Menschsein

Oomph!'s song 'Menschsein' delves into the existential struggle of what it means to be human. The lyrics paint a stark contrast between the primal freedom of early humans and the complex, often destructive nature of modern humanity. The opening lines, 'Wir sind so allein / So unendlich klein / Im endlosen All,' set the stage by highlighting the insignificance and isolation of humans in the vast universe. This sense of smallness and loneliness is a recurring theme throughout the song.

The song then transitions to a critique of human evolution and the loss of innocence. 'Zuerst warn wir frei / Mit Fell und Geweih / Doch dann kam der Fall' suggests that humans were once free and in harmony with nature, but something went wrong. The repeated words 'Sex - Angst - Blut - Gold - Ruhm - Macht - Gier' encapsulate the vices and desires that have led humanity astray. These elements are portrayed as the driving forces behind human actions, leading to a fall from grace.

The chorus, 'Willst du ein Mensch sein / Und kein Tier / Hol dir Gott in dein Revier,' questions the role of religion and divinity in human life. It suggests that the quest for godliness has turned humanity into something it was never meant to be, implying that animals, who do not seek gods, are perhaps better off. The lines 'Götter sind für Arten / Die sich selbst verraten' further emphasize this point, suggesting that the need for gods is a form of self-betrayal. The song concludes with a bleak outlook, stating that humans need gods to hurt and destroy themselves, encapsulating the tragic essence of human existence.