German Pop Music: Pur Posted by Sandra Rösner on Apr 11, 2012 in Culture, Music
Since I have begun to write blog entries for Transparent Language, I know that there are several German music bands who are very well known beyond the borders of Germany, e.g. Rammstein, Scorpions, and Tokyo Hotel. But do you also know the German band PUR?
PUR has been the most successful German band in Germany since the last 15 years, and unlike many other German musicians they sing in German. One characteristic feature of PUR is that they polarize: people either love them or do not like them all. It seems that most people are ashamed of admitting that they like, at least a little bit, the music of PUR. I confess that I possess one of their albums, thus, I like their music because it is fairly melodic and the lyrics are easy to understand but, nevertheless, still quite philosophic.
The members of PUR come from Bietigheim-Bissingen (Baden-Württemberg), a town near Stuttgart and they founded the band in 1975, when all of them still attended school. They started their career as the student band “Crusade”. In schooldays they still sang in English but when Hartmut Engler – today’s singer and bandleader – later joined “Crusade” they began to sing in German because Hartmut Engler recognized that their fans like their music and wanted to make sure that everyone can understand what he is singing about. – Before Hartmut became a member of the band, the drummer of “Crusade” performed the vocal part. – All members agreed to Hartmut’s suggestion to sing in German.
Another renewal of the band, when Hartmut joined them, was the changing of their band name in 1980. Since they had started to sing their own songs in German they called themselves “Opus”, which turned out to have been a bad decision because another band form Austria, which was also named “Opus” released their hit single “Live is life” in 1985. Consequently, the members had to choose another name, namely PUR.
But in the beginning of their career they were not that well known and successful that they could have lived on their music. Thus, they performed regularly in GI clubs who were still based in Germany at that time and covered songs by American musicians, e.g. Bruce Springsteen and Lynyrd Skynyrd. By this they earned the money they needed to afford their own tour bus, and they eventually could start touring throughout the whole republic.
The first real breakthrough they made was in 1986 when they won the Bundesrockpreis (lit. Federal Rock Award) – a music contest for amateurs, which finally resulted in a record deal in January 1987. Although PUR already had a remarkable fan base and released four albums from 1987 to 1991, the media had not paid much attention to the band, but rather sneered at them. This changed when PUR performed at the Hockenheim Rock Festival in 1991, where 110.000 people listened to their music. PUR’s long-desired “second” breakthrough was finally there and they sold more than 1 million copies of their “Live”-Album.
I have chosen two of my favorite songs for you and I hope you also like them a little bit. In addition to the German lyrics, I also give the English translations. Enjoy!
Wo sind all die Indianer hin? – Where have all the Natives gone?
Lyrics:
| Wo sind all die Indianer hin?
Wann verlor das große Ziel den Sinn? Dieses alte Bild aus der Kinderzeit Zeigt alle Brüder vom Stamm der Gerechtigkeit Wir waren bunt bemalt und mit wildem Schrei Stand jeder stolze Krieger den Schwachen bei Unser Ehrenwort war heilig Nur ein Bleichgesicht betrog Und es waren gute Jahre Bis der erste sich belog
(Refrain) Wo sind all die Indianer hin? wann verlor das große Ziel den Sinn? So wie Chingachgook für das Gute stehn Als letzter Mohikaner unter Geiern nach dem Rechten sehn
Der “Kleine Büffel” spielt heute Boß Er zog mit Papi´s Firma das große Los “Geschmeidige Natter” sortiert die Post Und in seiner Freizeit sagt er meistens “Prost!” Und die Friedenspfeife baumelt über´m Videogerät Wieviel Träume dürfen platzen, Ohne dass man sich verrät?
(Refrain) Wo sind all die Indianer hin? wann verlor das große Ziel den Sinn? So wie Chingachgook für das Gute stehn Als letzter Mohikaner unter Geiern nach dem Rechten sehn
Es gib noch ein paar wenige vom Stamme der Schoschonen Die finden sich, erkennen sich am Blick And deren gute Taten kann man nur durch Freundschaft belohnen Sie nehmen ein Versprechen nie zurück
Und die Friedenspfeife baumelt über´m Videogerät Wieviel Träume dürfen platzen, Ohne dass man sich verrät?
(Refrain) Wo sind all die Indianer hin? wann verlor das große Ziel den Sinn? So wie Chingachgook für das Guten stehn Als letzter Mohikaner unter Geiern nach dem Rechten sehn |
Where have all the Natives gone?
When has the great aim lost its sense? This old picture from childhood Shows all brothers of the tribe of fairness We were colorfully painted and with wild yelling Every proud soldier supported the weak Our word of honor was sacred Only a pale-face deceived It had been good years Until the first one deceived himself
Where have all the Natives gone? When has the great aim lost its sense? Standing for the good thing just like Chingachgook Checking if everything is in order just like the last of the Mohicans among vultures
“Little Buffalo” is playing boss now He hit the jackpot with daddy’s company “Slinky Viper” is sorting mail And his spare time he mostly says “Cheers!” And the peace pipe is swinging above the video device How many dreams may shatter Without betraying oneself?
Where have all the Natives gone? When has the great aim lost its sense? Standing for the good thing just like Chingachgook Checking if everything is in order just like the last of the Mohicans among vultures
There are still a few of the tribe of the Shoshones They will find each other, they recognize each other by their look And their actions can only be rewarded by friendship They never go back on a promise
And the peace pipe is swinging above the video device How many dreams may shatter without betraying oneself?
Where have all the Natives gone? When has the great aim lost its sense? Standing for the good thing just like Chingachgook Checking if everything is in order just like the last of the Mohicans among vultures |
Abenteuerland – Land of Adventures
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcu67s_pur-abenteuerland_music
Lyrics:
| Der triste Himmel macht mich krank
Ein schweres graues Tuch Das die Sinne fast erstickt Die Gewohnheit zu Besuch Lange nichts mehr aufgetankt Die Batterien sind leer In ein Labyrinth verstrickt Ich seh` den Weg nicht mehr Ich will weg, ich will raus Ich will “wünsch mir was “ Und ein kleiner Junge nimmt mich an die Hand Er winkt mir zu und grinst: Komm hier weg, komm hier raus Komm, ich zeig dir was Das du verlernt hast vor lauter Verstand
Komm mit Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Auf deine eigene Reise Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Der Eintritt kostet den Verstand Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Und tu`s auf deine Weise Deine Fantasie schenkt dir ein Land Das Abenteuerland
Neue Form, verspielt und wild Die Wolken mal`n ein Bild Der Wind pfeift dazu dieses Lied In dem sich jeder Wunsch erfüllt Ich erfinde, verwandle mit Zauberkraft Die Armee der Zeigefinger brüllt: “Du spinnst!” Ich streck` den Finger aus Ich verhexe, verbanne, ich hab die Macht Solange der Kleine da im Spiegel noch grinst
Komm mit Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Auf deine eigene Reise Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Der Eintritt kostet den Verstand Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Und tu`s auf deine Weise Deine Fantasie schenkt dir ein Land Das Abenteuerland
Peter Pan und Captain Hook mit siebzehn Feuerdrachen Alles kannst du sehen, wenn du willst Donnervögel, Urgeschrei, Engel, die laut lachen Alles kannst du hören, wenn du willst Du kannst flippen, flitzen, fliegen und das größte Pferd kriegen Du kannst tanzen, taumeln, träumen und die Schule versäumen Alles das ist möglich in dir drin, in deinem Land trau dich nur zu spinnen, es liegt in deiner Hand
Komm mit! auf deine eigene Reise komm mit! und tu’s auf deine Weise!
Komm mit Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Auf deine eigene Reise Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Der Eintritt kostet den Verstand Komm mit mir ins Abenteuerland Und tu`s auf deine Weise Deine Fantasie schenkt dir ein Land Das Abenteuerland |
The dreary sky makes me sick
A heavy gray layer That it almost suffocates the senses The habit is visiting me Haven’t been refueled for a long time The batteries are empty Entangled in a maze I can’t see the path anymore I wanna go away, I wanna leave I want “make a wish” And a little boy takes me by the hand He is waving at me and grins Get away, get out Come, I show you something That you have forgotten for reasoning
Come Come with me to the land of adventures On your own journey Come with me to the land of adventures Reasoning is the entrance fee Come with me to the land of adventures And do it your way Your fantasy bestows you a land The land of adventures
Another shape, playful and wild The clouds paint a picture The wind whistles this song along In which every wish comes true I make up, I change with magic power The army of index fingers screams “You are crazy!” I put out my finger I cast a spell, I have the power As long as this little boy in the mirror Keeps on grinning
Come Come with me to the land of adventures On your own journey Come with me to the land of adventures Reasoning is the entrance fee Come with me to the land of adventures And do it your way Your fantasy bestows you a land The land of adventures
Peter Pan and Captain Hook with seventeen fire dragons You can see everything, if you want Thunderbirds, primeval cheering, angels who are laughing out loud You can hear everything, if you want You can flip, dash, fly and get the biggest horse You can dance, stagger, dream and miss school Everything is possible inside you, in your land Dare to be off your head, it lies in your hand
Come! On your own journey Come! And do it your way
Come Come with me to the land of adventures On your own journey Come with me to the land of adventures Reasoning is the entrance fee Come with me to the land of adventures And do it your way Your fantasy bestows you a land The land of adventures |
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About the Author: Sandra Rösner
Hello everybody! I studied English and American Studies, Communication Science, and Political Science at the University of Greifswald. Since I have been learning English as a second language myself for almost 20 years now I know how difficult it is to learn a language other than your native one. Thus, I am always willing to keep my explanations about German grammar comprehensible and short. Further, I am inclined to encourage you to speak German in every situation. Regards, Sandra
Comments:
Daniel Drawe:
PUR is just okay. I think I’ll stick with Die Prinzen.
Dr. Kurt R. Fiedler:
Hi, Filia Pia!
This music blog will widen your melodic horizon and you will read the songs in German and English!
Start sharing the blog/music with your friends at Barnard College and all your book fans!
au revour–Good-bye, Pater Dr. Cospanus
Live man:
I’ll unquestionably advice this blog to others , quite a few thanks and that i hope you may hit me back with wide range of juicy updates
Kathy:
Please tell me, how do you say, “Get up and dance!”, in German?
Sandra Rösner:
@Kathy “Steh auf und tanz(e)!” – informal, singular
“Steht auf und tanzt!” – informal, plural
“Stehen Sie auf und tanzen Sie!” – formal, singular and plural
cabo resort:
Hey there, You have done an incredible job.
I’ll certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends.
I am sure they’ll be benefited from this website.
Tommy Rowlett:
I lived in Germany for many years in Wertheim. I saw PUR many times live, my friends and I loved the music and sound of the group, to this day I still listen to there music, my favorite song is “Seiltanzertraum”. I miss all my friends in Wertheim from the early 90’s…..Franz, Silvia, Hans & my good friend Wolfgang.
Tommy Rowlett:
I lived in Germany for many years in Wertheim. I saw PUR many times live, my friends and I loved the music and sound of the group, to this day I still listen to there music, my favorite song is “Seiltanzertraum”. I miss all my friends in Wertheim from the early 90’s…..Franz, Silvia, Hans & my good friend Wolfgang
eduardo:
Hello.
I am looking for a translation in English of the songtext FREUNDE by Pur. Can you give me an idea where i can find it? Thanks. It is such a nice song and i have not found a translation to English.
Thanks.
Eduardo