Tom Waits.
Für ihn hab ich's „umgekehrt“ gemacht und bereits existierende
Lieder in die englische Sprache umgetextet,
und zwar, um ihm jemanden vorzustellen,
dessen Arbeit es wert ist, von ihm kennengelernt zu werden,
denn alle hier für ihn umgetexteten Lieder sind Lieder vom
Georg Danzer.
Wieso ? Na weil... der Georg über alles geschrieben hat
und stilistisch für sich kaum eine Grenze akzeptierte,
die er dann nicht doch überschritten hätte.
Und weil Tom Waits für diese Texte und Melodien
genau der Richtige ist, deswegen.
Dear Tom,
it may come unexpected for you to receive some lyrics as gifts
from Germany, but I had this idea... to translate and transform
several songs for you that have been originally written and recorded
by Austrian Singer/Songwriter Georg Danzer,
and the person I could imagine best to ever lay his hands on them
by arranging and singing them in his very own way...
it was you.
I was lucky enough to meet Georg (by coincidence) for a long
night of smokey conversation in 1985, and I can tell you...
I'll never forget him, never ever forget that night,
so rich was the template from which we drew,
so natural our immediate understanding for each other.
He died of lung cancer in 2007, but... for me... he'll never be dead,
his music and lyrics will accompany me for the rest of my life,
and the memory of those few, pleasant hours we had together
will never wane.
My translations rely on his original ideas, but in order to make
them fit I had to change this and that so you can relate to their
contents and sing 'em better.
I'm sure that they are all going to speak to you...
be it the humor, be it the heart and earnestness,
to me... „meeting Georg“, even if only through his songs,
is comparable to what Napoleon said (about) when he met
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe:
„A HUMAN BEING !“.
In other words: „What a relief !“.
And that's what he should be remembered for... through his music, at least,
and why it is my opinion he should be remembered
by the whole world, not German speaking countries only.
See, if it all had gone the way that Georg had dreamt of when he
started making music and writing songs, it would have went different
than it actually did, because... at first... it was the English language
in which he had wanted to write and sing.
This was a confession he made personally before me during our talks,
and though he cannot do this any more, it's now up to you
to lend your voice to some of his songs the way that he probably
would have done them if business hadn't come in the way
and led him a completely different path.
He's been one of the reasons that I came back to what I originally wanted to do
and why I'm writing and singing my own songs in English Language again
since the year of 1987.
But I'm truly thankful for the wealth of his legacy with
hundreds and hundreds of songs in German language and, at times,
Austrian slang.
There's been noone like him,
and... there's noone like you,
absolutely noone,
and I'm not saying this as a fan of yours, but as an artist
and collegue, as I got my problems with most of your later stuff,
the way you're singing, the way you're arranging,
but this shouldn't bother you at all,
because it is my wish that you take those songs and then
make them completely your own, just the way you want to do them...
without a thought of me or anyone who may not like it.
It's for your own and also for your true fans' pleasure,
and I'm sure you're going to like what you read (and then,
by searching for the songs, hear).
You're a great songwriter, there are many songs of yours I love from the heart...
but mostly... erm... when being sung by other artists such as Bob Seger,
Rod Stewart... but it's because you're a great songwriter I'm so sure
you recognize what great a songwriter Georg Danzer was.
Three lyrics for now, but.... believe me... there's enough of stuff
to fill a whole album with or even create a Musical from,
so if you want me to pick and translate any more,
all you need to do is contact me.
The Naked Man
(Jö schau !)
Once I got hired for playing in some old casino-bar
not many listeners but they payed me well
they had the most expensive interior
for people who ain't got no tale to tell
and then, just as if my thoughts had been invisibly shared
and someone thought at best he'd break some law
the doors went open while nobody cared
but then their eyes fell off just as they saw
he came in, just as he's been...
a naked man...
he came to my defeat with an evil plan
no shame, who's to blame
a naked man...
he made his velvet seat a place to scan
I wasn't worth the mention
cause he caught the attention
I kept playin' some old blues
while he made the morning news
this sow's famous now
...the naked man
while me, I failed and lost my job again.
Of course, some folks quickly called for the manager
to get their sheer embarrassement declared
but though he looked bemused, he said it wasn't fair
to judge a man by what he had refused to wear
the argument evolved, problem remained unsolved
the naked man sat still and sipped on his gin-tons
I finally left the stage, what I need less than rage
is an audience debating over pros and cons
get mad or get wet...
over a naked man ?
As far as I'm concerned he lost a fan
no way, I ain't gay
the naked man
can take his velvet seat, head home again
my show received a 2 line-column
for being the epitome of boredom
while the writer, she declared
she had my sweatin' well compared
with whose ? Why must I lose
'gainst a naked man ?
Now I refuse to put on clothes again.
(ad libs:)
This sow's famous now...
he came in, just as he's been...
this sow... he's famous now...
get mad or get wet...
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
This was a single-A-Side and Non-Album-Track
(Corr.: No, it was on "Ollas Leiwaund" ! Sry...
no matter how many album's I've bought,
be it physical on LP or CD or mp3/oggs,
this one was never actually amongst 'em yet,
the earlier the more I don't own them.,
physical collection starts with "Seine besten Lieder"
to sample the earliest I've got, then goes chronological
from "Feine Leute" to "Rufzeichen", more samplers then
plus "Sonne und Mond" but I've got everything
from inbetween and afterwards plus "Narrenhaus" as data !)
from Georg's early days
and provided him with his first big hit in his home country Austria.
It consequently was to be found
on several samplers, Live-Albums etc. in many different versions.
I recommend you to search for the „Unplugged“ Version
that's been released on his first collection of rarities while
he was still alive, „Raritäten“ (2000, sadly not to be found on Youtube!),
cause that's the one that gives me the most listening pleasure !
The original story is quite different because
it's in no way about competition or emulation,
but it's also about a naked man (visiting a café in Vienna and
how people react).
In Need of Warmth
(Ich sehn mich so nach deinem Po)
I'm lonely and drunk
this place is cold and filled with lots of junk
now I'm in need of warmth
the way you kept me warm
because you...
kept me under ass
better than an old hot-water bottle does
that's why I need some warmth
the way you kept me warm.
But you don't happen to be here
so I go for some more beer and head straight back to home
The place is still the same so
how could I expect the temperature to ease my pain ?
The pub is filled with men talkin' politics and NBA like every year
Better not go there how I wish you were here...
I'm lonely and bored
this place is freezin' me, have mercy, lord...
cause I'm in need of warmth
the way she keeps me warm
because she...
used both of her legs
bred me inbetween like I was easter eggs
that's why I need some warmth
the way she keeps me warm.
My notebook with your number
it must be anywhere but sadly can't be seen
perhaps it is too dark so I'd better make some effort to switch on the light
Not feeling very well cause my head seems to refuse to keep my memory clean
it's focussed on that one thing to get things right
I'm lonely and drunk
this place is cold and filled with lots of junk
now I'm in need of warmth
the way you kept me warm
because you...
kept me under ass
better than an old hot-water bottle does
that's why I need some warmth
the way you kept me warm.
I'm lonely and drunk
this place is cold...
No video on Youtube available.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
This song has been released on an Album named „Liebes Leben!“
(transl.: „Dear Life !“), one that, honestly, doesn't belong to his best,
but it's got saving graces like this funny little tune and the gorgeous „Barcelona“
on it. I've been staying as faithful to the original as possible,
but excluded an episode in a bar and added the LEGS !
Some Human Kindness
(Menschliche Wärme)
She's not been bad,
only too young to see
the way the world is made
she ran away
at the age of fourteen
and soon her luck was on a fade
understanding was too hard to get
just like her parents' love
some human kindness
is all I'm speaking of.
No charity
in the city at night
but no more school by day
she fell in love
with a good looking junkie
to take her dreams away
all those feelings overwhelming her
sex mixed with heroin
some human kindness
was what there should have been,
some human kindness
she hadn't yet seen.
She sold her body
for the money to earn
did anything to please him well
sometimes got beaten,
then got loved again
death can't be worse than this hell
can't get credit for the drugs you need
can't get free no more
some human kindness
was what she did it for
some human kindness
that noone had in store
some human kindness
she didn't ask for more.
When she got caught
they simply put her away
in some reformatory
cause who has stolen
must learn to obey
who broke the law has got to pay
her life hadn't even started yet
when she reached terminal suicide
Some human kindness
is any human's right
Some human kindness
that's always out of sight
Some human kindness
that couldn't be supplied
Some human kindness
that we have denied.
Youtubevideo to be found here:In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
One of Georg's most beautiful songs and heart-touching recordings
from the Album of the same name.
If you listen close enough,
you can hear he burst into tears when, in the final verse,
he's been singing about the girl's suicide...
it was genuine, no fake, all true.
I couldn't translate „Menschliche Wärme“ with „Human Warmth“
- as it was supposed to be, cause that's the correct translation ! -
after I had named the previous song „In Need of Warmth“
(that, originally, had been named „I'm longing for your butt (so very much)“,
something that didn't seem an appropriate title ...though the contents
haven't been diminished by what I've done !),
but I think I've found just the right words and way
to tell the story to international audiences...
in hope that you're going to sing it before them.
LOVE;
ROOP.
Oh Sh't... wie konnte ich nur... dem Tom Waits schreiben, dass er sich für "mehr davon"
(siehe Schluss der "Ostergeschenkeausgabeerweiterung" !) bei mir melden müsste,
wo doch so viele Lieder vom Georg geradezu danach schreien,
ins Englische übersetzt zu werden und von jemandem wie dem Tom dann auch gesungen...
also...
Dear Tom,
I've changed my mind, here's more from Georg Danzer,
exclusively translated for you to sing.
I might be a little mad at the moment,
but I had found myself nothing better to do...
as you can see, it happened all within
the same 24 hours !
The 3 ones from the "Ostergeschenkausgabeerweiterung"
as well as... well,
not just a "few" encores.
Perhaps we should sit together and really plan a musical...
"The Man From Austria" would be a fitting title.
I'm not sure if I'll leave it at that now, anyway.
Hope you're going to enjoy them just as much as I do !
Don't Call Me Now
(Ruaf mi ned au)
Please don't call me
You should know if not see
that I'm over and out
if you need company
please don't call me now.
Don't call me now
as your voice brings me down
It'll just make me weep
I can't find any sleep
without pills around
...then go for a walk
in the drug dealer's park
by light of the moon
Don't have no reason
not even a dog
to take out that soon
When I return home
can't get any repair
for my pillows still carry
the smell of your hair
what a fool I were
Thanks to your lover
a fat guy with Porsche
tell him to f*ck up and leave
and then come hurry home to me.
Dinners by candlelight
every evening
I'm sure that the taste is not quite
like the burgers we had every night
yes I know... you're going places with him
I could never afford my whole life
theatres, races, his daddy's finances
might earn him a wife
Don't call me now
if that b*tch is not you
cause you know where I live
and what you ought to do
if you're serious
Please don't call me
if you're weak in the knees
and too fig to walk home
all that way on your own
to get back to us.
Let's just get back to us.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
One of Georg's most popular songs, and, again, from the first part of the 70's,
the time from which „The Naked Man“ also had come.
He himself did not put it on an album because his mate Wolfgang Ambros
did a recording first, so it ended up a B-Side for Georg,
but one he... always had to play and sing, he couldn't get away without it,
they'd have stoned him in Austria if he dared.
Sometimes he did it as a duet with Wolfgang,
but I like it best on „Sonne und Mond“, a wonderful collection of
live recordings spanning different years and line-ups,
which had been compiled by his manager and friend Franz Christian Schwarz.
My translation remains pretty faithful to the original,
but I've exchanged „Leberkäs“ with „Burgers“...
or does any American know what „Leberkäs“ aka „Fleischkäs“ is ???
Okay... those who emulate the Bavarian „Oktoberfest“ may know ;-) !
The Clown was Supposed to Return to His Karma
(Der Clown kehrte zu seinen Tränen zurück)
The clown was supposed to return to his karma
the air smelled like spring and the ground had grown warm
his costume worn loosely, 't hung over his arm
the darkness of night was conceiling his face
the laughs of the children brought tears to the top
his make up had melted with the moon showing up
some actors find themselves in the wrong drama...
and the clown was supposed to return to his karma
to return to his karma
return to his karma.
The van was all empty and the fire had deceased
while in his dream he could hear the birds singing
the circus lay sleeping like a whale in the sea
better to drown than to burn happiness
and the clown was supposed to return to his mess
to return to his mess
to return to his mess.
The lights in the mirror all dim blurs tonight
the smoke 'bove the lake is what made them so tired
and the clown was supposed to return to his karma
the clown was supposed to return to his karma.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
When listening to the original recording from „Keine Angst“,
I can't help but think of Bob Dylan's „Oh Mercy“-album, which I love a lot.
The atmosphere with the harmonica points right to „The Man in the Long Black Coat“,
but hey, it works wonders to make me forget what else there was on that album.
Georg was such a brilliant lyricist, and I'm sure that Dylan would approve,
I just had to do an English lyric for this, most of the metaphors stamming
from the original, so it's all to Georg's credit.
Noone Quite Like You
(Ane so wie di)
I wouldn't ever tell a lie to you
I believe no one on earth could do
you're too beautiful and girl, you're true
I wouldn't ever tell no lies to you.
You're not the kind of woman to deceive
anyone who did would lose belief
and self-deception always leads to grief
You're not the kind of woman to deceive.
I'm looking at you
to see everything
and everything
I ever knew
What I may have searched for
or ever done
won't find me no one
noone quite like you.
I'm not prepared to let you get away
I'm sorry that'd cause me too much pain
I'd have to spend my final time in vain
I'm rather scared to watch you go away
cause I look at you
that's everything to me
and everything
I'll ever know that's true
Wherever I may travel
in a thousand years to come
won't ever find me no one
noone quite like you,
won't ever find
noone quite like you.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
This is a very, very beautiful lovesong from the Album „Narrenhaus“,
which was a considerable 70's success for Georg in both, Germany
as well as Austria, although it had been designed for his Austrian listeners
while for the German market he exclusively had produced „Ein wenig Hoffnung“,
with, partly, similar songs but all sung in „Hochdeutsch“.
„Narrenhaus“, though, was the better album, and people here didn't care
for a slightly higher price then (because it was „Import“ !).
He had done two albums that „double way“, the other one was „Du mi a“,
for which the „German twin“ was „Unter die Haut“.
Well, „Unter die Haut“ is, for me, a little better than „Du mi a“,
but I can't stand to hear my favourite song „Elfi“ sung in Hochdeutsch,
it'd be just as gruesome to listen to this one freed from Austrian slang...
except: You'd do it. In English. That's what I've translated it for !
Some Things I Really Need
(Alles was i brauch)
A place to sleep when comes the evening
unhindred sight when night is done
something that I can believe in
no heavy weight to carry on
pen and paper, perhaps a flightcase
to take my instrument with me
my brains delivering good memory
for the now and what will be.
Loads of loving and forgiveness
for a brave and open heart
yes, a brave and open heart
and a voice to break the stillness
before the pain rips me apart.
That's some things I really need
some things I really need
Talkin' 'bout things I really need
yeah, that's the things I really need.
Tight shoes that get me up the steeple
a pair of trousers wide enough
Highways long but just few people
and a broadening sky above.
You looking at me by occassion
just in case I'm losing faith
just in case I'm losing faith
enough of courage if not wisdom
when my hour starts getting late.
That's some things I really need
some things I really need
Talkin' things I really need
yeah, that's the things I really need.
That's some things I really need
Talkin' 'bout things I really need
those are the things I really need
the things I really need
That's the things I really need
like air to breathe and food to eat
yeah, they make my life complete
may just be all I really need.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
From Georg's final studio-album „Träumer“,
which proved he left us on a high,
making his passing even more painful for us.
I love this song to pieces,
I hope that it shows in my translation which, in this case,
is nearly „word by word“.
It's so very simple and so very true... pure mastery.
Best Friend in the World
(Mei allerbester Freund)
Sometimes a year can pass without you, even more
sometimes I find your postcard at my door
and when you're here, you're always short of time
but when you call, I'm always happily surprised
We may not speak and not agree
I'm aware you're feeling me
keep watching over... invisibly
You're the best friend in the world
Your kind of friendship's like a cure
You're the best friend in the world
and, yeah, I love you, that's for sure.
They say real friendship needs a lot of care, I know...
like watering a tree to make it grow
then ours is like a cactus, obviously
even surviving in the desert, standing in the heat
and when the sun is bright and high
it shows the desert is alive
all growing towards the light
You're the best friend in the world
our kind of friendship's like a cure
You're the best friend in the world
and, yeah, I love you, that's for sure.
You're the best friend in the world
our kind of friendship's like a cure
You're the best friend in the world
I'll always love you, that's for sure.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
„Kreise“, at the start of the 90's, was another one of his albums that left me...
at a loss. As if he hadn't rediscovered his strengths before (with „Wieder in Wien“,
an independent release which was very good !), he seemed to now again record
albums with the industrie's demands in mind, and I can't tell you which is worse,
„Kreise“ or „Keine Angst“, but both of them have their few saving graces.
This song had, obviously, been influenced by Chris Rea's „Auberge“-Album,
but there is also a live-recording with „Austria 3“, on which it sounds completely different.
The words and melody didn't let me go, although, at first, it felt a little tired.
I'm sure you'll have the right ideas for a fitting new arrangement,
why not trashy ?
In Power... Still
(Ihr habt die Macht)
It's not for our prosperity
the future you have planned
your smile cannot disguise the greed
whose face is violent
you speak of rights but make your own
so justice cannot be
your laws work best to save you loan
but not eternally
you're fooling far too many people (but)
sure not everyone
there'll come the day you'll need our faith
cause all your faith has gone
so keep in darkness whom you want
we'll lighten up our cove
In power... still ...you have command
but you'll never have our love.
Youtubevideo to be found here:In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
From my favourite Album „Jetzt Oder Nie“.
This is what I told Georg personally back then:
„From your rather political ones, this for sure is the best.
It leaves me scared, actually, because it means that there
will be human beings excluded in the end,
but I can feel that it's true, and it's got such strong words“.
He didn't say anything to answer this, just looking at me with
a very, very sad and understanding face, before we changed topics.
The Opposite Sex
(Olla Weiber san Gfrassda)
I know that it's not in the slightest
politically correct
but me I'm just another poor male
truck driving subject
and I can tell you stories
from the years that I've been drivin'
you may not want to hear 'em
but I swear that I ain't jivin'
It seems to me those ladies think
we're good enough for using
for one night stands, to pay their drinks
cause that's the life we're chosin'
exchanging us depending
on their route and destination
like we would share all properties
...and without hesitation
What's the opposite sex like ?
Ain't got good things to say, Mike
you better be grateful
that your nature ain't that straight
What's the opposite sex for ?
The answer is desaster
go ahead and wonder
cause once you love 'em it's too late...
I've got a wife but tell me how
she got me our five children
I'm on the road, who's with her now ?
Those thoughts can grow bewildering
the housework fills her frequently
she's cookin' for thanksgiving
calls god for one more pregnancy
cause I must make a livin'
Okay, I've had my own affairs
all happening in the distance
although I always thought of hers
when I lost my resistance
but, Mike, I'm straight and you are gay
let's leave this undetected
because I cannot honestly
confess that I'm attracted
What's the opposite sex like ?
They're all mainly female
and that's what you ain't, Mike
I'm sorry I am not aroused
What's the opposite sex like ?
Well, imagine a ghost trail
where you hope for the turnpike
but you've been cursed for endless hours
(spoken:)
to think about morality
and where it led you to, my friend
and why two people can't agree
and why she's watching you again
what made her so suspicious that
even her stillness won't bring peace
You'll gladly take a job like mine
it's the opposite of crawling on your knees...
What's the opposite sex like ?
Ain't got good things to say, Mike
you better be grateful
that your nature ain't that straight
What's the opposite sex for ?
The answer is desaster !
Go ahead and wonder
how can this misery be your fate ?
What's the opposite sex like ???
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Nothing to take too seriously...
stamming from Georg's collection of filthy songs named „13 schmutzige Lieder“,
which turned out to be one of his biggest sellers, leaving him a bit...
embarrassed, because sales for „Atemzüge“, predecessor and sure one of
his greatest albums, had not been that much.
Perhaps I'll translate one of its songs for you later,
but I simply had to take that funny Country-Song now and loosen things up a little.
Obviously a parody for the genre, but not one without virtues.
Actually, I wasn't willing to add up all the escapades from the original lyric,
I rather focussed on the story for whom and why he is telling them to,
and, then again, changed the plot. In the original the persona
comes to the conclusion he should have a go with men,
I thought it funnier he finds out he can't as the gay man's sitting beside him.
Baby, We're Not at Home
(Hier sind wir nicht zu Haus)
How many nights of endless hesitation ?
How many days of rainfall
are there to come ?
Your questions are familiar to this patient
so please bring 'em on...
bring 'em on !
Is there as much time as wounds for healing ?
Will we ever come back to our stars ?
If not, then why is distance so appealing
with light to carry us
light to carry us...
Baby we're not at home
for good or for better
No, this won't be our home
forever and ever.
How many creations see the moon rotating ?
How many tears get dried up by the sun ?
Will the past be past inside the future ?
And... has it really gone ?
Can we be seen by anyone ?
Baby we're not at home
for good or for better
No, this won't be our home
forever and ever...
I know we're not alone
(Baby we're not at home)
Baby we're not at home
(I know we're not alone).
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
This was recorded as a Duet with German actor Katja Riemann
for the Album „Persönlich“ in 2003.
I'm sure the arrangement is, like most of that album,
far too „mainstream“ for you, but there's so much beauty and feel
within the words and the melody I'm also sure you'll find a proper way
for you to play it, with or without a female guest-singer.
The Princess and the Troubadour
(Die Königstochter und der Musikant)
Picture this: The two of us born in middle age
with castles, knights and kingdoms
labour for no wage
hunger rules the valleys
where only death is sure
you would be the princess
I'd be the troubadour.
About pest and poverty
hatred, love and war
I would sing my litanies
at your castle's door
over which the gossip
reaches through to you
then, one day, you'd see me
feeling lone and blue
Picture this: You fall in love but can't be mine
as your father's guards and soldiers stand in line
but somehow, at night, you manage to escape
we make love where just a lynxes' eyes would gape
picture this...
When they finally catch us
The dungeon is my fate
yours will be a monastry
your hair cut on a plate
me, I'd take my lute to dig
a way back to the light
months have passed till now
I've got that monastry in sight
underneath your window
that's where I will be
for your heart to woe and
singin' quietly
you alone could hear me
knowing we shall flee
for we two together
then run towards the sea
picture this: we'll reach the coast to find a barge
and we'd sail into a dawn so red and large
with a distant land to finally arrive
with no rules that say you cannot be my wife
picture this...
This is when we'll marry
come to sacred rest
living long and carefree
building our own nest
I'd forget my singing
of litanies too rude
lonely in the corner
there would stand my lute
You forget to listen
cause I do not play
there'll be days of boredom
luck turns to decay
cursed it be... the guarantee
with everything too sure
you're better off the princess
with me, the troubadour
just keep playing princess
I'll play troubadour
You'll better stay the princess
I'll stay the troubadour.
No Youtubevideo available.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
A very, very long text and surely an a-typical track for the Album it was on,
cause „Danzer“, recorded during the 2nd half of the 80's, saw Georg
in search of a direction and, for a long time, I thought it was his worst effort
(Not a good thing for him to try and emulate Depeche Mode !).
But this all retrospective tale is just beautiful and I'm happy I was able
to translate it with even the clou at the end remaining undiminished.
I Wouldn't Care
(Mir a egal)
If you're coughing blood
pick your nose a lot
If I was your kind
If I got you blind
If you'll cast your vote
or just sit and stare
well
I wouldn't care
If you live in Pittsburgh
or in Hollywood
if you snore by work
if it does you good
talking in your sleep
about your affair
no
I wouldn't care
I wouldn't care.
If you pay your tax
smoke before the sex
need some stimulance
or an ambulance
cause you ate too much
couldn't keep it there
no
I wouldn't care
I don't care for you
you don't care for me
everything we do
remains dutyfree
you can speak your mind
or just comb your hair
but
I wouldn't care
No
I wouldn't care.
(Solo)
You can slap your tart
or smile from the heart
live inside the past
or at present tense
If we meet at last
by coincidence
still I wouldn't care
If you're playing to win
or just violin
if you snap your lung
or a loaded gun
if this waiting room
here on earth ain't fair
no I wouldn't care.
No I wouldn't care.
Out for sympathy
or a glass of tea ?
On your regular way
or on holiday ?
Into science or
into scientology ?
Please don't bother me...
I don't care for you
you don't care for me
everything we do
remains dutyfree
and if this, my song
was too much to dare
still
I wouldn't care
No
I wouldn't care.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
One more Single-B-Side from „Rarities“,
not that well known but all the better for it,
I didn't actually add or change much of the words.
Trudy
(Elfi)
The boardwalk dim
there in the shade you stood
made love to him
although he never would
give you any more than dollars
I would have bought you a collar...
When school was done
I always went the longer way
to see you standing there
in all your glory and decay
you had your hair combed up just beautiful
and I got that feeling...
the one I named „the feeling after school“...
Trudy
Trudy
I was thirteen then
not yet a man
and you were twenty one
but what a sight so see
I won't forget my first love's eyes
when she made love
though never once
with me.
You looked so small and helpless
but then... helplessness was me
your eyes as tired as the doves
whose wings could never reach the sea
and then they lame... out of frustration
they went right through my heart
and like a treasure it would save them....
save them...
Trudy
Trudy
I was thirteen then
and not yet a man
you were twenty one
but what a sight so see
I won't forget my first love's eyes
when she made love
though never once
with me
I'll never forget Trudy's eyes
they're in my heart
that's where they'll
always
be.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 24th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
My favourite song of Georg's and that's what it'll always be...
the live-recording on „Direkt !“ is absolutely unbeatable,
always makes me sit and cry.
The third verse has a little more words now
but I'm sure you'll understand how they must be sung.
LOVE; Roop.
9 more encores from the 2 days after...:
(I think we're really on the way to a "Georg Danzer-musical" now...
one that could as well be named after the next song:)
White Horses
(Weisse Pferde)
I dreamt of white horses comin'
white, wild horses taking the shore
while I watched them from up in heaven
and a fortune teller confirmed what I saw
There isn't really much I believe in
got my instincts trained in the suburbs of town
where at school I got lots of detention
still believe in card games, where the memory counts...
tell me what faith is yours,
tell me what is yours and what can be mine ?
What faith is left about the divine ?
What faith is left and where can I find ?
algo se muere en el alma
quando un amigo se va
no me deches aqui, mi amor
no te vayas toda via
I dreamt of white horses comin'
white, wild horses came from the shore
had an eagle as my teacher
he took me high above the clouds...
tell me what faith is yours,
tell me what is yours and what can be mine ?
What faith is left about the divine ?
What faith is left and where can I find ?
I dreamt of wild horses comin'
white wild horses taking the shore
while I watched them from up in heaven
and a fortune teller confirmed what I saw.
Youtubevideo to be found here: In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Georg Danzer (Spanish portions), Tom Waits
From the album of the same name,
the studio-recording sounds dated to some,
although I still love its unique atmosphere...
it's been Georg's final Hitsingle here in Germany,
and the thing was still his latest when we met,
so we talked about the harsh review it had received
in the same music-mag, actually the very same column
in which „Von Anfang an“, an album I was in huge parts responsible for,
got some nice words.
I thought it was unfair as Georg's album was about feelings, yearnings,
dreams and wishes, not a burst of sensibility,
which was the problem for the reviewer,
just like the completely new assembled group of musicians
that were not as tight a unity as Georg's previous (and excellent) band.
He had done a lot of programming himself and there was something
artificial about the whole album,
but I quite liked it in spite of a few less than perfect lyrics.
I don't think that mine during that time were much if any better !
There's a great live-version on youtube with Mario Berger on spanish guitar
and guest vocalist Klaus Pérez-Salado...
I'm quite proud of my translation.
This World is Filled With Idiots
(Die Leut san alle deppert – ausser mir !)
The streets are dangerous, where's your licence from?
Driving a car's not meant for everyone !
Don't jump into the sea if you can't swim !
Guess you're one of those vegetarians...
won't brake for humans but for leguans...
this world is filled with idiots to the brim.
What makes you think I've only made a joke ?
Ain't there a health-warning upon your smoke ?
You're poisoning my air for growing slim ?
Well, those opinions I've already heard
talk politics, can't even spell the word...
this world is filled with idiots to the brim.
Must come from what you're watching on TV
Those soaps and sitcoms are a guarantee
to keep the lights inside your brain so dim
You should be tested before goin' to vote
then kill yourself, I'll write your goodbye-note
this world is filled with idiots to the brim.
There's always someone spreading hate and lies
At least there's something to annoy my eyes...
it's always you, and you could use a trim
Oh... your presumptions are annoying me
don't know what grudges... prejudice you see ???
This world is filled with idiots to the brim.
Oh yes it is... no sign of bliss
people are nuts... I have the guts
I'm underrated... well educated
I should be prominent
or in the government
but as it is
one can only pray
too many idiots
are standing in the way...
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 26th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
From the album „Rufzeichen!“ that, after a period of dabbling in the dark,
saw Georg on the way up again, artistically, though not quite there yet
for the whole duration. People in Germany seemed to have lost interest
so it didn't sell too well and he lost his record deal here afterwards,
which was sad but made him focus on Austria a little more again.
This sarcastic but funny track simply had to be added here,
and I must admit I had a good time when writing it.
Everything Made of Gold
(Alles aus Gold)
I've been dreaming of you
a wonderful dream
with everything made of gold
mellow light everywhere
from your body, your hair,
everything made of gold
as your eyeballs met mine
we made love in the sand
then we ran to the sea
and together we swam
everything made of gold
the purest of gold
the purest of gold.
But when I awoke
to the darkness I spoke
worried down to the bone
with a yearning so strong
I waited so long
till you picked up your phone
and from lightyears away
came your voice like a saviour
your breath gently touching my ear
everything made of gold
the purest of gold
the purest of gold.
I'm missing you oh so badly
I'm missing you oh so badly
I'm missing you
words escape...
hmmmmmm....
I'm missing you
missing you
missing you.
Youtubevideo to be found here:In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th & 26th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
I love this, the title-track of his 1985-album which he had announced to me
as „one I will love“, and he was right, although the record-buying public
didn't go with us at all. Recorded with mainly the same band as „Weisse Pferde“,
it saw them rock out in „heartland“-manner for most of the songs,
and imho they did it very well, although there's too much reverb in the mix.
„Alles aus Gold“ - the song – was one of three exceptions to the rule,
cause it's a slow and introspective song and here they sounded far more like Georg's old band,
with a little help from their original saxophone-player Frank Lüdeke.
The atmosphere during the verses is almost creepy but so very beautiful
it became one of my absolute personal favourites.
I translated the second verse twice because I wasn't happy with my first attempt,
but now I believe I've „got it“.
Home On the Hit List
(Schau Schatzi)
Dearest
I am well aware
I made your hit list this friday
Dearest, there's no tragedy in there
I'm home on the hit list anyway
Dearest
I came to the conclusion
the fool you need, he must be coockoo
thinking about what you have done
you've made my own hit list, too
Your fake-orgasms can't fake love
I guess you're just not smart enough
to deceive me
and then beat my cleverness
if it's a game we sure can play it
but don't complain I didn't say it
the winner will be me, cause I got
happiness
Dearest
you mustn't feel hurt
once you've been home on the hit list
you'll see that your tears it just ain't worth
just use your brains a little more
...and then perhaps you'll find a door
for which you've got a fitting key
cause your problem is... that door,
it can't be mine
no, mine is closed, though once before
the man who opened up was me
I don't know who you saw, but I know
I'm not blind
Dearest
I'm knowing it damn well
I will stay home on the hit list
Dearest, shouldn't be that new to you
that you're on my hit list, too
you're home on my hit list, too
Bang Bang... there's nothing you can do.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Another very old classic, one that's also been done by Wilfried (sorry, I originally had posted Wolfgang Ambros,
but this was a mistake !)
lots of slang in the original lyric that can't actually be translated well
so I had to do quite some brainwork for this in order to make it as good as it became.
I think the recording from Georg's final show, released as
„Und manchmal kann's auch regnen“,
is the one to go for...
Children
(Kinder)
Children have their own world's access
something we no longer posess
seen through their eyes we must
compare ourselves with aliens.
Children have their very own view
seeing more than we'll ever do
same things identified
in manners we have lost.
Observing our acts
they wonder what we do
we're thinking of facts
they think about things bright and new.
There's a star for every child
far from where our bills have been filed
as clueless as we parents are
we just can't get there.
So they're left alone most the time
have to cope with what's on their mind
regain their lightness, leave our
heavyness behind.
Watch how they glide
don't try to lead too much
it's no easy ride
while we're remaining out of touch.
Children have their own landing place
they need air and freedom of space
our logic threatening
our moves like acts of violence.
Children have their own world's access
something we no longer posess
that's why their questions make us
feel like we were aliens.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Here there's finally one song from „Atemzüge“,
an album of which I have previously written was one of his greatest...
I stand by my word, and, to make it even better,
I think this English text turned out to be one of my very best ones.
The only thing one might complain about is...
I needed one more verse at the end to make it that perfect,
but I don't think this should be a problem,
as word-rhythm and melody are exactly like the last
which is to follow and it fits very well, musically.
Away From You
(Fort von dir)
I'm at the station
hold that nylon-bag inside my hand
there's cigarettes inside
a can of German brew
a book with poetry
my train will leave
'bout half past three
don't want but have to go
away from you
I'm so tired my eyes they're burning
so I took those stupid glasses
made to hide away my view
the night was long, my knees are weak
I didn't get no sleep
and now must go
away from you
Away from you
Don't want away from you
I just want back to you
but not away from you.
Been telling you to stay in bed
relax, sleep late and long, instead
of walking me to platform two
only my feet are standing here
my head is somewhere else
it's time again
must go away from you
I'm at the station
hold that nylon-bag inside my hand
what's wrong with me ?
What can I do ?
It don't take more than four, five minutes gone
while on my own
and the need has grown
to get straight back to you
Back to you
I just want back to you
not go away, always away from you
don't want away from you.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
In 1982, Georg had finally and completely won me over with
his phenomenal album „Jetzt Oder Nie“. Its predecessors
„Traurig aber wahr“ and, especially, „Ruhe vor dem Sturm“
(which, as far as I know, was his biggest seller here in Germany),
had already made me listen up, but „Jetzt Oder Nie“ was made
to be the climax of his rather earnest work at the start of the 80s...
and, for sure, it represents not only a pinnacle for his work
as a writer and composer, it also showed his „old band“
at their peak, so... it was kind of a natural progression that,
afterwards, they weren't made to stay together for so long anymore.
Now imagine this: In 1983, I was an 18 year old guy, stuck in a prison-like
building in which I had to earn my matriculation...
it was a school, but it never ever felt like school had felt to me
in the ones I'd been before, all the positive fell away and all the negative
seemed to remain. I was very unhappy (and, also, unlucky in love),
and Georg's music was something to hold on to.
Well, not only his, also The Police or, especially, Van Morrison,
whose discography I had just started to explore,
from „Beautiful Vision“ backwards, but as a new album by Georg,
named „Und so weiter...“, hit the shops, I felt truly excited cause
expectations were high... but my humor was obviously at a low.
Cause what was this ? Lots of ill-adviced comedy had been included,
not so much melody and depth, although the title-track had been a
breezy and beautiful celebration of love to Georg's first wife,
and, at the end of (Vinyl-) Side A, there was...
this little ditty, almost inconspicious, easily overlooked and overheard,
sparsly arranged and quietly played and sung.
It didn't save the album for me, but... when Georg and I met in 1985,
I explained to him what a dissapointment it was to hear „Und so weiter...“
after the sheer divinity of „Jetzt oder nie“.
I can assure you... he wasn't at all arrogant or self-posessed,
but my critisizm made him lift his eye-brows:
„I don't know at all what you people have against this record,
it's such a good album, musically...“.
Obviously, Georg was proud of it and my disappointment must have had
something to do with my expectations, then.
I still do not rate that album too high... btw.
But when I bought myself „Sonne und Mond“, the live-collection I have already
recommended in my comment to „Don't Call Me Now“, he hit me with almost
every song, one after the other, and... „Away From You“ turned out to be
one of the strongest and most memorable tunes of them all.
I've compared it to the studio-version and I think that his old band had been
past their peak and they all sounded a little tired, while that later live recording...
let me put it this way: Either the listener has a heart or he doesn't have one !
Damdamdidamdam
(Dumdumdurumdum)
One look at you, it makes my heart report:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
I'm hurt and think of medical support:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
This emergency you can't ignore
why do you keep me knockin' at your door:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
When I'm calling you hang in the phone:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
I get crazy from its drone alone::
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
start whistlin' to it lyin' in my bed
but then the knockin' goes up to my head:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
No matter where you are
be sure that this you can't escape
I'll take a mic, create a loop
and put it all on tape
it goes:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Day or night, I always hear that beat:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Even in the club down at the street:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
people worried I would cause them stress
I need you to beat my nervousness:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
but my devilish revenge
will find you unprepared
cause I'll become the loudest rumblin' ghost*
you've ever heard...
doing:
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam
Damdamdidamdam...
Note:
*If it doesn't cause any problems with the holders of the rights
to the name of the film, you can also sing the german word
„Poltergeist“ instead of „rumblin' ghost“, of course.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
The album „Von Scheibbs bis Nebraska“ had been recorded in the US,
and maybe this was why it sounded so very international.
Again, I think of this as one of Georg's best, he was really back to his guts during the final years.
This song is very light-hearted an funny but, for me, the opposite of silly... still.
Lots of pleasure springing from this groove !
Calm Before the Storm
(Ruhe vor dem Sturm)
No bird dares fly
The forest stands in silence
Below the bridge, near water
two kids missed by their father
clinging on to each other
Feel wind arise
jerk with first flash of lightning
while down home, in the village
the women's prayers diminish
the emperor must vanish !
No longer do the people watch
give way, take in, it's been too much
the churchbells ringing out alarm
this is the calm before the storm
this is the calm before the storm
The storm breaks loose
brings smells of pitch and sulphur
it's darker than December
wails pouring out the chamber
here comes the joiner's hammer
The rage of death
fields oversown with corpses
wheels turning, engines humming
stakes burning, people running
a rain of blood and tears is coming...
down.
They ripped the riot in the bud
priest at the pulpit gives his nod
„all clear... now things go back to norm“
beware... this calm after the storm
...it's just the calm before the storm.
Youtubevideo to be found here: In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
My blood brother Ralf's favourite Danzer-song
and I can see why, cause... for quite some time it was mine, as well,
but couldn't stay on top just because Georg was capable of many more.
When Ralf and me first met, I introduced myself as a musician and music lover.
The first thing he asked me was if I „knew Georg Danzer“,
and it was to my pleasure to answer with:
„Oh yes, I even got to know him personally !“.
Imagine Ralf's face... lmao.
I think Georg was never able to do it any better than on the album
of the same name, which was a huge success back then,
I think it even went „Gold“ here in Germany,
which back then got rewarded for 250.000 units sold.
It was the time of the „Friedensbewegung“ and Georg was one of the most
important voices against the cold war and the spiral of atomic weapons going up and up,
so this sure had helped to propel sales, but the album was great,
though it lacked the lighthearted humour of earlier ones.
It was very hard to translate this properly so it can be sung in English,
the line „a rain of blood and tears is coming...“ has far more words
to fit to the music, and the word „down“ can only be added afterwards,
but I think this could make it special for international listeners.
An Animal Too Rare to See
(Freedom Can Only Be Freedom In Freedom)
(Die Freiheit)
Been to the zoo one day
...few days ago
felt great,
even the weather made it show
'till suddenly I passed a gaping crowd
they made me curious
what beast it was about
yeah, I got curious 'bout
the cage behind the crowd.
„Do not feed !“
said the giant sign aside:
„Don't tease, cannot be tamed,
it's very wild !“
Adults and children stared in disbelief
only the keeper made a grim face
full of grief
only the keeper wore
a grim face filled with grief.
I asked him straight away about the name
„The name is FREEDOM !“
were the words that came:
„An animal that now
became so rare
that we decided to let people
pay and stare,
yeah, we can show it
and the people pay and stare !“
My eyes, they stared into an empty cage
the keeper laughed
to chase away my rage
said: „that's the point... you take it prisoner
and then it's gone,
although you know that it's been there
it will be gone although you
know that it's
been there !
For freedom is
a beast that cannot be
where freedom is no more
reality
some people are afraid and cage it in
only to wonder
where it went and where it's been...
when freedom dies ain't no more
freedom to be seen.“
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 25th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
In our conversation, there came the moment at which I was asking Georg
what was his personal favourite, if he were forced to choose from his songs.
Later on he used to mention another one, but before me he said:
„Although it's far too hard for me to do so, I think I'd take DIE FREIHEIT“.
To my shame... I didn't even know it then, cause I didn't know the album
„Feine Leute“ yet, though it was a considerable success at the end of the 70s.
I'm very proud of my translation, though Georg's final punchline is missing,
and that's why I've undertitled the song with it...
and, yes, of course, it's one of Georg's very best,
though I also would prefer the one he had mentioned on later occassions.
That's one I'm slighty afraid of laying my hands on,
but that doesn't mean that I won't when comes the right time !
LOVE;
Roop.
From now on: one coming to be added after another
just as I've been writing them...
and as little comments as possible:
The Giant Monster
(Diese riesige Maschine)
This machine
This giant monster
vicious, brainsick and corrupt
It's a trap for
human beings
eats the heart and
sucks the blood
takes control
and we must function
it's not easy to see through
but I've got it now
found out
it's noone
...only me and you
This machine
This giant monster
is nobody else but us
it deserves
complete destruction
it's just a pain for living gods
to whom we
bring our sacrifices
send prayers and pleed:
„Save Us From Hell !“
whom we desperately need
to love us
and then hold
responsible.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 26th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: „Traurig aber wahr“
on which it has only one verse and then leads
into another song (which is not half as good
- I'm sure that Georg himself would admit,
he wasn't too proud of that album anyway,
saying „too much protest for its own sake
and too little balance to be found“
- but it was a huge success, especially in Germany,
perhaps because there's quite some references
to Pink Floyd on it and... Pink Floyd are gods in Germany,
have always been, will always be !).
It deserved the second verse I keenly added
and now can completely stand on its own
(Can't believe I've written this... it's even harder now,
but it just HAD to be said, I do hope it's understood
that this is NOT a call to destruction and terror but
the opposite, a desperate cry for the human race
to wake up and hold responsibility, for if we won't,
we cannot count on the help or mercy of ANY „god“,
this is what I earnestly believe in !
- Roop).
A Hero's Task
(Grosse Dinge)
Gettin' up in early hours
with the first rays of the sun
no big deal at all
for such a little boy
huge adventures there were calling
numerous great things to be done
waiting in the woods, those
sacred fields of joy
It seemed the best of destinations
no less than a hero's task
I could grow a man upon
as I fulfill
living up to every challenge
and the question it would ask
and the nightowl on that oak
it said: I will
oh yes I will...
All those creatures were befriended,
like the squirrel and the toad
cause they understood
that living must be free
from the creeks to flowered meadows
with the shepherd and his goat
everything, I had no doubt,
was loving me
I could play under the shelter
of an everblazin' sun
built myself a hut
upon a reedwood tree
taking with me bow and arrow
eating berries from the bush
noone cared or said
an angry word to me
no word to me.
It's a young boy's wish and pleasure
no less than a hero's task
nothing easier to believe in when you're young
save a princess from the dragon
rip the bad guy off his mask
Not a single good thing
I would not have done
I'd be the one.
(Solo)
It's a young man's hidden pleasure
no less than a hero's task
nothing easier to dream of when you're young
make those teachers leave the classroom
strip the preacher off his mask
but I found some things
are easier said than done
but oh what fun.
When I came home late,
in drags and tired
from this hero's task
„You grubby urchin, you... !“
my grandma she would scold
but her anger went away
and there was juice inside her cask
while her applepie
...it never grew too (c)old.
It seemed the best of destinations
no less than a hero's task
I could grow a man upon
as I fulfill
things went relatively different
yes, I knew that you would ask
but for one more piece of grandma's applepie...
(oh boy...)
this man would kill.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 26th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: „Grosse Dinge“
Needless to say I love this song to bits,
for what writer wouldn't kill for just to write one
as good as this ?
Grandma's (well, if I'd take it personally it'd be my mom's !)
applepie in words & music, there can't be anything better, or can it ?
When it's gone, then it's gone, but the good thing about records is
you can always play 'em...
Georg's live-rendition on „Sonne und Mond“ is the cream on the pie.
Stain Left in the Landscape
(Nur a klana Bua im Winter)
There's a stain left in the landscape
on that cold white winter's meadow
under grey skies, just a thin coat
for a stain left in the landscape
And there's other children singing
laughter's spilling to the heavens
they're proudly showing their posessions
they're determined to be winning
There's a stain left in the landscape
seems that boy ain't meant to be there
only meant to wipe away
what else can there be to say ?
Attempts at reasoning shall be
of no success at all, I fear
for whom are deaf they cannot hear
and whom are blind they cannot see
It's a stain left in the landscape
on a great white winter's meadow
go ahead and whipe it out
then wash your hands and shut your mouth.
Youtubevideo to be found here: In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 27th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Jetzt oder nie
That's the one that Georg referred to in later years when being asked
about a favourite, and it was his wish it may get played in his honour
at a ceremony he couldn't attend because of his cancer returning
(he passed away quickly afterwards).
As you see, I found the nerve at last to lay my hands on it,
which was no easy thing to do, as it's my second favourite of all his songs
and it felt like I could only do it wrong...
He's mainly singing about a boy, a little boy, not a stain,
but „stain“ had being used in the metaphor for „wiping away“.
I just couldn't leave it at that for the translation,
wanting to distinct the prospect of a painting for the whole song,
from a critic's point of view who's talking to the painter,
cause I think, for the English language, this works better,
it's easier to understand and, then, even heavier to swallow.
I also thought about letting the persona – the critic ! -
say that, no matter what he, the painter, will do,
this stain can never be perceived the human being
he wanted it to be, but... that'd have been just a step too far.
I also had quite some great ideas for metaphors that
ended up being left unused,
because I didn't want to add any verses:
There were snowballs the children had formed to throw,
there was a towel with which the painter would wipe out the stain.
But except of the heavier accentuation of the boy being just a „stain“,
I ended up staying completely faithful to the splendour of its original
blueprint, of which I love any version.
The studio recording has an electric guitar and massive synth-pads
that make me go to extasy, while the live versions have more subtlety and tension
instead, I'd prefer the one on „Sonne und Mond“ slightly over the
final concert „Und manchmal kann's auch regnen“, but only
because in that concert I'm missing a flute player,
all else is perfect as always.
This song stands for Georg's empathy and compassion,
because he always could identify with that „stain left in the landscape“,
in many ways... it was him... before he found and made his way
in show business, I believe he even once had said that it was him,
but he didn't say that to me, I can only remember that it was, actually, me
and not him who had mentioned this song as one of his strongest as we talked.
I can only hope I got it right but the original is so strong so
I believe that, by staying close to it, I haven't done it any wrong,
at least.
I'm really feeling powered out now, and I believe I need some time off from writing,
though there are typos to correct,
quite some classics missing, still and...
albums left of which I haven't translated any,
albums such as „Notausgang“, „Wieder in Wien“, „Nahaufnahme“...
while my favourite one is now being featured with two, at last
and the only LESSER one that hadn't yet received the honour is „Sex im Internet“
(and even there... quite some great stuff to be found !).
It's not an easy task at all to do justice to a legacy as huge, rich and varied
as Georg's, so... thank you, Schurli, we'll meet again some day.
What did I say about short comments ? Lol...
LOVE;
Roop.
I just can't stop.
Believe me that I wanted to,
at least I wanted to do or write something else,
but I can't, it's like a spell that I'm unable to escape
until (whatever end it is that, hopefully,
is near in sight for this burst of activity,)
the end of it all has arrived in a natural way.
We got a great feast going on at the „Schlossberg“,
the lil' mountain above town,
but I'm feeling completely unable to go there.
I'm soon going to add the first three lyrics here, too
with all the original comments,
and make this a category for Georg Danzer's sake
with everything in one place.
Obviously the Truth
(Traurig aber wahr)
I know it's a crying shame
things connected to my name
if they're filthy, mean or just
messy and ridiculous
all the gossip and bad press
...things you don't believe I guess...
political awarelessness
bad behaviour, carelessness
take my life under the lens
then look at the environments
...it's obviously the truth.
I'm a brainless patriot
proud of everything I've got
most of it was theirs before
but I can't wait to get me more
why not use the military ?
Say it's for Democracy ?
Or just take my private gun ?
It's great to watch the people run...
I am an American
that's well known to everyone
...and obviously the truth.
Obviously the truth
obviously the truth
obviously the truth
obviously the truth.
(Rock and Roll it now.)
You should know that I'm your friend
you're naive and innocent
but I'll come to your defense
cause I am well experienced
Not my problem if you're blind
I've got business on my mind
selling you the best I've got
watch it on the TV-spot
all the world's best drinks and food
dreams that come from Hollywood
...obviously the truth.
Obviously the truth
obviously the truth
obviously the truth
obviously the truth.
Yeah, that's obviously the truth
...obviously the truth
I have always told the truth
so it's obviously the truth
obviously the truth
obviously the truth !
(Get on with the show, girls...)
Youtubevideo to be found here: In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 28th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: „Traurig aber wahr“
Long note:
I hope that no one's going to be angry at me because of this,
but, chances are, the more genuine truth one will find in there for himself,
the angrier they can get.
It won't help me at all, then, to postulate that it was meant to be...
for fun.
See, Georg's original lyric has got nothing to do with
America or Americans at all,
it's somewhat been a complaint about human failure in general,
and a self-ironic declaration of moral bancruptcy... it is.
He didn't like it too much but not only his audience loved and
wanted to hear it, also his friends from „Austria 3“,
Wolfgang Ambros and Rainhard Fendrich,
simply overvoted him when it came to what songs should
be on their setlist... so he had to sing it even if he didn't want to,
because they used to do things in a democratic way.
„Austria 3“ had brought him back into the minds and
consciousness of his native, austrian audiences, completely...
and, also, back to the top of the charts.
His friends might forgive me, but... to me... neither one of them,
no matter how good they were or are, could ever hold a candle
to their mate, though Wolfgang, at times, came pretty close
and Rainhard... well... Rainhard... I don't know what to say
and then not say anything „wrong“, actually.
Let me put it this way:
Rainhard started out just great, great songs and great
albums in the beginning, there can be no doubt.
But the bigger his success, the less... I loved to listen to his music.
There were and are great songs, still, with most of them belonging
to comedy, but the earnest stuff... well...
I'm happy about an exception like „Die Rosen“ (The Roses),
but to the disgust of my blood brother (who's loving Rainhard
and owning all the albums !) and my late, wonderful and dear friend,
chanson singer Margueritte Chouette, to whom Rainhard was
the greatest ever, all I can say is... no, he's trying hard but failing
painfully in a category that is so very important when it comes
to singer/songwriters, and the category is named „words“.
And then, when you have a giant beside you, one whose mastery
of words is as good as unbeatable, then you've got a problem
when it comes to your own stuff on stage.
And even though Rainhard could rely on many good old ones
for their concerts, that's... the main reason why I've never became
a fan of „Austria 3“. But it was great they got Georg to sing
„Traurig aber wahr“ again (for their audiences, at least),
cause it's a great song, indeed.
It's far more fun than it was for Georg himself to sing it.
And, with my translation, I wanted to make it clear,
I wanted to completely turn it into a sarcastic piece of comedy,
with the thought „maybe this way... Georg himself would...
could... like it better“.
The problem is... it became too sarcastic once I had the
topic narrowed to America(ns). And I know it's an act of sheer
impudence for a german citizen to write anything as this.
But, please, keep in mind I haven't written it with the intention
to sing it for myself, in no way, it's only great when being
done by an American or... perhaps, by several Americans.
It was honestly meant to be a piece of sarcastic comedy
for which the interpreteur needs self-irony and the guts to
present all of those self-accusations and confirmations before
an understanding audience made of people who do not hate
but love America. I do, honestly, I'm a big fan of America since
my childhood days and the fantasies of Karl May,
and I remained one mainly because of the great, great music
but also because... there were people breaking with all the
baggage of the past to start anew, from nearly zero they've built
a nation with its own values and identity.
Most people here in Europe can't actually relate to what it is
that made and makes America so very different,
when being confrontated with it now they're almost scared to
the bone, thinking of several things as being evil,
when in truth it's just... America, you know ?
America has always been and will always be different to
the kind of democracy that we have (if we have... if we keep...).
What people here don't see is... what actually fell away
when it came to the foundation of the United States.
We don't see what it is and why, so that's why my comment to this
song is going to be one of the longest, cause I'd like to explain.
One can easily say that America has been built and is still run by
criminals, but this is too simple and, believe it or not, it's also
unfair to all the many women and men who really believed
and still believe in the values of liberty represented by the US of A.
There used to be criminals, too, and that's what there presumably are,
still, but this was one of the prices that people had to pay
in order to built a nation like this.
And now think of „criminals“ who didn't have a chance in their
homecountries in Europe. Not all of them were genuine criminals,
but they had to escape from the law in order to live their life
in freedom, take a chance far away from the old world which
had evolved through Monarchy and Bourgeois squareness
to what democracy it had become (if it was... and was being kept).
Yeah, just think of Monarchy and the aristocrats and how they got
(violently, with a little help from the people whose dreams
remained unfulfilled, then, still !)
superseeded by the Bourgeois, there had been a kind of competition
between 'em in both, power and property, and all of this just...
didn't mean anything in America, it didn't count,
even if you came there with money... you just couldn't do this
with the prospect of living a carefree life and do nothing
at all anymore, not there, no, you were lucky you got away with
your naked life when someone robbed you off of what you had come there with.
Not even the money... less so what name or title you carried with you,
it didn't count, not at all, only... what you did with it,
what you were able to build for yourselves and, hopefully, others,
to make the country going, to build a new law upon,
and for everything... there was a price to pay.
Who payed the most were, of course, the native Americans
driven from their land, disowned and supressed,
and then... the slaves coming from Africa, workpower for things
that helped business thrive, and there was lots of injustice
that layed the grounds for what democracy became of it all,
injustice, civil wars, murder, no doubt, but...
if one who's coming from here is unable to see the value
behind it, still, they either don't have a heart or they're just dumb.
Imagine you got caught by the law in middle age.
It didn't matter if you really had done any wrong,
one false word about the emperor or one of his protegees was enough.
Then imagine that, when power of aristocracy waned and
civil businessmen took over one by one, the law in the old world
didn't get too friendly for „normal“ folks, still, it wasn't that much of a change.
Think about the French Revolution and how it led to an even more rigid
regime under emperor Napoleon for quite some time.
There were lots of people who only wanted to live,
people who couldn't, and... America... it was more than just a promise.
America... it was a new start, it is a young culture, still,
a culture free of many things we've gotten used to because our civilization
developed building one on the other and there's even either remaints intact
or, at least, traces of monarchy. Our law, therefore, is significantly different
to the laws in the US, and so is... the democracy itself, even if we have
lots of things in common and, during the 20th century, there happened to
be some sort of „americanisation“ in western to middle Europe.
We have ever since started to mistake America for being
something that it ain't, and now... with President Trump...
we tend to be shocked though we weren't supposed to,
imho. Lots of Americans are no less shocked than we are, anyway,
but they have a different background, and it's not as easy
as we're making it for ourselves, just as things...
aren't that easy as Mr. Trump would like them to be for his presidency.
So, please, don't misjudge what I have written, I do love America,
in many ways it's been and it remains a dream come true,
a dream of and for the people. That's why I can understand what,
for example, Don Henley actually does as a writer...
and why I admire it... „The Last Resort“, f.e., it's not „Anti-American“,
it cannot be, and that's how „Obviously the Truth“ can be correctly
perceived... anger, yes, but not anger against the country and its people,
though anger against injustice, inhumanity, betrayal and destruction.
I must declare that I thought of Don quite a lot while I had
written this... to me, what I've done here, it has long since become
a basic fundament for a musical, indeed, and if Tom wishes to share credits
and involve other people to perform and sing, too, it might just be
Don Henley who could (co-) perform it. But I'll leave it up to Tom
and whomever he wants !
Roop.
I've Had Enough
(Gnua von dera Hitz')
Since my grandpa's grandpa thought
this was a place to settle down
built this motel in the desert with just
heat and dust around
this is where my family's happy to be home
or... used to be (coz)
now I'm alone.
It's a long way to the city
but a motel needs supply
and so does our little shop made
for the truckers passing by
someone must drag those boxes in and out the van
drive all the way...
and back again.
It's a great thing to be living
with your income well secured
where there's labour, there is meaning
and no time left to feel bored
thank the lord
for all those blessings from above
but not for me...
I've had enough.
See, I know I must be grateful
for each guest to take a room
every harlot and her suitor
using beds as bride and groom
every driver who has lost ...then asks their way
even those
who really stay.
Once that you have made aquaintance
with their traces left behind
you no longer hold illusions
'bout the human state of mind
you just tidy them away
and face your own
nevermind...
look at your loan:
One can do without the smell of hey
or flowers in the field
One can live without a river
watching snowflakes on TV
still find a wife
to make her happy with his love
but not me...
I've had enough.
All up for sale
...I've had enough.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 28th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: „Von Scheibbs bis Nebraska“
Not much left of the original lyric I'm afraid,
but I'm absolutely certain that Georg himself would give 100% approval
for this, cause... you just can't go and tell the original story
to an American audience and expect it to be understood and entertaining.
It's about a waiter working in the glue of Mallorca,
getting homesick for his Austrian home...
and all the tourists (GERMAN tourists, mainly !)
making party, yelling and drinking until they got their brains turned off completely,
but what was supposed to be fun turns into aggression in the heat.
I love this song, I love the Album it is on, and I must say...
I don't feel like I've taken away anything, I simply told a different story
but one with comparable sources of frustration and a like-minded point/conclusion.
I'm proud of what I've done to it, I'd do it again... any day.
Rob
(Hans)
No, Rob, don't count on me
now that you're in
there's no deliv'ry goin' to Berlin
you're in the public eye
I'm staying out
might earn you congrats, but you can't be proud...
And though I'd like to talk
not leave you alone
they won't allow you
to even use a phone.
Yeah, Rob, I can recall
when we were young
you always said you're going to be someone
the seats behind the front
they weren't for you
you wanted more and you knew what to do
me, I was looking up
had so much to learn
and never did I want
to see you burn,
no.
But when you're flying with the sun in sight
and still want higher till your wings ignite
it's going way down where there's no safety net
you should have known, Rob...
no matter what you said:
You're much too clever to
ever get caught
with all the cocaine
that you've sold and bought
straight from Columbia
to Germany
with lots of victims but no enemy
it worked so well until
you've lost your own head
could not resist and took
a sniff of it...
no.
Cause when you're flying with the sun in sight
and still want higher till your wings ignite
it's going way down fast straight into the rough
but dammit, Rob, there's risks
that don't pay off.
I've seen you flying with the sun in sight
higher and higher, watched those wings ignite
you went down straight into that cold prison cell
I should have known, Rob...
because I know you well
yes I know you well
I should have known, Rob,
cause I know you well...
Rob...
nothing to look up...
yes I know you well.
No video on Youtube available.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
from July 28th to July 29th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: „Nahaufnahme“.
Basically the story of the original, though I believe that Georg didn't think
of a drug dealer at all when he was writing this.
And the original lyric does not mention the exact reason
why „Hans“ is sitting in, while I made „Rob“ smuggle Cocaine
from Columbia to Germany in order to explain,
a move that also helped make sense of using „Berlin“ as a rhyme
in the first verse.
I also did not paint Rob „the egoist“ from early days on as distinctive and
extreme as Georg did with „Hans“, cause I thought this superfluous
when I pulled in the story of drug-dealing and making business
with Columbian drug barons...
the seeds of egoism start with small things and don't necessarily
have to show that much in early days already,
I wanted to leave space for character-development
from small things to big things and point towards the small
to be enough to make somebody suffocate his conscience
and then get used to it when it comes to big deeds.
I've done this in order to be happy with my version of it,
not in order to better Georg's, as I still find his one to be the better one
as it raises so many questions inside me.
First of all it still makes me wonder if, in any way, it had to do
anything with Hans „Falco“ Hoelzel, but I don't want to spread
any rumours that can't be proven and when I finally came to know
the song, Georg was already dead, so I didn't have the chance
to ask him by letter anymore.
He may have made up the whole thing by mixing real characters
from his past who had absolutely nothing to do with Falco,
but then take the chance to slip into a persona who was his
admirer, I just can't help myself I believe there was a reason
he named it „Hans“, cause during that time...
well...
dunno.
I think it's a great story about somebody looking up to his model
to find out he was wrong to ever do this,
because he should have listened to his conscience instead.
Ah... this makes me remember another thing that Georg had told me
during our late night conversation.
We literally were talking about „god and the world“,
and when it came to „god“ and „faith“,
he said he'd like to believe in god but there's too many things
that make it impossible for him to do.
He also said that there's one strong argument for such an existance,
if it be, and that was the human conscience, cause he never had
found an answer for his search where it came from and why there is one...
yes, he said... „the answer might just be GOD“.
Anyway, the song is very pathetic, especially the chorus,
and it might be far too pathetic for you to do, Tom,
but translated... it simply had to be, it's my favourite from that album,
and if anyone finds a less pathetic but similar great way of doing it,
then it's you, I believe.
You Just Can't Leave Me (Standing in the Cold)
(Oide, lass mi ned im Regn schdeh)
You just can't leave me standing in the cold
I have been your friend since days of old
there aren't many with you who have
still remained
since you lost the fortune once obtained
I must admit, to me, it was a load
too much competition on the road
doesn't mean I ever wished
against your luck
You just can't leave me and not give a f*ck
Look, I'm on my knees
I'm beggin' please don't go away
all those years must now be proof enough
I have always wanted you,
I still want you to stay
I can't help it, you're my only love...
I have never really been that strong
all my strength came from where I belong
and you'd take it with you if you
leave me now
You just can't leave me after all I've done
...baby, you're the only one...
yes you are...
don't leave me standing in the cold.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 29th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Notausgang
A lovely, simple pleed in song, and though I've used a lot of its original
contents I'm aware I've added some weight to the story,
so that the persona does not only pleed but also
demand something of a right,
and that's the point that me (not Georg) wanted to make.
Though the persona should be aware that anything he did was to his own cost,
and he can't earnestly open up a bill, he's now forced to confess
what the woman may not have wanted to see,
as she thought of him to be more of a friend to rely on,
not a lover, though they sure had an affair going.
This affair meant more to him than it could have meant to her,
and that's why she wants to quit, it's getting too much, too demanding,
and all he can do now is lay all his cards open and hope for her mercy.
I don't think he has the best of cards, actually,
and though I can identify, it's sure not me, though it doesn't mean that,
by circumstance, I wouldn't ever find myself in the same situation.
It's just... I wanted to make the song an appeal to the woman's heart
from the perspective of someone who has nothing left to lose
by doing so, and that women who are listening can ask themselves...
what they would do.
Georg's way is a bit too lighthearted, even charming, to acchieve the very
same effect, I feel his persona to be more calculating and speculative than mine,
though I can't actually tell you why.
My lyrics are, actually, filled with less accusation but more sadness,
and I hope that you like it, it's my „secret favourite“ on „Notausgang“,
an underestimated album that didn't really „bang“ but delivered solid quality throughout.
Its fate was to be sandwiched between two more popular ones of which
the predecessor, as a whole, had more balance, depth and humour
and the successor had more weight and went "bang",
so it's been kind of a loveable, inobtrusive „inbetween“-production.
New Orleans Nightmare Stomp
(New Orleans Alptraum Stomp)
Lately... been dreaming of a holiday I took in New Orleans
been there accompanied by Annett', a girlfriend uglier than beans
but I must say I'm not that picky since my scars have reached my face
and she's the perfect match for me, because her humor, it is ace.
It seemed the custom clearance, first impression of America
was not exactly happy to embrace two folks from Austria
but Annett', she didn't notice all the rummage that's been done
too much alcohol in blood, then glad her suitcase wasn't gone.
When we came into the hotel, where we hoped to find some rest
we were not prepared to find us unexpected wedding guests
inside a crowd of painted ladies with their well dressed fancy men
and penetrated by a brass-band trained to burry Dixieland.
The trombone player saw Annett' and tied her upward to the stage
he must have thought she was a scarecrow for the listeners under age
- yeah ! -
I really tried to help her leave the gruesome limelight she was in
(her bra was on the floor,
to scare the crowd some more !)
but this the Tuba-player noticed and prevented with his grin
(the man was six foot four
with chops you can't ignore !
The man was six foot four !).
Then, to a fanfare and a drumroll, bride and groom entered the hall
I could not believe my eyes, the groom was Ferdinand von Stahl*
old aristocracy and mate from days I've never been too proud (of)
he saw me, then ran over, pleeding in my ear: „please... get me out !“.
The bride looked needy and I seemed to be a saviour for her, too
Annett' stood at the kettle-drum and banged it like an ape would do
- boohoo ! -
most of her clothing under custody of that one Tuba-player
(with chops you can't ignore...
the man was six foot four !)
the feast was surely at its peak when up to heaven went my prayer:
„Please, my god, prevent the worst !“.
To no avail. When came the morning I was married to that bride.
(She: „Oh my darling, can't wait for our honeymoon !“)
Don't want to report the position I was in, but could not hide...
I was her prisoner, professionally bondaged to her bed
while Ferdinand von Stahl*, he took his chance, flew homeward with Annett'
(and on his note of thanks
he wrote: „remaining friends !“).
That's when I woke up... heard the phone ring... it was Ferdinand von Stahl*
he kindly wanted to invite me to his wedding, after all
(we had the best of times,
I'm always on his mind !)
He said it was in New Orleans and he would pay me everything
I said no thanks, but I can send Annett' in case he's suffering !
(He wouldn't owe me thanks
cause we're the best of friends !).
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 29th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
*pron. Ferdinand von Stahl: „Fair-dee-nun't-vunn-shtarl“;
I took the name from a German TV-soap, it was not Georg's idea,
the groom is neither aristocrat nor is his name Ferdinand,
he's called „Karl“, but, for my private pleasure, I lifted the name
„Annett'“ straight from the original.
Original Album: 13 schmutzige Lieder
I've stayed as close to the original as possible but added the scarecrow
and then had to shorten the ending
a bit so the nightmare could end just in time... (lmao).
I must admit this never was a favourite of mine...
but to not translate it for Tom would have been unforgivable, I believe..
and I had a lot of fun.
The Stub
(Der Tschik)
There's no relief
can't stay in your sleeve
I need one quick
a lighter that functions
no saviour's assumptions
to cure the sick
just look at that stub
it's got far better luck
who needs a waif in the gutter ?
Not even my mother.
My matress is smelling
it's far too compelling
for rats in the night
and they're just as welcome
as I am in uptown
by broad daylight
Not even the mist
has fewer rights to exist
and every stub will later
meet the defecator
Search the garbage by moonlite
and then sleep at the jobsite
when the blanket gets lost
you can die in the frost
So thanks for that smoke
and the kindness...
it's madness...
people say I was a drinker...
they're talkin' bullsh*t
want a glass of rum ???
Ever seen a glass of rum
on its own overtum ?
Or a stub to stub itself out
where there's not even a raincloud ?
Surely I have one up
well, at least to the stub
cause when I've reached my dog-end
I can finish with my own hand.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 29th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Single-A-Side in the 70's and, actually before „The Naked Man“,
a huge success for Georg, but it had been released anonymous
and he remained, for a time, „incognito“,
with the waif from the cover hired for media,
until... a music journalist found out.
The song is not featured on the album of the same name
but on samplers and Georg did a re-recording of it for
the CD-edition of „Nahaufnahme“ (while the Vinyl-double
had featured 2 other Bonus-Tracks !).
But the best version I've heard was done by Georg alone
to his guitar on a (now) rare Solo-Live-Album named „Echt Danzer“.
After I had done the „New Orleans Nightmare Stomp“
I was looking for another one that I can't get away without
when thinking of Tom Waits... have I been right or have I been right ?
I do love it but I have problems with Georg's voice in such low registers,
so I don't listen to this song very often, I'd rather lighten myself one more stub ;-) !
Loving in the Now
(Heute Nacht machen wir es gut)
I don't need your name
so don't ask for mine
names are all the same
gone with space and time
you can make it stop
and I know how
and tonight we'll be
loving in the now
loving in the now
Whom you're dreaming of
to one day say „I will“
he's not with you, baby
but you shall get your fill
there's illusions burried undertow
but tonight it's me
whom you can feel
and I'll love you in the now
Nothing be spoken,
just let me see your face
cause your face is all I want to see
let your eyes speak as they fall on me
hmmm...
Love is here today
tomorrow there'll be fear
you'll be far away then
while I'll be staying here
go back to my duties and the plough
but for tonight
love me in the now
Nothing be known then,
just let yourself be shown
I want you without a guarantee
let your hands teach while they're touching me
hmmm...
Don't ask what's in me
there's only you I feel
don't tell what's in you
cause there's only me who's real
and for tonight we're loving in the now
for tonight we're loving in the now.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Der Tätowierer und die Mondprinzessin
Favourite Version on „Tournee 79“
A lot of „fine tuning“ had to be done until I was satisfied
with my translation of this,
and it meant not only several close listens and changes
to details until they finally had fit, but also
that lots of metaphors from the original
had to fall away in the end, for better or for worse.
I needed to make the persona one who's
closer to myself so I could make it understandable
a) for myself and b) for others in my own way.
I know that Georg used to love this song very much when he was
younger, and I think that's what made it difficult to me
to rely on his words cause... I was very different when I was young.
But I've grown older, too, and on my own way, I've found
a different entrance to what had been missing, then,
my own way to love „in the now“...
if it's in the can and makes any sense.
Yes, I've never really felt the way that the original lyric
implied, but I can relate to what it is now, from my perspective,
so that's what I did. It's a very beautiful song anyway.
WARNING:
THE NEXT ONE (including comment)
IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE BLACKEST HUMOR IN THE WORLD,
THIS SORT OF EXTREME FUN-SPORTS OF THE MIND IS CALLED
"WIENER HUMOR"
BECAUSE IT'S TYPICAL FOR FOLKS FROM VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
IN SOME CASES, THE DISEASE SPREAD OVER TO GERMANY
AND, BECAUSE OF ITS PENETRANCE AND INCURABILITY,
IT IS NOW READY TO VIOLENTLY ATTACK AND TERMINATE THE WORLD,
SO BEWARE ALL YOU PEOPLE OUT THERE.
EVERYBODY WHO TAKES THINGS TOO SERIOUSLY OR THINKS THEY CANNOT BE FUNNY
IS NOT WELCOME TO READ ANY FURTHER.
ABOUT RISKS AND SIDE-EFFECTS CONSULT YOUR MEDICAL ADVISOR
BUT DO NOT FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE TEXT,
not IF YOU CAN AVOID, at least.
Nothing More Embarrassing
("Anleitung zum Selbstmord" - an embarrassing excerpt of the "Wiener Trilogie")
Stop your whinin', I can't take no more,
it's gettin' on my nerves
you're far better off than others
whom I also couldn't serve
If you ain't got no guts for living
maybe you have forks for death...
You can jump from down the ferris wheel
or strangulate your breath
if the wood ain't weak or brittle
rope and branch can bring delight...
but there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide
there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide.
You can read the New York Times
or listen hours to Radio 3
use a power circuit line
and have a liberating pee
Take a walk in central park
or shoot yourself inside the head
but don't try it with a banger
use a loaded gun instead
You can see, I'm not that heartless
you can always count on me
just follow one of my suggestions
and success is guaranteed
There are bridges above rivers,
jump and drown but keep in mind:
There ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide
there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide.
Drive you car into the rush hour
take the interchange and wait
if no accident will kill you
then the holdup and complaint
Make a trip into the jungle
kick a hungry crocodile
or take a rattlesnake to bed
but shuffle off your mortal coil !
Avoid ambulances, hospitals
or specialists in sight
...cause there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide
there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide.
There's a giant lake to swim in
near a big chemical plant
there's McDonalds and there's Subway
try Garth Brooks or Amy Grant
It won't work with Justin Bieber
he's just torture, but not kill
if even sleeping pills won't function
then some christmas music will !
Now you have enough of reason
to believe in your success
go away or stop your whinin'
take a way out of your mess
Have a shopping day at Walmart
with your wife or future bride
...cause there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide
no, there ain't nothing more embarrassing
than failure at suicide.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: „Nahaufnahme“,
as the second part of „Wiener Trilogie“,
Best with Adi Hirschal & Lucky Goldschmidt on „Raritäten 2“ !
I love the „Wiener Trilogie“ by heart because of its black humor
so please forgive me that, this time, I wasn't up to keep the original length
but write a little more until I saw myself satisfied.
This means: Now it's twice as long, one can simply just repeat the music
to the new words. The thing starts off as it does with Georg's instructions,
and they're all recommendable, but... I thought they weren't enough
if you got an assh... no, some poor pityful person beside you
to make your day. Sometimes we all need a little help,
and not always is Dr. House within reach,
so the friendly neighbour in the pub must help out.
It's not our fault if that neighbour happens to be us.
But, honestly, if the person affected has some healthy humor, at least,
they may just get it right, start laughing and...
we have saved another life.
What did I write in my translation for „A Hero's Task“ ?
„Not a single good thing I would not have done“ !
Whoever thinks this was a call for applications in present time
must, at least, face the changes of growing up that have happened
inbetween and can, if lucky, still be thankful.
Prison
(Im Häfn schtiabt die Söh)
All the bars turn grey
a new day has begun
the clouds just move on by
you sit and you wait
but nothing seems to come
if you're lucky... there's a blue sky
...where at night
there's been a blinkin' star
that made you feel
the blackness that you are
won't grow no better
inside this mournful cell
there's only walls
you're caged with your own smell.
People outside
can think of me as dumb
I got what I deserved
the failure I've become
to ruin my whole life
within a moment's turn
for who's in prison
did not learn
here in prison
he can burn.
Something eats the soul
malfunctions in the head
and there's nothing I can do
a bird who's damned to watch his feathers fall like led
his muscles ceasing
his time is through.
Mother, father
can think of me as dumb
he got what he deserved
the failure he's become
would he have listened
he'd have learned a proper job
now he's in prison
his time is up
I'm in prison
my time is up.
Their investments
have all turned out in vain
I'm on my knees
but can't go back again
I could not change a thing
I know that it's too late
to slowly die of isolation
is my fate
...and without freedom
there's only hate
here in prison
...only hate
no regretting
only hate
only
hate.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Non-album-track, to be found on the posthumous 3-disc-collection
„Wann I so z'ruckschau“.
As far as I'm concerned, this is one of Georg's very best,
although it did not make the album „Grosse Dinge“ back then,
maybe he thought that, musically, it was too close to Bruce Springsteen's
„Streets of Philadelphia“, cause one can hear that the basic arrangement
has been heavily leaning upon it. But why not ?
It has to fit and fit... it did. This song is always giving me shivers
up and down my spine.
For my translation, I've decided to not refrain too many words,
so I can tell more „from the inside“ of the delinquent,
paint his character more distinctively.
Georg had refrained several lines to great effect,
but the price for this was... you didn't get to know that much
about who's sitting in, so, for the listener,
identification was harder as they felt themselves within his cell.
To me, this was no problem at all, I could identify from the start,
but I wanted to make things easier for others, still.
This is why, in some way, I also made it a more painful experience,
although the prisoner is wailing less, his self-pity is even more self-destructive now.
It's not meant to tell people an absolute truth, but meant to raise awareness
that, when being imprisoned, one can perceive things as being 100% negative,
so there can not be a prognosis made for a proposed way back into society for all,
and... when we're debating punishment, we often think of death-sentences
as being inhuman, while inhumanity of prison itself can even be worse (!),
depending on the sensitivity of the prisoner.
This one... he's additionally torturing himself, and I believe
that he's not an exception for reality, just because the character had been made up.
Isolated prison, in particular, can strengthen masochist tendencies
within the human being – and should be abolished therefore,
except a prisoner wishes to be alone.
Oh how I wish that Georg still had the chance to approve – or critizise...
but I think this one became one of the best translations I've done...
hell, someone must* do them, Tom, I can't believe there's been no reaction yet,
not even from Franz Christian Schwarz (a fact that leaves me worried about
his state of health, actually... he's not the youngest anymore...).
In sadness...
Roop.
*Because of their quality, that's my conviction, not an attempt at forcing anyone.
Schoolday
(Schule)
Why on earth must lessons be a pain ?
Why must female teachers look so vain ?
Can't believe the rumour she's the director's affair...
never thought of him as being blind
not long now before I lose my mind...
Anybody tell 'em they can all just go to hell
take with them those values I must learn
Nothing pays me real life in return.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Ruhe vor dem Sturm.
A moment in time. A loooooong moment... for many.
It's good it only made it for a short song,
but one that... had to be done, I believe.
Translated nearly word by word,
though I had to ommit the female teacher's name
as well as the pupil's desire to go for a beer...
in order to keep it that short.
Georg was... ace.
I sometimes still wonder what became of those many adolescent boys
of my generation who must have bought and listened to this album a lot...
where are they now ? Sitting in some office and feeling exactly the same ?
It's somewhat coincidence I've done it after „Prison“,
but sometimes coincidence works better than any plan of intention,
doesn't it ?
No Reason Anymore
(Sag was hasd scho zum Verliern)
Too much worries and cares
while the future... it scares
leaves you asking too much
and complaining too much
you could fall off from those stairs
tell me what if you did ?
You've been down there before
had your nose in the sh*t
but no reason to quit
cause there's no reason any more.
You can always fail, of course
but you can't lose what isn't yours
there's no reason anymore.
You can always fail, of course
but can't lose what isn't yours
there's no reason anymore.
Someone's faster than you
someone's stronger than you
yeah, your star, it can fall,
your job is not secure at all,
cause someone's younger than you
But what's wrong with standing still ?
Or god's mercy to implore ?
You can satisfy your will
but your nerves must pay the bill
there's no reason anymore.
You can always fail, of course
but can't lose what isn't yours
there's no reason anymore.
You can always fail, of course
but can't lose what isn't yours
there's no reason anymore.
Hear the voice of the dumb
with their extremist crumb
calculating on your vote
You know what they're standing for ?
There's no reasoning no more.
There's no reasoning no more
...fear and hatred at the door,
but no reason anymore.
And they want you to give in
but you know it is a sin
cause there's no reason anymore.
You can always fail, of course
but can't lose what isn't yours
there's no reason anymore
there's no reason anymore
there's no reason anymore
there's no reason anymore...
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Wieder in Wien
Georg had recorded this as a duet but...
well, this could actually be accompanied by a choir of many,
it's something of a hymn against resignation
but also against false values threatening to enslave us
or make us slaves to ourselves.
I made the ending bit more political because of the right wing
extremists being on a rise in Germany (again),
which is not providing me with good feelings at all.
This song kinda included an offer for me to express my denial,
an opportunity which I gladly took.
I'm not a fascist, though I'm part of a hierarchy since my parents have
christened me as a baby.
Believe me, it's enough for a lifetime to have studied
hierarchic systems from the inside by the (still) intact example of the
Catholic Church, and not having broken with it doesn't mean
that there's no resistance, but as long as you're within...
you must use the system, not act as if you're not part of it,
just as if you were anything better and in the odd illusion
you could be both at the same time, in and out.
This won't serve anybody any good, it's either this or that
(and to not have accepted this simple fact is why, I'm sorry to declare this
here officially, Hans Küng ran out of lifepower as if there was...
no meaning anymore at all. He shouldn't have mistaken god's will
for fascism, even if coming in the guise of a majestic order.
It was a test and he failed because of idleness, for what was the order
was nothing else but the will of Hans himself, if he remained honest.
In all understandable doubt, he still should have been aware of
what system he was part of as he received a certain channelled letter.
The order that's been included was not coming from its writer at all,
who was wondering what it was good for but trusted the spirit,
so the letter was being sent to Swiss (or was it Tübingen ?) just as it had been perceived...
for who really believes can trust the spirit, even if in doubt.
What happened ? The receiver rebelled against his own will and
by doing so finally lost inner contact to the source of life
he had previously drawn his powers from.
Nothing is happening with no reason, and no matter what good it was,
that he was up to, he refused to do it in the end, just by denying
the position he was in instead of using it FOR the good.
I can't help it, but... studied and educated to the max, Hans should have
been wise enough to not listen to the voice that pointed out an enemy,
but to his conscience rebelling (!), for this was painfully dumb to ignore
and if it's up to me he can long since do what he's always been
talking about. DO. Not just talk and accuse others for what
they're doing wasn't made to please him in his idle seclusion.
For whose allowance is he waiting ? For whose orders if orders aren't welcome ?
If it really is one's will, if it IS what he wants to do... then all that's left is...:
DO !!!! Sry but I'm angry... should be merciful so will pick something
next to help me get there.... Georg's position had been „outside for good reason“,
anyway... and there were times I had envied him for his braveness,
but couldn't do that to my mother !
Add. note: I've cooled down a bit now and I'm even thankful Hans
helped me get rid off an even worse hypocrit and loudmouth whom I had thought
was my friend. But does that make things good ?).
Good album, good song.
Have Mercy
(Verzeih ma)
I never thought of this to be happening
now that it does, I just cannot take it in
from what was heaven to what we have become
till now you're letting me know I'm down to one
Have mercy
Have mercy, have mercy,
if I was wrong
Have mercy,
though I know you're right
this just can't go on
I need you,
I want you, I love you
you know it's true
Have mercy
I had lost attention to care for you.
I know it's my fault we didn't talk no more
too many problems I tended to ignore
I thought they'd vanish if I was keeping still
I'm lost for words when it comes to bitter pills
Have mercy
Have mercy, have mercy,
if I was wrong
Have mercy,
though I know you're right
this just can't go on
I need you,
I want you, I love you
you know it's true
Have mercy
I promise that I will be there for you.
I'd like to put it down to your changing moods
but yet I know if you'd go it'd be for good
I can't accept it, I'm helpless, but if you must
can't hold you back but believe me that I am lost
Have mercy
Have mercy, have mercy
don't go away
Have mercy,
you're right but I'm still
needing you to stay
I need you,
I want you, I love you
you know it's true
Please give me
more credit so I can take care of you.
Have mercy
I want you
you know it's true
Have mercy
I'm needing you
Have mercy...
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Sex im Internet
I still think this should have earned Georg a radio-hit, at least.
It's very, very close to German Schlager but I can't help it...
it's simply beautiful and there's not a single word I don't believe.
For my translation, I've altered things a bit, because...
in the original, it was her who had lost the attention to care for HIM,
and I just thought it to be better when, being done before
international audiences, it is the other way round,
because... in reality, it more often is.
Why not give those men a voice before it might be too late for them ?
As I've already said, „Sex im Internet“ was one of Georg's lesser
albums. It isn't actually that bad but production was, audibly,
low budget for this independent release back then,
and it came inbetween „Grosse Dinge“ and, even more so
an album to which comparisms can only mean failure,
„Atemzüge“, for which he had a deal with SONY/BMG again,
so there was no worry about the budget to be kept.
Why on earth wasn't this song the deserved hit ?
Did anyone think it was too trivial for Georg ?
I love him for daring in any direction, so failure was something to be
calculated in, but this song... it's far from being a failure.
Shades of Breath
(Atemzüge)
Where your shades of breath do fall upon
that'll always be where I belong
laying down quietly
pulling you close to me
It's where our children sleep
to tell me that I'm home.
Laying down quietly
feeling you close to me
we're where our children sleep
to tell me that I'm home.
Life can be a doghound
with sharp and pointed teeth
but this world, if on the rebound
can be fields of joy and peace
Where your shades of breath have fell upon
that'll always be where I belong
laying down quietly
pulling you close to me
It's where our children sleep
to tell me that I'm home.
Laying down quietly
feeling you close to me
I'm where our children sleep
to tell me that I'm home.
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
© Tom Waits
Original Album: Atemzüge
Georg's heart.
When... (If Not Now ?)
(Jetzt oder nie)
You are
human being
and share that dream with me
a dream of lasting freedom with
this hope that it shall be
far stronger than suppression
the ignorance of few
who cling to their possession and
then tell us what to do.
When... if not now ?
Why not take the chance and stand up ?
When... if not now ?
Raise your voice, let it cry...
The dream
we are sharing
won't ever fade away
the strength of just an idea can
outlive decades of prey
'gainst rulers of injustice
who breed stupidity
obedience can't save you
from the grapes of misery...
When... if not now ?
Come on, take the chance and stand up !
When... if not now ?
Raise your voice, let it cry...
The dream
of lasting freedom
you hold it like a kite
it's flying for your children
to reach the other side
the future's not determined
the way things seem to go
just hold the string to keep the kite
then let your neighbours know:
When... if not now ?
Take the chance, it's time to stand up !
When... if not now ?
Raise your voice, let it cry !
(You are
human being
You are
human being.)*
Youtubevideo to be found here: In Memoriam Georg Danzer
Original Words & Music by Georg Danzer
English Lyrics written by Roop for Mr. Tom Waits
on July 30th in 2018.
*Additional words to be spoken during the end.
© Tom Waits
The title track from my favourite album, no need to say any more,
I tried to do my best to a) keep its contents and meaning to the full
and b) where needed, ifever... then also make it fit for... the now...
a call for people to wake up, let ourselves be shown and heard (and unite),
but with an even more important, personal message for every one of us:
„Don't let go the kite“.
40 songs translated now. Most (but not) every album included.
Also: Some more earnest ones after the „embarrassement“.
Not that I think of it as being worth less, but... oh... what a working schedule...
month and money coming to an end, too... it should, by now, be enough...
just lemme say and write this (while I'm saying): Phew.
The other videos I couldn't get in here anymore are to be found here: https://rupispoesie.hpage.com/more-of-georg-danzer-translated-.html
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
The next one is, exceptionally,
NOT a gift or giveaway,
because it is the original lyric
to the song that I've made
when I had heard of Georg's passing.
Its contents are 100% literal and true,
and I've already posted a German translation
of it under „Weitere Tribute“.
I simply felt this had to be added here, too.
Again, if we're talking about a Musical,
then the name of the song,
if being included or not,
makes another suggestion for its title.
LOVE;
Roop.
Brother George
Strange weather in June 2007
Rather poor money on the streets the night before
So I stopped playing early to go and see some friends
And then we sang together
A song of Brother George
A song about what any man´s familiar with
Some rather secretly and others surely do not mind
For it´s only squares – on my behalf it`s hypocrites
Who if they want a reason
To complain will always find
And we celebrated life the human way
With humour, understanding and with heart
How could we know that just the other day
News came that Brother George just made his way to god ?
Strange weather in June 2007
And the memory of one night in 1985
Brother George was playing a gig here till eleven
While I was playing the streets
So young and so alive
Knowing that afterwards I`d go and spend the money
Down in the club in which I was a regular guest
When right before me in the row – it struck me funny ! –
Stood Brother George…
He must have known where to go best !
And we celebrated life the human way
A famous writer and his unknown counterpart
It was a pleasure as the hours dripped away
One wavelength naturally… we talked `bout such a lot
Strange weather in June 2007
Got water in my eyes as I make my way home
For Brother George went to another club named “Heaven”
Leaving the human family –
But not alone !
Let us celebrate our lives the human way
A song of Brother George be sung while he may rest
And if you miss him – as I do – hear what I say
You can rely on it – he knew where to go best
You can rely on it – he knew where to go best !
Rupert June 2007 for Georg Danzer
Oh..
and, finally (?)
a short story connected to our encounter,
one I had never previously told anyone.
As you can read, I have something of an "elephant's memory",
and this is not exclusively valid for that night of conversation
I had with Georg,
but, in his case, it really worked exceptionally well.
Many details are stored in the back of my mind,
but even my brain can "swallow" something
and, then, burry it for years,
until, suddenly, it'll come to surface again,
and there had been an important detail of our conversation
that lay there burried for more than a decade,
actually, I had forgotten about it within a few days only,
although it was important to Georg,
as it happened to be the last things he said to me that night,
repeatedly,
saying he wanted to grant me an "immaterial gift".
Can you imagine how it feels to receive a gift many years
after someone had made it to you ?
This was what actually happened when my memory returned.
It was about one of Georg's songs, of which he said
that I should "listen to it and take it personally",
and this would be his gift.
I did not know the song and I won't tell you which one it is.
Perhaps the fact I didn't know it then,
combined with a lack of concentration at the end of a looooong talk,
led to that void in my memory,
although, lucky I am, the brain kept it somewhere, still,
and did not really lose it.
When it spit out the information,
must have happened when I had met my future blood brother
who somehow then "brought Georg back into my life"
on a more personal level again,
I bought a used vynil-copy of the album on which the song was on and listened carefully.
It contained the offer of being friends no matter where the other was.
how far apart we are and what different paths we'd take.
And I must say that, in so many ways,
everything the song said, it proved to be true,
so I am allowed to say that we were... we are friends,
although we had only met for once in our lives.
I'm proud of having received that gift,
and, to me, it is as valid as it was from the beginning,
though... in the beginning, I didn't know.
I'm grateful from and to the heart to have been gifted this kind of friendship
that meant we wouldn't owe each other anything (anymore),
but also means it's valid, still,
because it doesn't matter where we are.
I have experienced this to be of the highest value,
because I can only say...
it's true,
he's closer to me now than he ever was,
and I'm sure it's not a trick of imagination
or wishful thinking only.
THANK YOU, BROTHER GEORGE !
Gifts were being meant to be TAKEN
and - better late than never - I was lucky I could do so.
Your FRIEND Rupert on August the 1st 2018
© Rupert Lenz 79110 Freiburg