Computer World

I think it is "Time" and not "Crime".

I can't believe that this song has only one comment.

I suppose the institutions listed are the type that were using computers in 1977 when the album was released. It reminds me of the mis-quote of Thomas J. Watson of IBM that there was a market for maybe five computers in the world.

The lyrics make more sense now than ever. 'Computer World' was released in 1981. Back then synth/techno/electro pop was fresh and seemed like plenty of synth bands were popping up all over the place. Then it was like Kraftwerk put out a new album to show them all how it's done.

On another level, this song really is about how computers were limited to just a few places, but suddenly around 1979 or so the computer branched out into new venues, thanks to the personal computer.

I suspect Kraftwerk was privy to something. Perhaps about how things operated at the time involving the entities they mention. Or perhaps there was some sort of scandal or event that involved those entities. Thats why I came here to find out.

They said "Interpol and Deutsche Bank, FBI and Scotland Yard"

They mention intelligence agencies - the FBI, Interpol (International Police), and Scotland Yard (where the Metropolitan Police reside. Police force for the UK.) who collaborate with with British Intelligence. "Scotland Yard works in close collaboration with other British intelligence agencies to provide protection to the Royal family and other members of the HM governments."

Perhaps they are describing how intelligence keeps track of people and business with computers - "Business, Numbers, Money, People"

"Crime.." Perhaps even a scandal involving banking, the government and intelligence and computers.

It is certainly not a new concept anymore.

Maybe somebody from Kraftwerk will read this and clear this up.