Der Spinner (translation)

Nina Hagen's song 'Der Spinner' (translated as 'The Spinner') is a surreal and poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the search for meaning. The lyrics take the listener on a journey that is both literal and metaphorical, as the protagonist navigates through a series of disjointed and dreamlike scenes. The song opens with the protagonist running along a platform, clutching a letter that speaks of feeling 'as dead as stone.' This sets the tone for a narrative steeped in loss and disorientation.

The imagery in the song is rich and evocative, with references to a baritone sax, pipes growing in fields, and an old woman paying in small change. These elements create a sense of timelessness and otherworldliness, as if the protagonist is moving through a landscape that is both familiar and alien. The mention of the old woman's deceased Udo adds a layer of personal grief, suggesting that the protagonist's journey is also a quest for closure or understanding.

As the song progresses, the protagonist's journey takes them to Hamburg, where they run through the streets down to the Elbe River. The climax of the song occurs when the protagonist sees someone standing on the bank and grabs them, only to be told to go to the other bank. This moment is both a literal and metaphorical crossing, symbolizing the protagonist's ongoing search for connection and meaning in the face of loss. The song ends on a note of ambiguity, leaving the listener to ponder the true nature of the protagonist's journey and the meaning of the encounters along the way.