Alles Passiert

Die Toten Hosen's song 'Alles Passiert' delves into the inevitability of fate and the acceptance of life's outcomes, no matter how bittersweet they may be. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has reached its end, marked by a sense of resignation and the understanding that everything happens as it must. The song opens with imagery of a final dance and a lackluster moment, setting the tone for the rest of the narrative. The metaphor of fireworks casting shadows on concrete suggests fleeting beauty and the harsh reality that follows.

The chorus, 'Alles passiert, wie es passieren muss' (Everything happens as it must), reinforces the theme of inevitability. The lyrics describe the passage of time, symbolized by sand falling through an hourglass, and the widening distance between the two individuals, represented by a broad river. The song reflects on the past, noting that it no longer holds significance, and highlights the present moment's bitterness. The black dress mentioned signifies mourning, not just of a person but of the relationship itself.

As the song progresses, it becomes clear that the relationship cannot be salvaged, even as a friendship. The music stops, the streets are repaved, and the fireworks are reduced to mere sound and smoke. The imagery of an ostrich with its head in the ground suggests avoidance and denial. Despite the end, there is a lingering connection, as both individuals think of each other. The song concludes with the acceptance that there is no happy ending, just a final kiss, and the acknowledgment that everything happens as it must.