Ach So Gern
Lindemann
The Confessions of a Libertine: Lindemann's 'Ach So Gern'
The song 'Ach So Gern' by Lindemann, a project by Rammstein's lead singer Till Lindemann, delves into the psyche of a self-proclaimed womanizer. The lyrics, sung in German, recount the experiences of a man who has had numerous encounters with women across the world. He acknowledges his reputation as a heartless and frivolous individual, one who is accused of being charmless and even coercive in his pursuits. However, he suggests that the truth of his actions lies somewhere in between the accusations and his own perception.
The chorus, 'Ach so gern hab' ich die Frauen geküsst' (Oh, how I loved to kiss the women), reveals a compulsive desire to experience physical intimacy, not always in the conventional sense. The protagonist's actions are described with a mix of pride and a hint of regret, as he reflects on the consequences of his behavior. The imagery of kissing women 'not always on the mouth' and 'kissing his lips colorful' suggests a promiscuous lifestyle that goes beyond mere affection.
The song also touches on themes of power and control, as the narrator compares himself to a snake preying on a rabbit, indicating a predatory nature. The repeated mentions of women whispering 'no' and the lack of mercy he shows them paint a darker picture of manipulation and disregard for consent. The question posed at the end, 'Soll damit sie glücklich sein?' (Should they be happy with that?), leaves the listener pondering the true intentions and the emotional aftermath for both the narrator and the women involved. The song is a complex narrative that explores the darker side of desire and the consequences of a libertine lifestyle.