Auf'm Rummel

Nina Hagen's song 'Auf'm Rummel' captures the essence of a spontaneous night out that is filled with a series of impulsive decisions and minor disappointments. The song begins with the narrator and their friends at a fair in Treptow, enjoying a quick beer. Despite the narrator's initial intention to go home, they are persuaded to stay by a friend who offers them a drink. This sets the tone for the rest of the night, where each decision to stay out longer leads to another underwhelming experience.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the night, from riding the ghost train to hearing rumors about a celebrity sighting, only to find out it was just Nina Hagen herself. The recurring theme of wanting to go home but being convinced to stay by the promise of something exciting, only to be let down, adds a layer of humor and relatability to the song. The mention of a band playing a Jethro Tull hit poorly and a lackluster party in Dahlem further emphasize the theme of unmet expectations.

Nina Hagen, known for her eclectic style and punk rock influence, uses this song to explore the mundane yet amusing aspects of a night out. The repetitive questioning of whether to stay or go ('geh ick nu oder blieb ick nu') reflects the internal conflict many people face when they are out but not entirely enjoying themselves. The song's conversational tone and relatable scenarios make it a charming and humorous commentary on the unpredictability of social outings.