Ich Will

I think that the video and the song each ahve a separate, yet related, meaning.

The video is clearly a media critique, as well as being intended to amuse the fans (because IMO, Rammstein has always been about the fans). I love it, even though Flake is my favourite member.

The song itself, however, is likely a direct message from Till to the fans. I want you guys to believe me, I want you all to understand me, I want all your energy, etc. And then, when the audience answers his questions (we see you, we hear you, we feel you, etc) and you think he'd be content, he says: I don't understand you.

When I first heard this song (yeeeears ago), I thought it was about what drives people, specifically young people, to commit crimes...The attention and recognition and whatnot...Since the video shows them robbing a bank and being literally rewarded for it I figured I was right.

I was pretty disappointed when Till and Paul said it was just about connecting with the audience during concerts. But I think the lyrics can be taken as a double-meaning - something Rammstein uses a lot, Du Hast being the most obvious example. In the metaphor here, they are the criminals while the audience represents the media and the general public.

Whenever there's a school shooting or similar crime, people are always quick to say it was done "for the attention". It pisses me off, because it's a very narrow-minded way of looking at things. Sure, people do things for attention all the time, but everyday "normal" people don't go around murdering people just to get attention. If such extreme measures are taken just for that purpose then there's other things to be considered.

As the lyrics also address, they don't just want to be "seen", or "to go down in applause", but also "heard", "understood." "In control."

I hate to bring up Columbine here, but I'm reminded of something Marilyn Manson said about the shooting. When asked what he'd say to the perpetrators, he said something like "I wouldn't say anything. I'd listen to what they had to say, because no one else did."

The parents of school shooters often say they had no idea their own child was suffering so much. All of these kids had problems - sometimes serious mental problems - and nobody would listen to them. Their families either wouldn't listen or didn't understand. They had no friends to open up to, or they didn't even feel able to open up to anyone. All that bottled-up depression and anger has to be let out some way.

In the same sense, why do bands like Rammstein make music and do the crazy shit they do? Yes, there's the obvious "attention" motive, but beneath the outrageousness of some of their antics there's an underlying message. They want to be understood, and for people to listen to what they have to say.

I'm not, in any way, justifying the actions of the people who commit these crimes. A lot of people go through far worse situations and turn out fine. That's where the question of mental stability comes in. At the same time, most people with mental or emotional disabilities aren't mass murderers. I think the song is saying the motivations behind such crimes can't be summed up by simply saying "they wanted attention" or "they're just crazy." There's so many other factors to be considered.

Holy shit that was long. Sorry if TL;DR, but I have always wanted to share my interpretation of this song. The video brings a level of complexity to the really simple lyrics, which is what makes it one of my favorite songs and music videos of all time. Watch all of Rammstein's other videos - almost all of them go along with the lyrics, they're not just random unrelated images to go with the song, so I'm pretty sure they did the video that way on purpose. Or I could be just rambling and looking way too deep into it because it's 2:30 in the morning. idk.

love that german metal

das ist sehr gut musik!

It gets to the hairs on the back of my neck

this is song is pretty good, BUT if you watch it WITH the video, its fucking awesome. probably one of my favourite videos. when paul (i think) is dragging that girl down the hallway and then the guard craps himself... oh man i love it. and flakes end is kinda funny, he always gets shit end of the stick.

I have read many right clues about the complete meaning of the song... the critics to media, the will to catch attention.... the final answers by Till to the audience (I/we don't understand you) makes me think about the classic "incomunicability" between an artist and his fans.... the video is really clever and well directed. the general sense is clear to me, but still many little things stay obscure.... i.e. the guys seem to have some power, in facts Richard makes the woman fall off at a touch (and he dance with her under red alarm lights: so deranged and poetic!), Paul subjugates the guard and doesn't leave him use the gun (the frame of the guard pelvis isn't clear), plus we see the woman he's trailing first reluctant, then dormant)....and finally Till first is in front of a crowd of cameramans and photographers, then they are all collapsed (one of them is trailed by someone/something!). in the end the police is unable to shoot them (Olli mock them! epic win!).

all of these things make the videoclip really really fascinating....

So what is real music to you? Not some whiney Brit alterna rock I hope. HAHAHA! The lyrics sound a little sexy to me.. hehe ;) meow

It's one of those songs that has a whole new meaning once you either see their music video or hear it live. There is nothing like Rammstein live.

german lyrics sound sweet. i love this song. i thought i would allways hate metal but i like this song.