Schmetterlinge

Keimzeit's song "Schmetterlinge" (Butterflies) is a poetic exploration of life's struggles and the resilience required to navigate them. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a dilapidated bridge over a foul-smelling swamp, symbolizing the difficult and often treacherous paths we must cross in life. The repeated phrase "Betreten verboten!" (No trespassing!) suggests societal or self-imposed barriers that discourage us from taking risks or venturing into the unknown. Despite these warnings, the narrator feels compelled to cross the bridge repeatedly, indicating a sense of inevitability and persistence in facing life's challenges.

The chorus, "Schmetterlinge verkleiden sich bunt und tanzen im Untergrund" (Butterflies disguise themselves colorfully and dance underground), serves as a powerful metaphor for resilience and hidden beauty. Butterflies, often symbols of transformation and hope, are depicted as thriving in the underground, away from the public eye. This suggests that true strength and beauty often lie beneath the surface, unseen by the world. The colorful disguise of the butterflies implies that even in adversity, there is room for creativity and self-expression.

The song also contrasts the notions of 'above' and 'below,' challenging conventional ideas of success and failure. Lines like "Unten ist noch lange nicht unten. Oben ist noch lange nicht Gott" (Below is far from being the bottom. Above is far from being God) emphasize that societal hierarchies and judgments are often superficial. The narrator's slow but steady movement signifies that progress and survival are not always about speed or immediate success but about enduring and finding one's own pace. The recurring imagery of morning dew and sunlight breaking through leaves adds a touch of optimism, suggesting that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of hope.