widespread impact of rock and roll and the shared experiences across various locations.

The chorus focuses on the character of "Sweet Little Sixteen," a sixteen-year-old girl who knows what she wants and is a devoted fan of musicians like Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, and Bill Haley. She collects a large number of photos of these musicians, showing her fascination and obsession with them. Whenever a band comes to town, she is there, eagerly devouring her star with her big, moist eyes, symbolizing her adoration and devotion.

In the second verse, the parents intervene, with the girl pleading with her mother and father. She wants to follow the trends and styles of her peers by wearing makeup, expressing her desire to grow up and be seen as more mature. However, she asks her father to keep it a secret from her mother, demonstrating the strained relationship between the girl and her mother, who may not approve of her desire to grow up quickly.

The bridge reaffirms the popularity and influence of "Sweet Little Sixteen." They continue to rock out on stage in various cities, and every young boy is infatuated with her. The use of the phrase "ganz spitz" suggests that the boys are eager and excited by her presence, reinforcing her irresistible charm and appeal.

The final verse portrays the longing of the young girl to become a woman. She dreams of having voluptuous curves like Marilyn Monroe and putting on a grand show. However, the reality is that she still has to go back to school the next morning, where she is just a sweet little sixteen-year-old girl. This contrast highlights the conflict between the desire for adulthood and the responsibilities and limitations of youth.

Overall, "Süße kleine Sechzehn" captures the fascination and longing of young teenagers for fame, rock and roll, and adulthood, while also highlighting the innocence and challenges they face during this transformative phase of their lives.