Vorkriegsjugend were a cult and very influential hardcore punk band from Ge… Read Full Bio ↴Vorkriegsjugend were a cult and very influential hardcore punk band from Germany. The band only existed for 4 years (1982-85). However, they are considered to be one of the most notable and influential German bands of the period.

While active they released a double 7" and an LP. Their discography is currently available on CD from Weird System Records.

The band, with only the drummer as a band member of the original line-up, reformed in 1998 and released an Ep called 'Widerstand dem Teutonenland'. Though, they have spliten up, for good, in 1999.

Tilt
Vorkriegsjugend Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Knall deinen Kopf gegen die Wand
Du bist der Beste im ganzen Land
Vollgedröhnt bis oben hin
Das ist der wahre Lebenssinn
Klink dir ein paar Pillen ein
Völlig breit so mußt du sein

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total daneben

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt so bist du eben
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total kaputt
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total kaputt
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total daneben
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt so bist du eben

Discoschick im Neonlicht
Was so abgeht kuckt dich nicht
Schön und cool und lässig sein
Denn sonst fällt dir nichts mehr ein
Die Musik tropft der Schwanz steht steil
Jetzt bist du erst richtig geil

Junge Penner Haar voll Seife
Bier Korn Wein und Bullenstreife
No Future auf der Lederjacke
Schleppscheiße-Eiter auf der Backe

Er wacht in seiner Kotze auf
So nimmt das Leben seinen Lauf

Overall Meaning

The song "Tilt" by Vorkriegsjugend is a critique of the youth culture of the late 1970s and the early 1980s that was characterized by drug use, nihilism, and a desire for instant gratification. The lyrics describe the behavior of a young person who is completely wasted, having taken drugs and drunk alcohol, and who has lost all sense of purpose and direction in life. The youth is depicted as living for the moment, seeking pleasure and excitement wherever they can find it, and not caring about the consequences of their actions.

The lyrics also criticize the consumer culture that was prevalent at the time, with references to discos and neon lights. The youth is encouraged to be "cool" and "schön," implying that conformity and surface appearances are more important than individuality or creativity. The refrain of the song, "Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total daneben," can be understood as a condemnation of this hedonistic and nihilistic lifestyle, with the word "tilt" referring to a state of being out of control or beyond redemption.

Overall, the song can be seen as a reflection of the punk and new wave movements of the time, which rejected the mainstream culture of their parent's generation and sought to create a new, more authentic youth culture. However, "Tilt" also critiques some of the excesses and negative aspects of this rebellious youth culture, suggesting that there is a need for balance and moderation in life.

Line by Line Meaning

Knall deinen Kopf gegen die Wand
Bang your head against the wall

Du bist der Beste im ganzen Land
You are the best in the whole land

Vollgedröhnt bis oben hin
Fully drugged up to the top

Das ist der wahre Lebenssinn
That is the true meaning of life

Klink dir ein paar Pillen ein
Pop a few pills

Völlig breit so mußt du sein
Completely high is how you have to be

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total daneben
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt completely messed up

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt so bist du eben
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt that's how you are

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total kaputt
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt completely broken

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt total daneben
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt completely messed up

Tilt, Tilt, Tilt so bist du eben
Tilt, Tilt, Tilt that's how you are