IN DELIVERANCE OF PEACE WE WAR

THE GERMAN INDUSTRIAL GOTH METAL BAND—Rammstein—belts out this anthem off the Mutter LP released in April 2001 with such power and intensity, I was interested finally to seek out its English lyrics, and was quite surprised to find such mundane words delivered in German with such overwhelming force. Now tell me my blue-eyed son, what do you think is being said here, and to whom? Wittgenstein, anyone?

Feuer frei!

Whoever knows pain becomes criticized
from the fire that burned up the skin
I throw a light in my face
a hot cry
open fire!

Bang bang

Whoever knows pain is raised
from the fire that burns in desire
a hard thrust (that gives off sparks) into her womb
a hot cry
open fire!

Bang bang
open fire!

Whoever knows pain is dangerous
from the fire that burns the soul
bang bang
the burned child is dangerous
with fire that separates from the life
a hot cry
bang bang
open fire!

Your happiness
is not my happiness
it is my misery

Bang bang
open fire!