Superboy
Nina Hagen
The Hypnotic Allure of the Superboy
Nina Hagen's song "Superboy" delves into the mesmerizing and almost hypnotic charm of a young man who captivates those around him. The lyrics describe a boy with striking eyes and a magnetic presence that leaves others spellbound. His allure is so powerful that it causes people to lose themselves, metaphorically represented by their eyes turning inward and beginning to squint. This imagery suggests a loss of control and a surrender to his captivating influence.
The song continues to explore the boy's ability to dominate and manipulate. He takes hold of someone's hand, and in their state of bliss, they become oblivious to his actions, such as raiding their refrigerator. This behavior highlights his selfish and exploitative nature, as he takes advantage of others' infatuation with him. The repeated phrase "du schielst schon" (you're already squinting) reinforces the idea of being under his spell and losing one's sense of self.
Hagen's portrayal of the Superboy as a "Hypnosisator" emphasizes his manipulative power. He drains those around him, both emotionally and physically, leaving them exhausted. The song also touches on superficiality, with references to his appearance and clothing from a snobbish shop in Ohio. Despite his lack of substance, represented by his head full of straw, people are drawn to him and consume everything he offers, becoming "Allesfresser" (omnivores) in their desperation to be close to him. This critique of superficial attraction and the dangers of being mesmerized by appearances is a central theme in the song.