Lorelei

Nina Hagen's song "Lorelei" is a raw and unfiltered commentary on the state of society, filled with vivid imagery and stark metaphors. The lyrics open with a sense of confusion and disillusionment, as Hagen questions the moral and spiritual state of humanity. She suggests that people are living in sin and predicts a divine reckoning, using the metaphor of the Earth shaking to signify impending doom. This sets a tone of urgency and foreboding, reflecting her deep concern for the world around her.

Hagen's lyrics are deeply personal and introspective, revealing her sensitivity and vulnerability. She describes herself as a fish, a creature often associated with intuition and emotion, and admits to moments of intense sadness, likening her tears to those caused by an onion. In these moments of despair, she turns to her Bible for comfort and courage, highlighting her search for spiritual solace in a chaotic world. This juxtaposition of personal struggle and spiritual seeking adds a layer of depth to the song, making it not just a critique of society but also a reflection of her inner turmoil.

The song also touches on cultural and generational issues, referencing the Neue Deutsche Welle (New German Wave) music movement and filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder. Hagen criticizes the movement as a new form of hell and laments Fassbinder's downfall due to drug addiction. These references serve to underscore her disillusionment with contemporary culture and the destructive paths it can lead people down. The repeated call for change in all earthly lands is a powerful plea for a collective awakening and transformation, urging listeners to recognize the truth and take action to improve the world.