@@Blueridge1961 I can't read it, but made this up with some help from a Google link: DER WEG LYRICS ÜBERSETZUNG I can't see anymore Don't trust my eyes Can hardly believe Feelings have changed I'm way too lazy To give up It would be too early 'Cause there's always something to do We were close companions Would have died for each other Bended the rain Leant our confidence We tried to change the outcome Nothing was too late But many things too early We've pushed each other Through all tides Got us bogged down Loved each other desperately We have ignored the truth Whenever possible It was a piece of heaven That you were there You flooded Every room with sunshine And you've reversed every frustation to the opposite Nordic upright Your gentle kindness Your irrepressible pride Life is not fair On film we danced In a silvery room From a golden balcony Admired the infinity Hopelessly lost in thought, drunken And everything was allowed Together in a time lapse A Midsummer Night's Dream Your safe walk Your true poems Your cheerful dignity Your unshakable skill You've defied the fate You never revealed Your plan for happiness Your plan for happiness I'm not leaving I've extended my deadline Another trip through time In an open world I'm keeping you safe Inside my soul I'll carry you with me Until the curtain falls I'll carry you with me Until the curtain falls
As a German I can say that the translation is quite good. But translations are translations... the choice of the German words were very poetic. Words that everyone in Germany understand but barely no one use in a day to day base. At least in German these rhyming choice of word evoke really feelings... but I think, you got the message perfectly well... love to watch your reactions always😊
Exactly, "Du hast den Raum mit Sonne geflutet" is just an incredible strong line. We have other descriptions for it like "Wenn du kommst geht die Sonne auf" or "Du erhellst den Raum" but this is just a description above of it and the meaning is big stronger than the others.
Yeah same with " du hast den Regen gebogen" Like Regenbogen ..., deine heitere Würde, du hast ihn nie verraten deinen Plan vom Glück, translations here are close, but not the same.
You can always discuss the meaning and translation of single words but in the context of meaningfulness and rhythm of the poetry this interpretation is magically spot on. Herbert Grönemeyer is able to capture a whole universe in a short sentence and even though translations from the English to German language most often require far more space in German, this time it seems the other way round. We native Germans feel an explosion of meanings, pictures and even movies listening to a single word of these lyrics. I always believed it was impossible to translate adequately but this translation transports the vibe and deeper meaning of the lyrics in a rare quality. Sure, the pure German lyrics hit even harder and it doesn't just touch a soul, it grabs and shakes it. It's one of the greatest hymns of love and respect ever and it's in German language. Maybe a motivation to dig into our language? ;-)
@@berndalmstedt5060 this time it's the other way around, that's true. Those lyrics convey a universe, with just the smallest amount of words, but this translation does good in explaining.
I lived in Bochum when his brother and wife passed and when he released Mensch the whole city and the whole of the Ruhrgebiet cried their eyes out. Herbert gave the best send off to his loved ones anyone could ever do. I’m crying now like a little child almost 25 years later the feeling never softened. For me it’s the most transcendent song about the loss of a loved one in music period. I hope it stays with you and you get to know the german wording better. It’s an absolute masterpiece
Herbert einfach immer noch ein Bochumer Junge - das Ruhrstadion war letzten Monat auch mehrfach ausverkauft, als er zu Gast war. Es war echt berührend, damals.
Crying dutchman here. First time I hear this song here, and speaking german, I'm crying my eyes out, wow, what a voice. And his lyrics cannot be translated efficiently, like some other people already said.
As a German, I know every word, but it IS hard to understand the meaning. But I think it’s not that important - when you listen to classical or instrumental music or songs in others languages, well, they can touch you without words.
This song is dedicated to his wife, who passed away on November 1, 1998. Another stroke of fate awaited him 4 days later when his brother also died. I read that he wanted to stop singing, but his daughter, who was still young at the time, asked him to continue. This song always makes me cry.
His other brother is a famous German doctor. Herbert and his wife are actors. Best German film Das Boot A leading role for Herbert. Very creative people.
One of the few double meanings that always gets me is at the end: "Hast ihn nie verraten, deinen Plan vom Glück" This is translated into "Never betrayed your plan for happiness." And that's completely fine. BUT "verraten" means several things in german. To betray or to tell/unveil - or to spoil even. So it can actually also mean "Never unveiled your plan for happiness" or "never spoiled your plan for happiness" - leaving us and Gronemeyer himself a bit in the dark on what she might wanted to do still in her life - something we will now never know. And that's such a very sad thought that even to the closest person in her life, there might be still something hidden/unveiled that we will never have learned about her.
I always thought of it as 'betrayed' (as a native speaker). So she always followed her path to happiness without letting herself be held back by sad or hard times. It painted a picture of someone who was always happy, picking up the lines of her 'flooding the room with light'. But understanding it as unveiling and him never knowing what it was, makes it so much sadder :(
@@einwildesrehchen3862 and I get why you would hear that. It makes sense. In both instances. And that's crazy how well this works both ways, giving completely different meanings to a sentence without loosing the message of the overall song
Dutchy here. I heard Herbert Grönemeyer first somewhere in the 80s. The song is called: Halt mich. Brought me to tears. Lyrics, music, voice. The way he sings, clear pronunciation. The man is a legend in Germany. And absolutely deserved.
Well, his pronunciation is mostly quiet bad, his nickname is Nuschelherby or Mumbleherby. My german mother always says she don't understand one word of his songs. 😂 But I'm with you, 'Halt mich' (nur ein bißchen, bis ich schlafen kann) is one of his best songs! 🎶
Here in Germany, we often make fun of his pressed way of singing. But it is undisputed that he is one of our greatest artists. When his wife and brother died in such a short space of time, the whole country suffered with him. The whole album ‘Mensch’ is about him coming to terms with his grief. But my favourite song of his is much older: "Musik, nur wenn sie laut ist" (‘Music, only when it's loud’) Your reaction video is very heartwarming and I look forward to seeing more from you. Btw: Your pronunciation of his surname is pretty perfect - which is very unusual because of the umlaut.
Hallo @stefanlanger4397. Ich komme aus Dänemark und habe Herberts Musik fast 40 Jahre geliebt. Er schreibt wunderbare Lieder mit geniale Texte. Ich habe ihn dreimal in Konzert erlebt, und dass ist wirklich eine tolle Erlebnis.
The way he sings about a deaf girl and the pure joy of feeling the music beat through her body. He’s amazing. Also, as little as I was back then, „kinder and die macht“ was brillant for me. „Power to the kids“ is funny and empowering and plain awesome. Oh and „Männer“(men, was that the title?) My single mom and I had a blast.
How lovely that you choose a german singer!❤ Grönemeyer is not just a singer, in my opinion he's also a poet. He paints with word's.... His songs helped me through hard times..... Thanks!❤😭😭😭 It's wonderful that he reached your heart
Naja. Sie hat ja schon mehrere deutsche Bands hier behandelt. Rammstein. Scorpions. Metallica (wenn man die dazu zählen möchte ^^). Aber er war der erste Sänger/Songwriter, das stimmt wohl. Und ich bin froh, dass die ein Lied aus dem Album "Mensch" genommen hat. Meiner Meinung nach sein bestes.
Herbert Grönemeyer is definitely one of the greatest German lyricists. I haven’t heard this song in years, so thank you for reminding me how beautiful it is.
Leider ist er jenseits der Musik ein richtiges A... ist voll auf Regierungslinie, Impfzwangfetischist, will Opposition aus politischem Diskurs ausgrenzen...
In german TV there was a documentary about Herbert and one part was about his concert in London in the Royal Albert Hall. And about this concert - a german singer singing in german in England - the german rapper Thomas D. said "You don't have to understand Herbert, this guy you can feel." And thats what you now experienced.
This is probably by far Grönemeyer's most beautiful and most intimate song. You can not be not moved by these lyrics. I'm tearing up everytime I listen to it, no matter how often I've heard it. I always think I'm fine, but then Grönemeyer ascends into his "Every room you flooded with sun", and I'm dead. If you can ever say or feel any of the things he says about a person in your life, I believe you've seen it all. It also makes me happy that these wonderful words cause the same emotional reaction with someone not speaking German. Cudos to the translation! Although it can never be quite the same, the English subtitles hits it quite right.
Thank you very much for listening and reacting to this song not as a vocal coach, but just as a human being... 🙏❤ This song is not so much about Herbert's voice or singing talent, it's about his almost unique ability to put all his love, his grief, but also his hope into words. Your reaction (there's no need to hold back the tears...) is the very normal one for everybody with a heart inside... Thanks again and enjoy your day 😊
It's hard to put into words how good his use of the German language really is. His play with words the double meaning which are so delicate and tender. In combination with his unapologetic openess it just directly hits you in your heart. His a poet a beautiful soul who suffered a lot of tragedies in his life... I'm therefore so very happy to find you doing a song of him as many more and especially younger generations should also know of him - and maybe learn from him. Not musically (but ofc that too) but in his bold way to tackle life and face grief, joy, suffering and love head on.
I'm from Germany and cry every single time I hear this song. I already did when I was a child and couldn't really grasp the meaning. It is so stunning that this songs seems to have the same very emotionally touching impact even if you don't understand the lyrics. I'm fascinated by reaction videos from English speaking people...and still have to cry during every single video myself :D
Oh, this made me cry too. My uncle chose this song to be played at my aunts funeral a few years ago, they were together for over 40 years. So beautiful.
Thank you for your beautiful and genuine reaction. Hard not to cry, even as a guy. Grönemeyer is actually very genuine and down to earth as well and knows how to write from the heart. Guess that's why many Germans appreciate him.
German woman here, 58 years old... Since I love this song and reactions to it very much, I just "stumbled" across your channel. And I just want to say thank you - for one of the most beautiful and emotional reactions I've seen / heard on YT so far! This song still makes me cry even after years; I know exactly how Herbert Grönemeyer felt when he wrote this song (lost some of my beloved relatives to cancer myself and struggled hard with my grief...). For me it is the most beautiful and poetic love song that has ever been written - and I am very touched that its message has apparently been received exactly as it was meant, despite the language being foreign to you... Thank you for a great video and best wishes from beautiful northern Germany ^^
55 jähriger Metalhead Hier. Ich Dir nur empfehlen, Ihre recaps anzusehen, sofern Titel die Dich interessieren darun ter sind, oder eben Neues entdecken. Die Dame hat Emphatie gepaart mit profisionellem Wissen und natürlich, Charme. Du wirst es nicht bereuen:) Bleib gesund! Alexander
@@alexandersteinmetz6857Ja - genau SO kam sie für mich auch rüber... 😊 Und auch ich bin eigentlich ein riesiger Fan von Metal und Hardrock und höre extrem wenig deutsche Musik; aber Herbert Grönemeyer schafft es immer wieder, mich vor allem mit seinen Texten zu begeistern... Danke für die guten Wünsche - die gebe ich gerne zurück ^^
Da würde ich gerade fast ein klein wenig widersprechen wollen :) "Vertrauen leihen" ist im Deutschen nicht gleichzusetzen mit "Vertrauen schenken" in Form eines Geschenks. Tatsächlich kommt der Begriff noch nicht einmal vom "Schenken" aka "Schenkung", sondern vom "Schänken" ;-) Zugegeben: Das ist jetzt literarischer Firlefanz ^^ Aber literarisch eben auch ein Unterschied. Und damit auch semantisch. Wenn Grönemeyer als singt, man habe sich das Vertrauen geliehen, ist das etwas komplett anderes, als wenn er singen würde, man habe sich das Vertrauen geschenkt im Sinne eines Geschenkes. Eine "Schänkung" ist ein Vertrauensvorschuss (der "Schänker" im Biergarten schänkt aus, der "schenkt" nicht). Die Leihgabe ist also auch kein Geschenk, sondern etwas, das man jederzeit zurück nehmen kann. Und das besingt Grönemeyer hier, denn er nimmt sein Vertauen in Folge der Lyrics ja wieder zurück. Das hat fast schon einen esoterischen Hintergrund. Dort kann man bspw. Liebe ja auch nicht verschenken, sondern nur teilen. Und sie ist auch nicht weg, wenn sie nicht erwidert wird. Sie wird nur kanalisiert. Also da gibt es mehrere Philosophien. Aber sprachlich ist das eindeutig: "Vertrauen leihen/lending trust" ist ein Vertrauensvorschuss, keine feste Größe und kein Geschenk, das dann weg ist. Seine Frau hat ihn ja verlassen. Unfreiwillig. Für immer. Es ging also auch nie um geschenktes Vertrauen, sondern um etwas, das man investiert, aber im Zweifel wieder zurück bekommt. Ist was philosophisches. Aber eben kein Geschenk ;-)
Man kann das aber auch kurz fassen. Wenn man jemandem sein Vertrauen leiht, dann hofft man, dass der andere es nicht zerstört sondern wertschätzt und einem unbeschadet zurück bringt.
I'm from Vienna, Austria. I grew up in the 80's/90's. Herbert Grönemeyer in that decades was one of the greatest songwriter in the German-speaking countries. He wrote many iconic songs und he was and is well known for his very special way of writing lyrics and singing them in a way that's sometimes closer to speaking than to singing - but using his great voice for that. When the Album "Mensch" came out around 2000, it instantly was a huge success and people were blown away how he managed to put his grief in such a great musical piece of art. No one could listen to the song "Der Weg" without crying - and seeing you nice lady listening to this song and what does it to you makes me cry again like 25 years ago.
@@2sunstorm Ich bin ende dreißig und habe schon vor fast 10 Jahren geweint wegen des Songs. Es ist einfach alles so nachvollziehbar und doch persönlich genug um zu bemerken, dass einem diese "Bewertung" eigentlich nicht zusteht. Ein unfassbar tiefsinniger Moment Musikgeschichte.
Please watch Grönemeyer’s videos to the very end. The applause is part of his communication with the audience and this is important. Thank you for your reaction.
We are "lending" trust, because it's so fragile, once broken it's gone and we take it back. This is why we lend it, in the hopes the other person keeps it forever.
I think Herbert Grönemeyer is not so popular in Germany because of his vocal abilities. Some people don't even like his voice. He's often kind of mumbling and hard to understand. His lyrics are awesome, though. Grönemeyer is a fantastic poet. You might enjoy "Halt mich" (Hold me) which is one of his "happier" love songs. It is so beautiful! I enjoyed your reaction very much. Love from Germany ❤
Great. Now I sit here crying at my laptop and don't want to continue working.. This song obviously moves people with all it's aspects. The melody. The whole arrangement. His singing performance... the words... so beautiful..
This is the most emotional song in the world. You can just feel it. I have a tear in my eye every time. Many say the German language is hard but this song shows how versatile and deep German lyrics can be and how emotional the language can be.
The reason why I love your reactions is the way you show your emotions....even if you do not speak german you still feel what he is singing....never stop showing your emotion like you do
Here in Germany there are a lot of people that say it is neither singing not realy talking what he is doing because he can not do both correctly... (Because for speaking the timing is often a bit wrong) It's just Grönemeyer. One of a kind. A man who can deliver feelings by saying words that seem not to build sentences some times. But it works. Oh man it works...
I am from German and I lost my former partner from the UK a few years ago and I can touch every single emotion in each tune. When I saw you crying I knew that you got the sense. That is a masterpiece of songwriting and it kept me helding my head up. Thank you for this brilliant review.
"Every room you flooded with sun" - that is such a beautiful thing. He could have said you lit up every room or something to that effect but no, you flooded with sun. The sun being the source of all life in earth, the mother of all beings if you will. The sun is bright, it is warm, it is a symbol of love, harmony and happiness. And you *flooded* evey room with it, you didn't just bring it. In German that's an incredibly powerful sentence. What a wonderful reaction from you, I really appreciate it.
It makes me so happy to see that such a large part of the emotional impact of this song can actually translate even to people that don't speak the language itself. Let me tell you, I'm bawling my eyes out over here listening to this song again after so many years.
The translation of the lines is really good, catching many of the poetic swirls and twists of the original. Grönemeyer has been one of the most successful German artists for four decades now, and is relevant through his music and as a political artist.
It was already mentioned in some of the other comments above (and below), but it cannot be emphasized enough, how incredibly good Herbert Grönemeyer's lyrics are, not only in this one, but throughout all his career from the early 80s on. I grew up with his songs, loved them for their melodies, but only towards the end of my teenage years, I started fully appreciating the lyrics. Literally every song has a deep felt message behind it. Be it politics, environmental issues, social topics, racism, homophobia, war, famine, ... Nothing he didn't touch and wrap in beautiful poetic words. It is true art, to create such powerful yet poetic messages AND at the same time write such perfect matching melodies around them... Thanks for this beautiful reaction. Made me cry as well, both the song (which i haven't heard in a while) and your honest heartfelt reaction. ❤
Thank you so much for reacting to this song! Here in Germany, Herbert Grönemeyer is one of the most popular artists and has been for decades. His ability to paint with words, creating a unique, touching poetry makes him one of a kind and one of my favorite artists of all time. I'm happy, your enjoyed the song und wish you a lovely time, discovering a few of his other songs. :)
Thank you for your reaction and analysis Bethany. It is a pleasant surprise to see a non german speaker listening to it. His vocal style and choices, at least in my opinion, are sort of unique and can be a little bit polarizing. You hate it or you love it. That's what i observe with people. I like it, i grew up with it for decades now. The beautiful thing about your style is, that you don't interrupt songs every 5 to 10 seconds but let yourself be drawn into them allowing yourself to let the emotions flow and show. Thank you for that!
There are some more lyrical choices that are so touching in this song. And not only is this song one of Herberts best songs, but it also connected more than a generation in germany. From the release of the song up until now its used by germans to deal with grief. Helping to get over the loss of a loved one. A line that touches me a lot is in the last part. Ich gehe nicht weg, hab meine Frist verlängert. (Im not leaving, i have extended my stay) lets me always think that during his grief for the most part he was lost and contemplated with ending it. But he actively made the decision to . And for this decision a lot of people are happy.
yes, as a professional translator, I can tell you that the translation is very good! This was done by people. Lending trust actually is the way this is usually said in German - however, you CAN also say give trust. And your distinction can be appreciated by the audience. About Herbert Grönemeyer's professionalism: I once listened to an interview with a guy from a London studio where he had been recording. He said that H.G. was the best prepared artist they had recorded for a while. They needed very few takes because he knew exactly what he wanted and had to do.
I agree: this translation is pretty awesome. On so many reactions to this song people complain about the translation but couldn't give a "better" one. And every non German speaker perfectly gets the message of the lyrics.
I think it's a great translation, too. I wonder however how you could grasp the imagery of "du hast der Fügung deine Stirn geboten". I thought this line fell just a little flat in the translation. Do you have an idea?
I find your authenticity and open feelings beautiful. The song makes me cry, the words are so incredibly beautifully chosen. A masterpiece. It's obvious how much you appreciate the song and its artist - thank you for this great video.
This man sings with confiction and a raw sensitivity. From day one when when I first heard " chaos' I was hooked. The sheer poetry in songs is truly remarkable and his raw voice touches me to the bone. I don't understand German but I feel every word he sings.
Hey, I am from Vienna and can tell you that not only in Germany but also in German-speaking Austria, so many people are huge fans of Herbert Grönemeyer, his music, lyrics, and incredible band/orchestra. He has a song about the essence of being human: Mensch (which means human). He wrote it for the same tour after his wife's and brother's death. This song literally saved me many years ago and I would love to hear what you think about it. The life version is insane because of the crowd's reaction to his performance, but the album version is pure poetry. Maybe you could listen to both? Thank you so much ❣
lending someone trust is a creation of Herbert Grönemeyer. His songs are really poetic. Also he says we have bowed the rain ( as a creation of the word rainbow).
thats the power of german language which has a rich range of expression to say things. like you never betrayed your plan of happiness, every room you flooded with sun, i'll carry you with me till the curtain falls. things you dont say normally, its poetic and sounds more real in german than translated over to english. by the way that is the most beautiful song i heard and you can compose for a lost loved one.
He also was a famous german actor in his early years. So he also a trained story teller. Probably that is why he do not only sing this song but paint pictures with his words
It's great to see how Hebert is able to do such things with his songs even to people who don't speak his language. He is a true genius and after all those years this song still touches me, like no other piece of music ever did before.
I give you a word by word translation of the German text. Here we go: I can no longer see anything can no longer believe my eyes can hardly believe Feelings have turned around I am far too lazy to give up it would also be too early because something always works. We were conspiring would have died for each other bent the rain lent each other our trust We tried to turn around on the run nothing was too late but a lot (was) too early. We pushed ourselves through all the tides got bogged down loved each other desperately We lied about the truth as best we could it was a piece of heaven that you exist You flooded every room with sunshine You turned every annoyance into the opposite Nordic noble, your gentle kindness your unbridled pride, life is not fair. Danced the movie in a silver room gazed at infinity from a golden balcony hopelessly lost, drunk and everything was allowed together in fast motion - Midsummer Night's Dream. You flooded every room with sunshine turned every annoyance into the opposite Nordic nobility, your gentle kindness your unbridled pride, life is not fair. Your sure gait, your true poems your cheerful dignity, your unshakeable skill you have defied fate never betrayed it, your plan of happiness... your plan of happiness I am not going away I have extended my deadline new time travel open world I have you safe in my soul I'll carry you with me until the curtain falls I'll carry you with me until the curtain falls
It should be noted that the line about "bending the rain" in german is a clever word play on "rainbow". Because "to bend" something means "biegen". If you use past tense as in "bent" it becomes "gebogen". And the "Bow" is "Bogen". "Rainbow" is "Regenbogen". So the line "we have bent the rain" is "wir haben den Regen gebogen" is very close to "Regenbogen".
@@Quotenwagnerianer But "bowed the rain" is as close to "haben den Regen gebogen" as you can get. There you have "rainbow" associated pretty well, like in the german line. The translation of the video is really good, and I think, you can not do better.
There is an ambiguity with the last line of the second to last verse. "Hast Ihn nie verraten, deinen Plan vom Glück". "verraten" can mean betray, but also to give away. Like in "Ich habe die Antwort verraten" would be " I have given away the answer". It would make sense to not give away your plans for happiness as you might not really know it yourself.
Herbert Grönemeyer’s lyrics are not imagined poetry but lived poetry. Authentically experienced, not invented. That’s why his texts touch so many people.” Grönemeyer’s words indeed resonate deeply with his audience. I think it is exceedingly difficult to understand his words if you don't speak German, but your Reaction is wonderful, and you've developed a good feeling for the song.
Even after so many years, it's impossible not to cry when I hear this song by Herbert. He is one of the greatest songwriters we have ever had in Germany and almost every line in his song hits the heart. The fact that the song touches you so much, even though you only have a limited translation, is wonderful. It proves that this song and the way Herbert performs it is more than just words. Love and pain, the beauty and cruelty of life are inextricably linked here. That's what makes this song so powerful. I cried with you. ❤
Herbert Grönemeyer was first an actor and played in Wolfgang Peterson's "Das Boot" among others. Then, in the early 1980s, he began his music career and his album "Bochum" perfectly captured the emotions of the young generation of the time (mine). You should listen to some of his songs from this album (Bochum), even if only privately. I believe that he released the album not only in German but also in English.
A little simplified. He was a musician first and was hired as répétiteur to a theater in Bochum and then it was discovered that he had a knack for acting as well and was cast in roles. Which then lead to him playing in movies as well. But music was always his first profession.
This very short and hard pronounciations of words are a trademark of Herbert Grönemeyer. You almost never hear him sing in the classic sense of the word. His texts are also often pure poetry. This one has some beautiful lines but the second verse makes no real sense and just inspires feelings within you "Danced the movie in a silver room, watched in awe of eternety from a golden balcony" that's not a bad translation or a typical german saying. It's just pure emotion invoked through painting with words
I love the unique expressions he uses to describe his wife. You know he's seeing her in front of his eyes at that moment and you almost think you're seeing her yourself.
If you associate this song with a person who has passed away, it hits you the hardest. My grandma passed away four years ago, and I'm still not over it. Hearing this song tonight made me cry once more. Thank you for that feeling, because it reminds me of her.
the "lent each other trust" thing is interesting, because in German the standard idiom is "vertrauen schenken", schenken is "giving a gift" or "gifting". But grönemeyer Sings "vertrauen geliehen", this is translated in the subtitles as "lent each other trust", which is a fine translation, it could however also be translated as "he have borrowed trust (for us)" so the line is kind of enigmatic. I would like to think that he wanted to say with that phrasing that they were able to ask each other for being trusted. It could also mean that they asked others for trust in them as a couple. Quite a few interpretations are possible.
If you want to hear more from Herbert Grönemeyer, I recommend "Mensch" in its Live Version: ruclips.net/video/OEbMoYOpfeY/видео.html That video is not so much an example for his vocal abilities, but it is a unique showing of his interaction with his audience
My step dad was a German , and he always play that song before but I forgot the title .. coz of you I miss my dad , he passed away 3yrs ago 😌😌 thank you ..
Music has such a spectrum as our lives, and I think as we need songs that entertain us, we need songs that touch us and make us think and sensitize us. As a German, I am grateful that I understand the poetry, but I think even without a full understanding of the lyrics, the beautiful orchestrated music is a language in itself. You understood the message very well, even if you may have missed some details.
This song is fantastic. Grönemeyer is the master of words. In my opinion, there is a perfect counterpart to this song that describes his love and devotion. "Halt mich" Once you have heard this song, "Der Weg" takes on even more meaning and impact.
Doesn't matter when or how often I hear this song.. I always get so emotional and teary eyed..😢 for me this is one of the greatest songs in my mother tongue..
Knowing the history of this masterpiece - him having lost his brother and his wife to cancer in the span of 5 days is emotional enough… I was at a concert of his 20 years ago in Munich Olympia Stadium with 75 K people. This was the most emotional concert experience I have ever had.
That was a great reaction. Grönemeyer has achieved something wonderful with this beautiful, emotional song. He has managed to overcome the language barrier and get the essence across, regardless of how well or badly the translation was. The warm feeling of love, the sadness of loss and that life goes on. And he didn't remain superficial in his description. Instead of simply saying that he loved her, he described the characteristics that made her his wife. His soul mate. His life companion (
Wow that you found my favorite German singer and his great songs . I am not German or German speaking but i loved him since early 90s . He is also a actor . I feel the same when i listen to him.
The short lines are a signature of him. Sometimes he throws just single words to the listener. And I think this showes how carefully he chooses the words and how much thought went into his writing. "Nordic Noble" is a good example how this short expression together with the context rises a firework of imagery in the listener's head.
a really sympathetic and understandable reaction of a masterpiece. grönemeyer is an expert in the use of the german language. he is very good at twisting connections and shortening them in a very good way... nordic noble.
I forgot this song exists. Amazing recall, tears and all. If you can understand him, it adds to the muse behind the song even more. What a wonderful tribute to his 1st wife...
If you don't speak German you can never fully appreciate how extremely beautifully sad this song is. Pure poetry. Written for his late wife.
absolut, that`s true - some of this words you can not translate in his beauty of meaning in german to english...
But it should be recognized, that the subtitle-translation comes as close as possible to the german meaning.
@@Blueridge1961 I can't read it, but made this up with some help from a Google link:
DER WEG LYRICS ÜBERSETZUNG
I can't see anymore
Don't trust my eyes
Can hardly believe
Feelings have changed
I'm way too lazy
To give up
It would be too early
'Cause there's always something to do
We were close companions
Would have died for each other
Bended the rain
Leant our confidence
We tried to change the outcome
Nothing was too late
But many things too early
We've pushed each other
Through all tides
Got us bogged down
Loved each other desperately
We have ignored the truth
Whenever possible
It was a piece of heaven
That you were there
You flooded
Every room with sunshine
And you've reversed every frustation to the opposite
Nordic upright
Your gentle kindness
Your irrepressible pride
Life is not fair
On film we danced
In a silvery room
From a golden balcony
Admired the infinity
Hopelessly lost in thought, drunken
And everything was allowed
Together in a time lapse
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Your safe walk
Your true poems
Your cheerful dignity
Your unshakable skill
You've defied the fate
You never revealed
Your plan for happiness
Your plan for happiness
I'm not leaving
I've extended my deadline
Another trip through time
In an open world
I'm keeping you safe
Inside my soul
I'll carry you with me
Until the curtain falls
I'll carry you with me
Until the curtain falls
The most beautiful and sad song ever. It’s just such a warm feeling . I never know if I’m sad ore happy hearing this one
I do not understand how he can deliver this without tearing up.
As a German I can say that the translation is quite good. But translations are translations... the choice of the German words were very poetic. Words that everyone in Germany understand but barely no one use in a day to day base. At least in German these rhyming choice of word evoke really feelings... but I think, you got the message perfectly well... love to watch your reactions always😊
Exactly, "Du hast den Raum mit Sonne geflutet" is just an incredible strong line. We have other descriptions for it like "Wenn du kommst geht die Sonne auf" or "Du erhellst den Raum" but this is just a description above of it and the meaning is big stronger than the others.
Yeah same with " du hast den Regen gebogen" Like Regenbogen ..., deine heitere Würde, du hast ihn nie verraten deinen Plan vom Glück, translations here are close, but not the same.
@@gattaca1968 maybe idle and lethargically together. Bc they mean müßig/leer and teilnahmslos, schleppend and schläfrig. I don't know
You can always discuss the meaning and translation of single words but in the context of meaningfulness and rhythm of the poetry this interpretation is magically spot on. Herbert Grönemeyer is able to capture a whole universe in a short sentence and even though translations from the English to German language most often require far more space in German, this time it seems the other way round. We native Germans feel an explosion of meanings, pictures and even movies listening to a single word of these lyrics. I always believed it was impossible to translate adequately but this translation transports the vibe and deeper meaning of the lyrics in a rare quality.
Sure, the pure German lyrics hit even harder and it doesn't just touch a soul, it grabs and shakes it. It's one of the greatest hymns of love and respect ever and it's in German language. Maybe a motivation to dig into our language? ;-)
@@berndalmstedt5060 this time it's the other way around, that's true. Those lyrics convey a universe, with just the smallest amount of words, but this translation does good in explaining.
Herbert Grönemeyer is one of the few German pop stars where you listen, I mean literally listen, to every single word. He is in a league of his own.
I lived in Bochum when his brother and wife passed and when he released Mensch the whole city and the whole of the Ruhrgebiet cried their eyes out. Herbert gave the best send off to his loved ones anyone could ever do. I’m crying now like a little child almost 25 years later the feeling never softened. For me it’s the most transcendent song about the loss of a loved one in music period. I hope it stays with you and you get to know the german wording better. It’s an absolute masterpiece
Man kann es nicht besser ausdrücken.
Herbert einfach immer noch ein Bochumer Junge - das Ruhrstadion war letzten Monat auch mehrfach ausverkauft, als er zu Gast war. Es war echt berührend, damals.
Marius Müller Westernhagen too...
Schöne Grüße von der Castroperstr 😊 .
Der Graf (Unheilig) did a good job too with „Mein König“, „Stark“, „An deiner Seite“ and even „Geboren um zu leben“.
Love this kind of German music!
Crying dutchman here. First time I hear this song here, and speaking german, I'm crying my eyes out, wow, what a voice. And his lyrics cannot be translated efficiently, like some other people already said.
Me too. I’m Dutch and do speak German and I’m crying.
Thank you so much. Herbert deserves it. He is so sincere, so humble, so non pretentious……perhaps Like Hermann Van Veen.
@@fatdad64able don’t forget Boudewijn de Groot
In den Wochen als seine Frau starb,starb auch sein Bruder.
As a German, I know every word, but it IS hard to understand the meaning. But I think it’s not that important - when you listen to classical or instrumental music or songs in others languages, well, they can touch you without words.
This song is dedicated to his wife, who passed away on November 1, 1998. Another stroke of fate awaited him 4 days later when his brother also died.
I read that he wanted to stop singing, but his daughter, who was still young at the time, asked him to continue.
This song always makes me cry.
@@nicevinci_dear The song Mensch ist the one written for his Brother. Also a masterpiece, but more upbeat.
His other brother is a famous German doctor. Herbert and his wife are actors. Best German film Das Boot A leading role for Herbert. Very creative people.
@@arnodobler1096His brothers daughter is a psychiatric doctor I've recon.
@@Goddybag4Lee thx
😢That´s right, but his brother died on the first November, his wife 4 days later !😉
One of the few double meanings that always gets me is at the end:
"Hast ihn nie verraten, deinen Plan vom Glück"
This is translated into "Never betrayed your plan for happiness." And that's completely fine.
BUT "verraten" means several things in german. To betray or to tell/unveil - or to spoil even.
So it can actually also mean
"Never unveiled your plan for happiness" or "never spoiled your plan for happiness" - leaving us and Gronemeyer himself a bit in the dark on what she might wanted to do still in her life - something we will now never know.
And that's such a very sad thought that even to the closest person in her life, there might be still something hidden/unveiled that we will never have learned about her.
@@NardoVogt ich, als Däne, habe immer "verraten" als "unveiled" interpretiert.
@@stighenningsen6969 in the context of this song specifically I feel like "unveiled" is the correct interpretation
I always thought of it as 'betrayed' (as a native speaker). So she always followed her path to happiness without letting herself be held back by sad or hard times. It painted a picture of someone who was always happy, picking up the lines of her 'flooding the room with light'.
But understanding it as unveiling and him never knowing what it was, makes it so much sadder :(
@@einwildesrehchen3862 and I get why you would hear that. It makes sense. In both instances. And that's crazy how well this works both ways, giving completely different meanings to a sentence without loosing the message of the overall song
Das hast du wunderbar erklärt , danke ❤
Dutchy here. I heard Herbert Grönemeyer first somewhere in the 80s. The song is called: Halt mich. Brought me to tears. Lyrics, music, voice. The way he sings, clear pronunciation. The man is a legend in Germany. And absolutely deserved.
bedankt Jan. Thank you so very much for praising Herbert.
Yeah, "halt mich" is another one of his poetic masterpieces.
Well, his pronunciation is mostly quiet bad, his nickname is Nuschelherby or Mumbleherby.
My german mother always says she don't understand one word of his songs. 😂
But I'm with you, 'Halt mich' (nur ein bißchen, bis ich schlafen kann) is one of his best songs! 🎶
"....nur ein bißchen, dass ich schlafen kann." Bedankt, Jan!
I can't hear the song without crying. It's so poetic, so full of emotions. It's breaking my heart every time, but I love it.
Here in Germany, we often make fun of his pressed way of singing. But it is undisputed that he is one of our greatest artists. When his wife and brother died in such a short space of time, the whole country suffered with him. The whole album ‘Mensch’ is about him coming to terms with his grief. But my favourite song of his is much older: "Musik, nur wenn sie laut ist" (‘Music, only when it's loud’)
Your reaction video is very heartwarming and I look forward to seeing more from you. Btw: Your pronunciation of his surname is pretty perfect - which is very unusual because of the umlaut.
Hallo @stefanlanger4397. Ich komme aus Dänemark und habe Herberts Musik fast 40 Jahre geliebt. Er schreibt wunderbare Lieder mit geniale Texte. Ich habe ihn dreimal in Konzert erlebt, und dass ist wirklich eine tolle Erlebnis.
@@stefanlanger4397 I still remember the Ingo Appelt impersonation. :D
Best line; Sie weiß nicht, dass der Schnee lautlos auf die Erde fällt.
The way he sings about a deaf girl and the pure joy of feeling the music beat through her body. He’s amazing. Also, as little as I was back then, „kinder and die macht“ was brillant for me. „Power to the kids“ is funny and empowering and plain awesome. Oh and „Männer“(men, was that the title?) My single mom and I had a blast.
You don't understand german but you feel the pain. Thank you for you're beautiful reaction. God bless you!
More than 20 years and i´m still crying while listening to this song...
How lovely that you choose a german singer!❤
Grönemeyer is not just a singer, in my opinion he's also a poet. He paints with word's.... His songs helped me through hard times.....
Thanks!❤😭😭😭
It's wonderful that he reached your heart
Naja. Sie hat ja schon mehrere deutsche Bands hier behandelt. Rammstein. Scorpions. Metallica (wenn man die dazu zählen möchte ^^). Aber er war der erste Sänger/Songwriter, das stimmt wohl. Und ich bin froh, dass die ein Lied aus dem Album "Mensch" genommen hat. Meiner Meinung nach sein bestes.
@@boyclub24 Yes, "Mensch " is an absolutely Masterpiece fom Gönemeyer.
By the way he also used to be an actor. He played one of the main roles in the famous german film "Das Boot" (1981).
He is primarily a poet and musician, rather than a singer ;-)
@@berndschreiber1167 agree 100%!!!!
Herbert Grönemeyer is definitely one of the greatest German lyricists. I haven’t heard this song in years, so thank you for reminding me how beautiful it is.
Leider ist er jenseits der Musik ein richtiges A... ist voll auf Regierungslinie, Impfzwangfetischist, will Opposition aus politischem Diskurs ausgrenzen...
In german TV there was a documentary about Herbert and one part was about his concert in London in the Royal Albert Hall. And about this concert - a german singer singing in german in England - the german rapper Thomas D. said "You don't have to understand Herbert, this guy you can feel." And thats what you now experienced.
This is probably by far Grönemeyer's most beautiful and most intimate song. You can not be not moved by these lyrics. I'm tearing up everytime I listen to it, no matter how often I've heard it. I always think I'm fine, but then Grönemeyer ascends into his "Every room you flooded with sun", and I'm dead. If you can ever say or feel any of the things he says about a person in your life, I believe you've seen it all. It also makes me happy that these wonderful words cause the same emotional reaction with someone not speaking German. Cudos to the translation! Although it can never be quite the same, the English subtitles hits it quite right.
The German lyriks is even stronger. The Song touched my soul more than 20 years.
Thank you very much for listening and reacting to this song not as a vocal coach, but just as a human being... 🙏❤ This song is not so much about Herbert's voice or singing talent, it's about his almost unique ability to put all his love, his grief, but also his hope into words. Your reaction (there's no need to hold back the tears...) is the very normal one for everybody with a heart inside... Thanks again and enjoy your day 😊
It's hard to put into words how good his use of the German language really is. His play with words the double meaning which are so delicate and tender. In combination with his unapologetic openess it just directly hits you in your heart. His a poet a beautiful soul who suffered a lot of tragedies in his life... I'm therefore so very happy to find you doing a song of him as many more and especially younger generations should also know of him - and maybe learn from him. Not musically (but ofc that too) but in his bold way to tackle life and face grief, joy, suffering and love head on.
Das war fast schon poetisch ^^
I'm from Germany and cry every single time I hear this song. I already did when I was a child and couldn't really grasp the meaning. It is so stunning that this songs seems to have the same very emotionally touching impact even if you don't understand the lyrics. I'm fascinated by reaction videos from English speaking people...and still have to cry during every single video myself :D
Oh, this made me cry too. My uncle chose this song to be played at my aunts funeral a few years ago, they were together for over 40 years. So beautiful.
If, as an artist, you move people to tears even though they don't understand your language, you've done everything right 🙂
When he ascends, his voice pulls one's heart into the eyes, then out in tears. Wondrous. Thanks Bethany!
Thank you for your beautiful and genuine reaction. Hard not to cry, even as a guy. Grönemeyer is actually very genuine and down to earth as well and knows how to write from the heart. Guess that's why many Germans appreciate him.
Heard this song on more than one funeral and if I didn't cry until then... If you recently lost someone, these lyrics hit on a whole different level.
I'm from Germany and this is a German Masterpiece❤
You are a beautiful mind. Anyone can see it! Thank you for this brillant reaction. Greetings from Germany.
The subtitles are just fine 🙂 It's as close as a translation can get to the poetic quality of the original.
German woman here, 58 years old...
Since I love this song and reactions to it very much, I just "stumbled" across your channel. And I just want to say thank you - for one of the most beautiful and emotional reactions I've seen / heard on YT so far! This song still makes me cry even after years; I know exactly how Herbert Grönemeyer felt when he wrote this song (lost some of my beloved relatives to cancer myself and struggled hard with my grief...). For me it is the most beautiful and poetic love song that has ever been written - and I am very touched that its message has apparently been received exactly as it was meant, despite the language being foreign to you... Thank you for a great video and best wishes from beautiful northern Germany ^^
55 jähriger Metalhead Hier. Ich Dir nur empfehlen, Ihre recaps anzusehen, sofern Titel die Dich interessieren darun ter sind, oder eben Neues entdecken. Die Dame hat Emphatie gepaart mit profisionellem Wissen und natürlich, Charme. Du wirst es nicht bereuen:)
Bleib gesund!
Alexander
@@alexandersteinmetz6857Ja - genau SO kam sie für mich auch rüber... 😊 Und auch ich bin eigentlich ein riesiger Fan von Metal und Hardrock und höre extrem wenig deutsche Musik; aber Herbert Grönemeyer schafft es immer wieder, mich vor allem mit seinen Texten zu begeistern...
Danke für die guten Wünsche - die gebe ich gerne zurück ^^
@@zasou571 Metal hat Sie auch schon rein gehört, Floor, Epica, aber auch härteres, interessante Anmerkungen! Nice Weekend!
The "lending someone trust" line is a literal translation of the German expression "Vertrauen leihen" … you can even give trust as a gift in German.
Da würde ich gerade fast ein klein wenig widersprechen wollen :)
"Vertrauen leihen" ist im Deutschen nicht gleichzusetzen mit "Vertrauen schenken" in Form eines Geschenks. Tatsächlich kommt der Begriff noch nicht einmal vom "Schenken" aka "Schenkung", sondern vom "Schänken" ;-)
Zugegeben: Das ist jetzt literarischer Firlefanz ^^ Aber literarisch eben auch ein Unterschied. Und damit auch semantisch. Wenn Grönemeyer als singt, man habe sich das Vertrauen geliehen, ist das etwas komplett anderes, als wenn er singen würde, man habe sich das Vertrauen geschenkt im Sinne eines Geschenkes. Eine "Schänkung" ist ein Vertrauensvorschuss (der "Schänker" im Biergarten schänkt aus, der "schenkt" nicht). Die Leihgabe ist also auch kein Geschenk, sondern etwas, das man jederzeit zurück nehmen kann. Und das besingt Grönemeyer hier, denn er nimmt sein Vertauen in Folge der Lyrics ja wieder zurück. Das hat fast schon einen esoterischen Hintergrund. Dort kann man bspw. Liebe ja auch nicht verschenken, sondern nur teilen. Und sie ist auch nicht weg, wenn sie nicht erwidert wird. Sie wird nur kanalisiert. Also da gibt es mehrere Philosophien. Aber sprachlich ist das eindeutig: "Vertrauen leihen/lending trust" ist ein Vertrauensvorschuss, keine feste Größe und kein Geschenk, das dann weg ist. Seine Frau hat ihn ja verlassen. Unfreiwillig. Für immer. Es ging also auch nie um geschenktes Vertrauen, sondern um etwas, das man investiert, aber im Zweifel wieder zurück bekommt. Ist was philosophisches. Aber eben kein Geschenk ;-)
Man kann das aber auch kurz fassen.
Wenn man jemandem sein Vertrauen leiht, dann hofft man, dass der andere es nicht zerstört sondern wertschätzt und einem unbeschadet zurück bringt.
@@Vulcannon Kann ich wohlwollend so stehen lassen :-)
I'm from Vienna, Austria. I grew up in the 80's/90's. Herbert Grönemeyer in that decades was one of the greatest songwriter in the German-speaking countries. He wrote many iconic songs und he was and is well known for his very special way of writing lyrics and singing them in a way that's sometimes closer to speaking than to singing - but using his great voice for that. When the Album "Mensch" came out around 2000, it instantly was a huge success and people were blown away how he managed to put his grief in such a great musical piece of art. No one could listen to the song "Der Weg" without crying - and seeing you nice lady listening to this song and what does it to you makes me cry again like 25 years ago.
Its ok to cry to this. i am a 53 year old guy, and i do. every time. if you dont cry to this song, knowing what he went through, you arent human.
I'm 55. And a have tears in my eyes. Every time I hear that song. And: I'm glad to feel humility and love.
@@2sunstorm Ich bin ende dreißig und habe schon vor fast 10 Jahren geweint wegen des Songs. Es ist einfach alles so nachvollziehbar und doch persönlich genug um zu bemerken, dass einem diese "Bewertung" eigentlich nicht zusteht. Ein unfassbar tiefsinniger Moment Musikgeschichte.
Every time I listen to this song, no exception, I start to cry
@@bigbbloxberg2805 toll ausgedrückt! für mich einer der emotionalsten songs, die ich kenne - sei umarmt
Please watch Grönemeyer’s videos to the very end. The applause is part of his communication with the audience and this is important. Thank you for your reaction.
We are "lending" trust, because it's so fragile, once broken it's gone and we take it back.
This is why we lend it, in the hopes the other person keeps it forever.
I think Herbert Grönemeyer is not so popular in Germany because of his vocal abilities. Some people don't even like his voice. He's often kind of mumbling and hard to understand. His lyrics are awesome, though. Grönemeyer is a fantastic poet. You might enjoy "Halt mich" (Hold me) which is one of his "happier" love songs. It is so beautiful!
I enjoyed your reaction very much. Love from Germany ❤
Great. Now I sit here crying at my laptop and don't want to continue working.. This song obviously moves people with all it's aspects. The melody. The whole arrangement. His singing performance... the words... so beautiful..
I love looking at her face. It’s so expressive, responsive and beautiful. As are her words.
This is the most emotional song in the world. You can just feel it.
I have a tear in my eye every time.
Many say the German language is hard but this song shows how versatile and deep German lyrics can be and how emotional the language can be.
The reason why I love your reactions is the way you show your emotions....even if you do not speak german you still feel what he is singing....never stop showing your emotion like you do
What a beautiful song. I hadn’t heard it before. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
This song was for his wife. She died by cancer - 4 days before his brother died also by cancer !
Here in Germany there are a lot of people that say it is neither singing not realy talking what he is doing because he can not do both correctly... (Because for speaking the timing is often a bit wrong) It's just Grönemeyer. One of a kind. A man who can deliver feelings by saying words that seem not to build sentences some times. But it works. Oh man it works...
I am from German and I lost my former partner from the UK a few years ago and I can touch every single emotion in each tune. When I saw you crying I knew that you got the sense. That is a masterpiece of songwriting and it kept me helding my head up. Thank you for this brilliant review.
"Every room you flooded with sun" - that is such a beautiful thing. He could have said you lit up every room or something to that effect but no, you flooded with sun. The sun being the source of all life in earth, the mother of all beings if you will. The sun is bright, it is warm, it is a symbol of love, harmony and happiness. And you *flooded* evey room with it, you didn't just bring it. In German that's an incredibly powerful sentence.
What a wonderful reaction from you, I really appreciate it.
Also it plays with the imagery of the tides, which plays a big role in his lyricism, especially this album
@@lordbuddybear And it has several theatre references because his late wife Anna was a theatre actress.
I am always crying when I hear this song. A masterpiece of musical German poetry. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and emotions.
It makes me so happy to see that such a large part of the emotional impact of this song can actually translate even to people that don't speak the language itself. Let me tell you, I'm bawling my eyes out over here listening to this song again after so many years.
Every generation has the pleasure to grow up with outstanding artists - Grönemeyer is one of those for german speaking people born in the 70s and 80s.
...and born in the 60s, please 🙂
And 60s!!!
@@peterhildebrandt4093 ja okay. Aber ihr wart quasi schon fast erwachsen als Herbert rauskam 😉
@@jahrolo ...ab wann ist man erwachsen? 😉
And for German language learners like me born in the 1980's. His music is outstanding.
The words are short but meaningful.
Herbert then gives the listener time to understand what it means.
The translation of the lines is really good, catching many of the poetic swirls and twists of the original. Grönemeyer has been one of the most successful German artists for four decades now, and is relevant through his music and as a political artist.
It was already mentioned in some of the other comments above (and below), but it cannot be emphasized enough, how incredibly good Herbert Grönemeyer's lyrics are, not only in this one, but throughout all his career from the early 80s on.
I grew up with his songs, loved them for their melodies, but only towards the end of my teenage years, I started fully appreciating the lyrics. Literally every song has a deep felt message behind it. Be it politics, environmental issues, social topics, racism, homophobia, war, famine, ... Nothing he didn't touch and wrap in beautiful poetic words. It is true art, to create such powerful yet poetic messages AND at the same time write such perfect matching melodies around them...
Thanks for this beautiful reaction. Made me cry as well, both the song (which i haven't heard in a while) and your honest heartfelt reaction. ❤
My German is soooo rusty, yet I got goose bumps listening to him. Wow...
I saw him singing it live for the first time. I'm still crying every single time I'm listening to it
Thank you so much for reacting to this song! Here in Germany, Herbert Grönemeyer is one of the most popular artists and has been for decades. His ability to paint with words, creating a unique, touching poetry makes him one of a kind and one of my favorite artists of all time. I'm happy, your enjoyed the song und wish you a lovely time, discovering a few of his other songs. :)
Beautiful song that always makes me cry. Another really emotionally beautiful song is "Mensch".
I think it's adorable how she smiles with her whole face when she likes something.
Thank you for your reaction and analysis Bethany. It is a pleasant surprise to see a non german speaker listening to it. His vocal style and choices, at least in my opinion, are sort of unique and can be a little bit polarizing. You hate it or you love it. That's what i observe with people. I like it, i grew up with it for decades now.
The beautiful thing about your style is, that you don't interrupt songs every 5 to 10 seconds but let yourself be drawn into them allowing yourself to let the emotions flow and show. Thank you for that!
I discovered his music for about a year ago and I love his voice. It reminds me so much of my father's speaking voice.
He lost his brother and a few days later his wife passed away. He wrote this song in that chaotic and devastating time. He never gave up.
There are some more lyrical choices that are so touching in this song. And not only is this song one of Herberts best songs, but it also connected more than a generation in germany. From the release of the song up until now its used by germans to deal with grief. Helping to get over the loss of a loved one.
A line that touches me a lot is in the last part. Ich gehe nicht weg, hab meine Frist verlängert. (Im not leaving, i have extended my stay) lets me always think that during his grief for the most part he was lost and contemplated with ending it. But he actively made the decision to . And for this decision a lot of people are happy.
yes, as a professional translator, I can tell you that the translation is very good! This was done by people.
Lending trust actually is the way this is usually said in German - however, you CAN also say give trust. And your distinction can be appreciated by the audience.
About Herbert Grönemeyer's professionalism: I once listened to an interview with a guy from a London studio where he had been recording. He said that H.G. was the best prepared artist they had recorded for a while. They needed very few takes because he knew exactly what he wanted and had to do.
I agree: this translation is pretty awesome. On so many reactions to this song people complain about the translation but couldn't give a "better" one. And every non German speaker perfectly gets the message of the lyrics.
I think it's a great translation, too. I wonder however how you could grasp the imagery of "du hast der Fügung deine Stirn geboten". I thought this line fell just a little flat in the translation. Do you have an idea?
I find your authenticity and open feelings beautiful.
The song makes me cry, the words are so incredibly beautifully chosen.
A masterpiece. It's obvious how much you appreciate the song and its artist - thank you for this great video.
This man sings with confiction and a raw sensitivity. From day one when when I first heard " chaos' I was hooked. The sheer poetry in songs is truly remarkable and his raw voice touches me to the bone.
I don't understand German but I feel every word he sings.
This song never fails to make me sob. I always remember my Grandpa listening this.
Love you Grandpa, you'll always be my person.
One of his best songs.. ❤❤❤ thank you ❤❤❤
Hey, I am from Vienna and can tell you that not only in Germany but also in German-speaking Austria, so many people are huge fans of Herbert Grönemeyer, his music, lyrics, and incredible band/orchestra. He has a song about the essence of being human: Mensch (which means human). He wrote it for the same tour after his wife's and brother's death. This song literally saved me many years ago and I would love to hear what you think about it. The life version is insane because of the crowd's reaction to his performance, but the album version is pure poetry. Maybe you could listen to both? Thank you so much ❣
lending someone trust is a creation of Herbert Grönemeyer. His songs are really poetic. Also he says we have bowed the rain ( as a creation of the word rainbow).
thats the power of german language which has a rich range of expression to say things. like you never betrayed your plan of happiness, every room you flooded with sun, i'll carry you with me till the curtain falls. things you dont say normally, its poetic and sounds more real in german than translated over to english. by the way that is the most beautiful song i heard and you can compose for a lost loved one.
He also was a famous german actor in his early years. So he also a trained story teller. Probably that is why he do not only sing this song but paint pictures with his words
This is the only song that gives me goosebumps for 4 minutes. The perfect proof that there are still poets in our world today
It's great to see how Hebert is able to do such things with his songs even to people who don't speak his language. He is a true genius and after all those years this song still touches me, like no other piece of music ever did before.
Feeling the pain, anger, sadness, happiness or any other emotions. In a song when you don't understand the language, is the power of (good) music
I give you a word by word translation of the German text. Here we go:
I can no longer see anything
can no longer believe my eyes
can hardly believe
Feelings have turned around
I am far too lazy
to give up
it would also be too early
because something always works.
We were conspiring
would have died for each other
bent the rain
lent each other our trust
We tried
to turn around on the run
nothing was too late
but a lot (was) too early.
We pushed ourselves
through all the tides
got bogged down
loved each other desperately
We lied about the truth
as best we could
it was a piece of heaven
that you exist
You flooded every room with sunshine
You turned every annoyance into the opposite
Nordic noble, your gentle kindness
your unbridled pride, life is not fair.
Danced the movie in a silver room
gazed at infinity from a golden balcony
hopelessly lost, drunk and everything was allowed
together in fast motion - Midsummer Night's Dream.
You flooded every room with sunshine
turned every annoyance into the opposite
Nordic nobility, your gentle kindness
your unbridled pride, life is not fair.
Your sure gait, your true poems
your cheerful dignity, your unshakeable skill
you have defied fate
never betrayed it, your plan of happiness... your plan of happiness
I am not going away
I have extended my deadline
new time travel
open world
I have you safe in my soul
I'll carry you with me until the curtain falls
I'll carry you with me until the curtain falls
Super Übersetzung!
It should be noted that the line about "bending the rain" in german is a clever word play on "rainbow". Because "to bend" something means "biegen". If you use past tense as in "bent" it becomes "gebogen". And the "Bow" is "Bogen". "Rainbow" is "Regenbogen". So the line "we have bent the rain" is "wir haben den Regen gebogen" is very close to "Regenbogen".
@@Quotenwagnerianer But "bowed the rain" is as close to "haben den Regen gebogen" as you can get. There you have "rainbow" associated pretty well, like in the german line.
The translation of the video is really good, and I think, you can not do better.
@@Quotenwagnerianer Thank you!
There is an ambiguity with the last line of the second to last verse. "Hast Ihn nie verraten, deinen Plan vom Glück". "verraten" can mean betray, but also to give away. Like in "Ich habe die Antwort verraten" would be " I have given away the answer". It would make sense to not give away your plans for happiness as you might not really know it yourself.
Can‘t listen to this song without tears and I will always be jealous for the so poetic line: ‚Wir haben den Regen gebogen‘ (‚we bowed the rain‘)
Herbert Grönemeyer’s lyrics are not imagined poetry but lived poetry. Authentically experienced, not invented. That’s why his texts touch so many people.” Grönemeyer’s words indeed resonate deeply with his audience. I think it is exceedingly difficult to understand his words if you don't speak German, but your Reaction is wonderful, and you've developed a good feeling for the song.
Even after so many years, it's impossible not to cry when I hear this song by Herbert. He is one of the greatest songwriters we have ever had in Germany and almost every line in his song hits the heart.
The fact that the song touches you so much, even though you only have a limited translation, is wonderful. It proves that this song and the way Herbert performs it is more than just words. Love and pain, the beauty and cruelty of life are inextricably linked here. That's what makes this song so powerful.
I cried with you. ❤
Herbert Grönemeyer was first an actor and played in Wolfgang Peterson's "Das Boot" among others. Then, in the early 1980s, he began his music career and his album "Bochum" perfectly captured the emotions of the young generation of the time (mine). You should listen to some of his songs from this album (Bochum), even if only privately. I believe that he released the album not only in German but also in English.
A little simplified. He was a musician first and was hired as répétiteur to a theater in Bochum and then it was discovered that he had a knack for acting as well and was cast in roles. Which then lead to him playing in movies as well. But music was always his first profession.
This very short and hard pronounciations of words are a trademark of Herbert Grönemeyer. You almost never hear him sing in the classic sense of the word. His texts are also often pure poetry. This one has some beautiful lines but the second verse makes no real sense and just inspires feelings within you "Danced the movie in a silver room, watched in awe of eternety from a golden balcony" that's not a bad translation or a typical german saying. It's just pure emotion invoked through painting with words
I love the unique expressions he uses to describe his wife. You know he's seeing her in front of his eyes at that moment and you almost think you're seeing her yourself.
If you associate this song with a person who has passed away, it hits you the hardest. My grandma passed away four years ago, and I'm still not over it. Hearing this song tonight made me cry once more. Thank you for that feeling, because it reminds me of her.
the "lent each other trust" thing is interesting, because in German the standard idiom is "vertrauen schenken", schenken is "giving a gift" or "gifting". But grönemeyer Sings "vertrauen geliehen", this is translated in the subtitles as "lent each other trust", which is a fine translation, it could however also be translated as "he have borrowed trust (for us)" so the line is kind of enigmatic. I would like to think that he wanted to say with that phrasing that they were able to ask each other for being trusted. It could also mean that they asked others for trust in them as a couple. Quite a few interpretations are possible.
If you want to hear more from Herbert Grönemeyer, I recommend "Mensch" in its Live Version: ruclips.net/video/OEbMoYOpfeY/видео.html That video is not so much an example for his vocal abilities, but it is a unique showing of his interaction with his audience
A masterpiece
Thank you Bethany!
My step dad was a German , and he always play that song before but I forgot the title .. coz of you I miss my dad , he passed away 3yrs ago 😌😌 thank you ..
Herbie has been with me for more than 30 years. his body of work is remarkable. From "Ich hab Dich lieb" via "Anna" and"Halt mich" to "Der Weg"
Music has such a spectrum as our lives, and I think as we need songs that entertain us, we need songs that touch us and make us think and sensitize us. As a German, I am grateful that I understand the poetry, but I think even without a full understanding of the lyrics, the beautiful orchestrated music is a language in itself. You understood the message very well, even if you may have missed some details.
This song is fantastic. Grönemeyer is the master of words. In my opinion, there is a perfect counterpart to this song that describes his love and devotion. "Halt mich" Once you have heard this song, "Der Weg" takes on even more meaning and impact.
Impossible, not to cry... ❤
I cry a River. Thx for this Moment
Doesn't matter when or how often I hear this song.. I always get so emotional and teary eyed..😢 for me this is one of the greatest songs in my mother tongue..
Knowing the history of this masterpiece - him having lost his brother and his wife to cancer in the span of 5 days is emotional enough…
I was at a concert of his 20 years ago in Munich Olympia Stadium with 75 K people. This was the most emotional concert experience I have ever had.
I can see in your eyes, that you understand his feelings ...
This song makes me cry everytime… so sad and beautiful.
That was a great reaction.
Grönemeyer has achieved something wonderful with this beautiful, emotional song. He has managed to overcome the language barrier and get the essence across, regardless of how well or badly the translation was. The warm feeling of love, the sadness of loss and that life goes on. And he didn't remain superficial in his description. Instead of simply saying that he loved her, he described the characteristics that made her his wife. His soul mate. His life companion (
In 2003 I had this song played at my wife's funeral, she also battled cancer and lost (we lost).
Well Done. 🙏. Greeting from germany .. one of the best Song ever. And a Great reaction Video. Thank y o u so mutch.
Wow that you found my favorite German singer and his great songs . I am not German or German speaking but i loved him since early 90s . He is also a actor . I feel the same when i listen to him.
The short lines are a signature of him. Sometimes he throws just single words to the listener. And I think this showes how carefully he chooses the words and how much thought went into his writing. "Nordic Noble" is a good example how this short expression together with the context rises a firework of imagery in the listener's head.
to explain...Herbert Grönemeyer's voice or rather the way he "sings" is unique in Germany, there is no one else who "packages" the words like he does!
a really sympathetic and understandable reaction of a masterpiece. grönemeyer is an expert in the use of the german language. he is very good at twisting connections and shortening them in a very good way... nordic noble.
I forgot this song exists. Amazing recall, tears and all. If you can understand him, it adds to the muse behind the song even more. What a wonderful tribute to his 1st wife...
Thanks very much for this reaction: it remains one of my favourite German songs.