Heiss (translation)

Nina Hagen's song 'Heiss' (translated as 'Hot') is a playful and provocative exploration of physical and emotional heat. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and a sense of urgency, capturing the intensity of desire and the overwhelming sensation of being 'hot.' The repetition of the phrase 'I feel hot, I am hot' emphasizes the all-consuming nature of this feeling, suggesting that it is both a physical and emotional state that the singer cannot escape.

The song begins with the singer under a cold shower, a traditional method of cooling down, only to be joined by Mr. Wichsmann, whose presence intensifies the heat rather than alleviating it. This encounter is described as 'crazy,' with sweat dripping off him, indicating a heightened state of arousal or excitement. The arrival of the boyfriend adds another layer to this steamy scenario, as he too is overwhelmed by the heat and in need of water. The communal experience of heat and sweating together in the shower and later on the veranda suggests a shared, almost ritualistic, experience of desire and physicality.

The final verse, where the singer 'flies away,' can be interpreted as a metaphor for the transcendence that comes with giving in to one's desires. The melting together of 'hot little bodies' in the sun further emphasizes the theme of unity and the blurring of individual boundaries in the face of intense passion. Nina Hagen's distinctive style, known for its theatricality and boldness, shines through in this song, making 'Heiss' a memorable and evocative piece that captures the essence of human desire and the physical sensations that accompany it.