Friday Photo Favorite: BBQ in the Munich suburbs

A few weeks ago, Frau A and I visited friends in a suburb south of Munich.  We had some BBQ, sat on their patio right next to a wheat field, and met their new puppy Jacson.  All Saturdays could be like this...

 

Winter Wonderland

I've been waiting for months for a good snow.

Friday we had weird snow with thunder and lighting. First the fat wet flakes that were pretty and melted, and then it poured down these tiny little flakes that quickly turned the roofs white.

Usually it's gone by morning, but I awoked Saturday morning to find it still snowing and a nice thick layer on the roofs.

I hadn't taken any pictures in a couple of months, but I had a big internal battle between photographic desire and my strong desire to not be cold.

Fortunately, the creative side won. Shocking, actually. But a really good decision to not procrastinate and just go ahead and bundle up and go out.  Though it was snowing hard while I was out and seemed it would continue, the rains soon came and washed away the pretty snow.

 

There are so many reasons to love Munich, but one of my top reasons is that when it snows, it feels like you're inside the picture-perfect world of a snowglobe.

Everything is coated with snow - I especially love how it coats every branch of the tree.

The beast-slaying cherubs at the base of the Mariensäule were no exception:

slaying heresy

slaying famine

Of course, with Munich being the little slice of slightly unreal paradise that it is, Marienplatz was cleared of snow before the snow had stopped falling. (The kids will be playing on the snow piles for the next 2 months!)

The trees behind the Rathaus are some variety of gumball tree. The snow makes perfect ornaments of them! 

Notice anything odd here?

It's actually a reflection. I was hoping this black glass enclosure would make the snowflakes stand out, but was surprised with the fun mirror effect.

I'd somehow never put together the cow fountain in the Rindermarkt with its name, but it actually was the cattle market in the old walled town.

And the Löwenturm has a lovely decorated tree in front of it.

It's not actually raining snow, but just playing around a bit with a slow shutter speed and Herr J's tripod.

A fun morning and probably a positive lesson in why not procrastinating sometimes is good. Really happy I had the chance to go enjoy the beautiful snow!

Oktoberfest Songs 2 - Traditional and Classic

Now that you’ve learned the moves to Fliegerlied and Cowboy und Indianer in our Wies’n Hits guide, it’s time to learn a few of the older songs.  Most are in this category due to age (i.e., before the 90s), though a few are here due to being traditional beer festival songs. While this section includes a wide range of genres, it will definitely add to your schlager repertoire! 

Ein Prosit:

If you learn to recognize only one song, make sure that it’s “Ein Prosit.” You probably will hear it every 15 minutes.  The procedure is this:  The band starts up the song, and everyone raises their glassed, sings along, and toasts each other at the song’s end with a big “Prost!” or “Zum Wohl!,” of course making sure make eye contact when you toast. (this is important in Germany!)

The words are simple:

Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit
Ein Prosit, ein Prosit
Der Gemütlichkeit.

Oans, zwoa, drei, g'suffa! 

As “ein Prosit” means “a toast”, it’’s just a song about toasting each other. “A toast, a toast, to the comfort of everyone.” And at the end in Bavarian, “One, two, three, drink up!”

Wahnsinn (Hölle, Hölle, Hölle):

I confess, I have this on my workout mix.  It’s a prime example of an Ohrwurm (“ear worm”), a song that wriggles in through your ears and just won’t go away!

It’s basically an early Alannis Morrisette angry breakup song, but sung by a German dude (Wolfgang Petry).  The catchy tune and refrains for crowd participation make it a Wies’n Hit, albeit a classic.  

I chose a video of a faster version of the song by the Lollies, but the original video is worth a look once the song gets stuck in your head – let’s just say that it contains everything wonderfully cheesy about the 80s and is set in a steelmill...permed hair, molten steel, cheesy camera angles…

The crowd response is bracketed and in italics:

Wahnsinn (Hölle, Hölle, Hölle!) Von Dir keine Spur, die Wohnung ist leer und mein Herz wie Blei so schwer, ich geh kaputt, denn Du bist wieder bei ihm. Ich weiss nur eins: jetzt ist Schluss und dass ich um dich kämpfen muss. Wo bist Du? Sag mir wo bist Du? [Chorus] Wahnsinn, warum schickst Du mich in die Hölle? [Hölle, Hölle, Hölle!] Eiskalt lässt Du meine Seele erfriern. Das ist Wahnsinn, Du spielst mit meinen Gefühlen. [Fühle, Fühle!] Und mein Stolz liegt längst schon auf dem Müll. [Müll, Sondermüll!] Doch noch weiss ich was ich will: ich will Dich. [Ganz allein!] Ich lauf im Kreis von früh bis spät, denn ich weiss, dass ohne Dich nichts geht. Ich brauche Luft bevor mein Herz erstickt. Und wie ein Wolf renn ich durch die Stadt, Such hungrig unsere Kneipen ab. Wo bist Du? Sag mir wo bist Du? [Chorus] Doch noch weiss ich was ich will: ich will Dich. [Ganz allein!] [Chorus]

Madness (Hell, Hell, Hell!) No trace of you, the apartment is empty and my heart is heavy as lead, I’m destroyed, because you're back with him. I only just one thing: now it's over and I must fight for you. Where are you? Tell me where are you? [Chorus] Madness, why do send me to hell? [Hell, hell, hell!] Ice-cold, you freeze my soul. This madness, you play with my feelings. [Feelings, Feelings, Feelings!] And my pride is long since thrown in the trash. [Trash, hazardous waste!] But still I know what I want: I want you. [All alone!] I run in circles all day long, because I know that without you, nothing goes. I need air before my heart chokes. And I run like a wolf through the city, Searching hungrily in our pubs. Where are you? Tell me where are you? [Chorus] But still I know what I want: I want you. [All alone!] [Chorus]

Sierra Madre:

This is another one where most people just know the chorus. And you too will know it after hearing it once…

An 80s song by the Austria band Zillertauer Schürzenjäger* (roughly translated as the “Heartbreaker from Zillertau”), this is one where everyone sways, sometimes arm in arm, and sings along.  The band – and the song – are in the Alpen-Rock genre, which is a blend of folk, pop, and rock.

Sierra Madre Wenn der Morgen kommt und die letzten Schatten vergeh'n Schau'n die Menschen der Sierra hinauf zu den sonnigen Höh'n Schau'n hinauf wo der weisse Kondor so einsam zieht Wie ein Grüss an die Sonne erklingt ihr altes Lied [Chorus] Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur Sierra, Sierra Madre. Oh, oh, Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur, Sierra, Sierra Madre. Wenn die Arbeit getan der Abendfrieden nun beginnt Schau'n die Menschen hinauf wo die Sierra im Abendrot brennt Und sie denken daran wie schnell ein Glück oft vergeht Und aus tausend' Herzen klingt es wie ein Gebet

Sierra Madre When the morning comes and the last shadow goes The people of the Sierra look up to the sunny heights Look up where the white condor so lonely flies Greet the sun like an old song you’ve heard [Chorus] Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur Sierra, Sierra Madre. Oh, oh, Sierra, Sierra Madre del Sur, Sierra, Sierra Madre. When work is done the evening peace begins The people of the Sierra look up where the sunset burns And they remember how quickly luck often goes And from a thousand hearts, it sounds like a prayer

*Schürzenjäger is a new favourite German word. It’s an old one, but since it literally translates to “blouse-hunter” I guess it’s the German equivalent of “skirt-chaser!”

Anita:

Another prime example of classic 70s schlager is Costa Cordalis’ Anita, with the audience echoing Anita.

Anita [Chorus] Ich fand sie irgendwo allein in Mexiko Anita (Anita) schwarz war ihr Haar. die Augen wie zwei Sterne so klar Komm steig auf dein Pferd sagte ich zu ihr Anita (Anita) Fiesta ist heut’ die Stadt ist nicht mehr weit mach dich schnell bereit Ich seh dir an da schlummert ein Vulkan du wartest auf die Liebe ich will sie wecken und alles entdecken was keiner bisher sah hohohoho Reite wie der Wind bis die Nacht beginnt Anita (Anita) dann sind wir da und jeder soll es sehn wie wir uns verstehn Musikanten herbei spielt ein Lied für uns zwei bei Musik und bei Wein woll'n wir heut glücklich sein [Chorus]  Ich bau für uns ein Nest wo sich's leben Iässt Anita (Anita) in Mexiko denn nur bei dir allein werd ich immer sein. Um uns herum da sassen sie ganz stumm und machten grosse Augen die companeros mit ihren sombreros denn nun gehörst du mir hohohoho Heute ist die Nacht nicht zum Schlafen da Anita (Anita) denn so ein Fest gab es noch nirgendwo hier in Mexiko Musikanten herbei spielt ein Lied für uns zwei bei Musik und bei Wein woll'n wir heut glücklich sein [Chorus]  Ich bau für uns ein Nest wo sich's leben Iässt Anita (Anita)

Anita [Chorus]  I found her alone somewhere in Mexico Anita (Anita) Black was her hair, Her eyes like two stars, so clear Come, climb on your horse I said to her Anita (Anita) Fiesta is today the city isn’t far Get ready quickly I look at you as a dormant volcano you wait for love I want to wake you and explore everything that no one saw before hohohoho Ride like the wind Until the night begins Anita (Anita) then we are there and everyone should see how we understand each other Musicians come here play a song for us two with music and wine we’ll be happy today [Chorus]  I built a nest for us where love can be Anita (Anita) In  Mexico Then only with you alone Will I always be. All around us as they sat quite silent and made big eyes the companeros with their sombreros because now you're mine hohohoho Today is the night not for sleeping Anita (Anita) because such a party there was still nowhere here in Mexico Musicians come here play a song for us two with music and wine we’ll be happy today [Chorus]  I built a nest for us Where love can be Anita (Anita)

Fürstenfeld:

Another one from the 80s, this time by Austrian band S.T.S. This is a cool rock ballad about a musician who moved from to the big city (Vienna) and now just wants to go back home (to Fürstenfeld).  The original definitely has a more Austrian accent than you’ll hear at Oktoberfest. Sometimes you’ll get it in the original Austrian, sometimes more hochdeutsch.  And often the band may omit a few of the slower verses in order to get to the great chorus more quickly.

Give it a listen, it does speed up and is a great song

For extra fun, you can see the 80s original video here.

Fürstenfeld Langsam find't der Tog sei End, und die Nocht beginnt. In der Kärntnerstroßen, do singt ana “Blowing in the Wind”. Hot a grianes Reckerl an, steht do ganz verlur'n, und der Steff'l, der schaut obi auf den ormen Steirer Buam. Der hat woll'n sei Glück probieren in der großen fremden Stadt Hat glaubt, sei Musik bringt ihn auf's Rennbahn - Express Titelblatt Aus der Traum, zerplatzt wie Seifenblasen, nix is blieb Als wie a paar Schilling in sein Gitarrenkoffer drin Wochenlang steh' i scho do, wochenlang plog i mi oh, i spül mir die Finger wund und sing sogor "Do kummt die Sunn". Doch es ist zum narrisch werd'n, kana wüll mi singan her'n. Longsom kriag i wirklich g'nua, i frog mi wos i do dua. Da geht den ganzen Tag der Wind, Nix als Baustellen, dass ka Mensch was find't Die Burenhäut'ln sind ein Graus Und im Kaffeehaus brenntst di aus [Chorus] I wüll wieder ham, i fühl mi do so alla, brauch ka große Wölt, i wü ham nach Fürstenföld. In der Zeitung, do hom's g'schrieb'n, do gibt's a Szene, do muaßt hin. Wos die woll'n, des soll'n sie schreib'n, mir konn die Szene g'stohl'n bleib'n. Da geh' i gestern im U4, fangt a Dirndl an zum Red'n mit mir, schworze Lippen, grüne Hoor, do kannst ja Angst kriag'n, wirklich wohr. [Chorus] Niemals spül i mehr in Wien, Wien hot mi gor net verdient, i spül höchstens no in Graz, Sinabelkirchen und Stinaz. I brauch kan Gürt'l, I brauch kan Ring, I wüll z'ruck hinter'n Semmering, I brauch nur des bissl Göd für die Fohrt noch Fürstenföld. [Chorus x3]

Fürstenfeld Slowly the day ends and the night begins In Kärtnerstrasse he sings "Blowing in the Wind" Wearing green, looking so forlorn And the Steffl looks down on the poor Styrian He who wants to try his luck in the big foreign city Who believes music brings him to the Rennbahn-Express front page The dream is popped like a bubble, nothing is left But a few shillings in his guitar case For weeks I stand here, for weeks I’ve worked I played my my fingers to the bone and even sang "Do kummt the Sunn" It makes me crazy, no one wants to hear me sing Finally I’ve had enough, I ask myself what I’m doing Since the wind blows all day One finds nothing but construction The sausages are a horror And the coffee houses expensive [Chorus] I want to go home, I feel so alone, I don’t need  a big world, I want to go home to Fürstenfeld In the newspaper they write that there’s a music scene, you must go By writing that they make me want the scene to stay lost to me Yesterday I went to the U4, a girl started to talk to me, Black lips, green hair, It can be scary, that’s the truth [Chorus] I won’t play anymore in Vienna Vienna doesn’t deserve me At the highest, I’d play Graz,  Sinabelkirchen or Stinatz I don’t need The Gürtl, I don’t need The Ring I want to go back behind The Semmering I just need a little money for the trip to Fürstenfeld [Chorus x3]

Bayern des samma mia:

This one isn’t technically a classic, since it was made in 1998 by Haindling, a Bavarian (niederbayrischen, to be specific…) NeuenVolksmusik band (“New Folk Music” genre). However, it’s in the traditional Bavarian beerhall style, so we’ll put it here as being traditional style music.  It’s a bit of a nonsensical song, just putting together some stereotypes about Bavarians into a Bavarian folk song, but it gets played often.  There are about 4 different lines to the song, which are then just mixed in different orders to form a song…definitely a beer drinking song, possibly even a good drinking game where you have to drink when you screw up the lines. Though not sure anyone would make it through!

Since we had Viva Colonia set to a video of Rammstein in the last post, you can also see Rammstein actually singing this one at the Olympiahalle in Munich. Not sure the story behind it…I hope it’s that they had seen all the YouTube videos people made using footage of them for the song, and decided to have a little fun at a concert.  

Bayern des samma mia Seid’s freindlich – jawoi! Seid’s freindlich hob I gsagt – jawoi! Seid’s freindlich hob I gsagt no amoi –jawoi Mir kannst no a Weissbier bringa ! Bayern, des samma mir! Jawoi! Bayern, des samma mir! Jawoi! Bayern, des samma mir! Bayern jawoi des samma mir! Bayern, des samma mir! Mir samma mir des samma mir! Bayern, des samma mir, Bayern und des bayerische Bier! Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot, dies is unser flüssiges Brot! [Chorus] Bayern des samma mir, Bayern und des bayerische Bier! Bayern, jawoi des samma mir! Bayern und des bayerische Bier! Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot, deis is unser flüssiges Brot! Bayern und des bayerische Bier, Bayern jawoi des samma mir! [Chorus 2x] Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot, Bayern und des Reinheitsgebot... Bayern des samma mir! Seid’s freindlich!

Bavaria, that’s what we are Be friendly – yes! Be friendly, I tell you – yes! Be friendly, I tell you again– yes! You can bring me another weissbier! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Yes! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Yes! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Bavaria, yes that’s what we are! Bavaria, that’s what we are! That’s what we are, what we are! Bavaria, that’s what we are! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law, This is our liquid bread! [Chorus] Bavaria, that’s what we are! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria, yes that’s what we are! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law, This is our liquid bread! Bavaria and Bavarian beer! Bavaria, yes that’s what we are! [Chorus 2x] Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law, Bavaria and the Beer Purity Law… Bavaria, that’s what we are! Be friendly!

Er Hat Ein Knallrotes Gummiboot:

So, I’m not really a big fan of this one, but it’s one you’ll probably hear, and luckily one that’s really simple to learn. The original 1970 #1 hit is by Norwegian songstress Wenche Myhre, who competed several times in the Eurovision Song Contest.  Here we have a video by popular Austrian singer Antonia aus Tirol, whose name is in reference to her first TV appearance with DJ Ötzi performing his hit Anton aus Tirol.

Er hat ein knallrotes Gummiboot [Chorus] Er hat ein knallrotes Gummiboot Mit diesem Gummiboot fahren wir hinaus Er hat ein knallrotes Gummiboot Und erst im Abendrot kommen wir nach Haus Johnny, der fühlt sich wie Christoph Kolumbus Und hat sogar einen Bart Vor den Gefahren der christlichen Seefahrt Warnt er mich vor jeder Fahrt "Das Küssen an Bord ist verboten Ich sage dir auch warum Das Boot ist eine Konstruktion Die kippt beim Küssen um." [Chorus] Wir haben kein Segel und keinen Motor und keine Kombüse, oh nein Wir schaukeln mit Liebe und sehr viel Humor in's große Glück hinein! [Chorus] Johnny ist mutig und stolz wie Lord Nelson Auch noch bei Windstärke Drei Brausen die Stürme und plätschert der Regen Ruft er verwegen "Ahoi!" Und sollte die Luft uns entweichen Ja das nimmt er gerne in Kauf Die Fahrradpumpe ist im Boot Und er, er pumpt es auf [Chorus] La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la [Chorus]

He has a bright red rubber boot [Chorus] He has a bright red rubber boot With this rubber boat we go out He has a bright red rubber boot And we don’t get home until sunset Johnny, who feels like Christopher Columbus And even has a beard Against the dangers of Christian navigation He warns me before every ride "The kissing is not allowed on board I'll tell you why The boat is a construction That is overturned by kissing." [Chorus] We have no sails and no engine and no galley, oh no We rock with love and much humor into great luck! [Chorus] Johnny is brave and proud like Lord Nelson Even at wind strength three Storms roar and rain splashes He boldly calls "Ahoy!" And should the air leak ou Yes, takes into account The bicycle pump is in the boat And he, he pumps it up [Chorus] La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la La-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la-la la-la-la-la-la [Chorus]

Ich war noch niemals in New York:

One of the classic schlager songs by Udo Jürgens, it seems most everyone in Germany knows the words to this one.  There’s nothing particularly Oktoberfest about this one, but everyone seems to enjoy it, often linking arms and swaying together while singing.

Ich war noch niemals in New York Und nach dem Abendessen sagte er, laß mich noch eben Zigaretten holen geh'n, sie rief ihm nach nimm Dir die Schlüssel mit, ich werd inzwischen nach der Kleinen seh'n, er zog die Tür zu, ging stumm hinaus, ins neon-helle Treppenhaus, es roch nach Bohnerwachs und Spießigkeit. und auf der Treppe dachte er, wie wenn das jetzt ein Aufbruch wär, ich müßte einfach geh'n für alle Zeit, für alle Zeit... [Chorus] Ich war noch niemals in New York, ich war noch niemals auf Hawaii, ging nie durch San Franzisko in zerriss'nen Jeans, Ich war noch niemals in New York, ich war noch niemals richtig frei, einmal verrückt sein und aus allen Zwängen flieh'n. Und als er draussen auf der Straße stand, fiel ihm ein, daß er fast alles bei sich trug, den Paß, die Eurochecks und etwas Geld, vielleicht ging heute abend noch ein Flug. Er könnt' ein Taxi nehmen dort am Eck oder Autostop und einfach weg, die Sehnsucht in ihm wurde wieder wach, nach einmal voll von Träumen sein, sich aus der Enge hier befrei'n, er dachte über seinen Aufbruch nach,seinen Aufbruch nach... [Chorus] Dann steckte er die Zigaretten ein und ging wie selbstverständlich heim, durchs Treppenhaus mit Bohnerwachs und Spießigkeit, die Frau rief "Mann, wo bleibst Du bloß, Dalli-Dalli geht gleich los", sie fragte "War was?" - "Nein, was soll schon sein." [Chorus]

I have never been to New York And after dinner he said, “Let me just get some cigarettes.” She called after him, “Take the keys with you, I’ll watch the the kid.” He closed the door, walked out silently, Into the neon-lit stairwell, It smelled of floor polish and smugness And on the stairs he thought, “What if this were a departure, I'd simply go for all time For all time ... [Chorus] I have never been to NY, I have never been to Hawaii, Never walked through San Francisco in ripped jeans I have never been to NY, I was never really free, Once being crazy and crossing all limits And as he stood outside on the street, He realized that he was carrying everything with him, The passport, the Eurocard and some money, perhaps there was even still a flight this evening He could take a taxi there at the corner Or the stop and simply be gone, The longing inside him again awoke, To be once full of dreams, To be freed from the limits He thought of his departure, his departure [Chorus] Then he put his cigarretes into his pockets, And of course went home, Through the stairwell with floor polish and smugness His wife called "Hey, where have you been, Dalli Dalli starts in a minute," She asked "Has something happened?" "No, what should have happened" [Chorus]

Skandal Im Sperrbezirk:

Another one on my workout mix, this one comes courtesy of the Neuen Deutsche Welle (German New Wave) school of music.  It was a #1 hit for the Bavarian band Spider Murphy Gang.  Perhaps it’s that my ear is partial to Munich German, but this is one of the easier ones to follow once you see the words. 

The song is a bit rebellious, telling the story of the fictional phone sex operator Rosie who takes good economic advantage of Munich politics.  As you’ve probably heard now thanks to Bonn’s new prostitute “parking meters,” prostitution is legal in Germany.  However, cities may designate a “Sperrbezirk,” or restricted area, in which prostitution is banned to protect the youth and public decency. 

So, our Rosie quite wisely just advertises in the daily paper, giving her number for customers to call, while the real working girls stand around, bored and flat footed, outside of the city center.

Skandal Im Sperrbezirk In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus doch Freudenhäuser müssen raus, damit in dieser schönen Stadt das Laster keine Chance hat! Doch jeder ist gut informiert weil Rosie täglich inseriert und wenn dich deine Frau nicht liebt wie gut, daß es die Rosi gibt! [Chorus] Und draußen vor der großen Stadt stehen die Nutten sich die Füße platt! Skandal [Skandal] im Sperrbezirk Skandal [Skandal] im Sperrbezirk Skandal Skandal um Rosie! Ja Rosie hat ein Telefon auch ich hab' ihre Nummer schon. Unter 32-16-8 herrscht Konjunktur die ganze Nacht. Und draußen im Hotel d'Amour langweilen sich die Damen nur, weil jeder den die Sehnsucht quält ganz einfach Rosies Nummer wählt. [Chorus] Und draußen vor der großen Stadt stehen die Nutten sich die Füße platt! Skandal (Skandal) im Sperrbezirk Skandal (Skandal) im Sperrbezirk Skandal Skandal um Rosie! Moral Skandal Moral Skandal .. Skandal um Rosie!

Scandal in the Restricted Zone In Munich stands a Hofbräuhaus But brothels have to get out, so in this beautiful city vice has no chance! But everyone is well informed because Rosie inserts a daily ad and if your wife does’t give love it’s good that Rosie’s there! [Chorus] And outside the big city Stand hookers on flat feet! Scandal [Scandal] in the restricted area Scandal [Scandal] in the restricted zone Scandal Scandal over Rosie! Yes, Rosie has a phone and I've got her number already. Under 32-16-8 economy goes throughout the night. And outside the Hotel d'Amour the ladies just feel bored, because everyone tormented by longing simply dials Rosies number. [Chorus] And outside the big city stand hookers on flat feet! Scandal (scandal) in the restricted zone Scandal (scandal) in the restricted zone Scandal Scandal over Rosie! Morality Scandal Morality Scandal .. Rosie scandal!

In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus:

Skandal im Sperrbezirk is an appropriate lead-in to the next one, also known as the Hofbräuhaus-lied (The Hofbräuhaus Song).  The first line of Skandal references this song, which the Hofbräuhaus describes on its site as a “musical love letter to the most famous beer hall in the world.”

Berlin composer Wiga Gabriel wrote the words to a friend in 1935, and another friend set it to Bavarian brass music, creating on of the best known German songs.  After springing to popularity through Karneval, this song has been remade in so many different ways over the years.  If you prefer the music-only version (no singing), here’s a good one.... Or Franzl Lang’s more Alpine version, complete with yodelling...Or band Onkel Tom’s heavy metal version which shockingly is more painful than the yodelling. 

A band may play the whole song, or may just play the chorus. We’ll give you the whole thing here, complete with scenes from Munich. The singing starts around 0:56. 

Did I mention that it’s full of late 80s cheesy TV production quality, bad hair, puffy sleeves and LOTS of sitting and swaying.  Klasse!

In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus Da, wo die grüne Isar fließt, Wo man mit "Grüß Gott" dich grüßt, Liegt meine schöne Münch'ner Stadt, Die ihresgleichen nicht hat. Wasser ist billig, rein und gut, Nur verdünnt es unser Blut, Schöner sind Tropfen gold'nen Wein's, Aber am schönsten ist eins: [Chorus] In München steht ein Hofbräuhaus: Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . . Da läuft so manches Fäßchen aus: Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . . Da hat so manche braver Mann: Eins, zwei, g'suffa . . . Gezeigt was er so vertragen kann Schon früh am Morgen fing er an Und spät am Abend kam er heraus So schön ist's im Hofbräuhaus. Da trinkt man Bier nicht aus dem Glas, Da gibt's nur "die große Maß!" Und wenn der erste Maßkrug leer, Bringt dir die Reserl bald mehr. Oft kriegt zu Haus die Frau 'nen Schreck, Bleibt der Mann mal länger weg. Aber die braven Nachbarsleut', Die wissen besser Bescheid! [Chorus] Wenn auch so manche schöne Stadt Sehenswürdigkeiten hat, Eins gibt es nirgendwo wie hier: Das ist das Münchener Bier. Wer dieses kleine Lied erdacht Hat so manche lange Nacht Über dem Münchener Bier studiert Und hat es gründlich probiert. [Chorus]

In Munich stands a Hofbräuhaus There, where the green Isar flows, Where everyone with "God Bless" greets you, Stands Munich my beautiful city, She has no peers. Water is cheap, clean and good, Only it dilutes our blood, More beautiful are drops of golden wine, But the best is this one: [Chorus] In Munich stands a Hofbräuhaus: One, two, cheers! Since so many keg runs out: One, two, cheers! As it has so many good men: One, two, cheers! Shown what he can tolerate Early in the morning, he began And late in the evening he came out So beautiful is it in the Hofbräuhaus. There no one drinks beer from a glass, There's only "the big mug!" And when the first beer mug is empty, The waitress brings you more soon. Often the wives at home fear, That the men stay away so long. But the good neighbors, They are better informed! [Chorus] Though many beautiful cities Have tourist sites, One thing is nowhere like here: This is the Munich beer. Who thought up this little song Has so many a long night Studied Munich beer And tasted it thoroughly. [Chorus]

Marmor Stein und Eisenbrick:

Another schlager classic that has stood the test of time. This one has a little bit of 50s and rock to it, so is well suited to being updated over the decades. And it’s easy for the crowds to sing.

Drafi Deutscher recorded this song in 1965. Impressive hair height and collar length…

Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht Weine nicht, wenn der Regen fällt (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Es gibt einen der zu Dir hält (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus] Marmor, Stein und Eisen bricht Aber unsere Liebe nicht Alles, alles geht vorbei Doch wir sind uns treu Kann ich einmal nicht bei dir sein (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Denk daran, du bist nicht allein (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus 2x] Nimm den goldenen Ring von mir (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Bist Du traurig dann sagt er dir (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus 2x] Everybody now! [Chorus 2x]

Marble, Stone and Iron Break: Don't cry, when the rain falls (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) There's someone who will stick by you (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus] Marble, stone and iron break But not our love Everything, everything will pass But we are faithful to us If I can't be with you some (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) Think about it, that you're not alone (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus 2x] Take this golden ring from me (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) If you're sad then it will tell you (Dam Dam, Dam Dam) [Chorus] Everybody now! [Chorus 2x]

Er gehört zu mir:

I’ve put a recent performance here for the video, but you can also check out the 1975 original version that premiered in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Er gehört zu mir [Chorus] Er gehört zu mir, wie mein Name an der Tür und ich weiß er bleibt hier Nie vergess’ ich unsern ersten Tag , denn ich fühlte gleich das er mich mag , ist es wahre Liebe, die nie mehr vergeht oder wird die Liebe vom Winde verweht? [Chorus] Alles fangen wir gemeinsam an, doch vergess’ ich nie wie man allein sein kann , steht es in den Sternen was die Zukunft bringt oder muss ich lernen das alles zerrinnt? Nein ich hab es ihm nie leicht gemacht , mehr als einmal hab ich mich gefragt , ist es wahre Liebe die nie mehr vergeht oder wird die Liebe vom Winde verweht Er gehört zu mir für immer zu mir für immer zu mir [Chorus]

He belongs to me [Chorus]  He belongs to me, like my name on the door and I know he’ll stay here I never forget our first day, because I felt right away that he liked me. Is it true love, that never fades away or will love be blown away by the wind? [Chorus] We begin everything together, but I never forget how alone one can be. Is it in the stars, what the future brings or must I learn that everything melts away? No, I have never made it easy for him, more than once I have asked myself: Is it true love, that never fades away or will the love blow away by the wind? He belongs to me Forever to me Forever to me [Chorus]

I’ll leave you with a bonus video of Wolfgang Fierek’s 1986 hit I hol di mit meim Traktor ab, which translates to I’ll pick you up in my tractor.

There’s one more Oktoberfest Song megapost to come…the easy one full of Oktoberfest songs you already know (but didn’t know they were Oktoberfest songs) 

Oktoberfest Songs 1 - Wies'n Hits

So, it’s Oktoberfest time again, and we are excited!! 

Not so much for the crowds and beer drinking (we could do without hordes of drunk tourists and we can drink even better German beer any day of the year).

No, we’re excited to wear our trachten and sing silly songs and schlager!

For those of you planning to visit Oktoberfest this year, we’ve prepared a short introduction to some of the most common Oktoberfest songs.  While there are a couple that are specific to Oktoberfest, you’ll likely hear these at many festivals (e.g., Starkbierfest and Dachauer Folksfest), at après ski, and at many parties. 

It’s just more fun when you know what people are singing, and many have motions or some sort of audience participation.

Since this will be an extremely long post, we’ll group them into three posts, splitting the songs into three categories: Wies’n Hits, Classics/Traditional, and Songs You Should Already Know. 

Let’s start with the most fun category - Wies’n Hits.  Though it will seem the entire tent knows these, the songs are not very old. Songs from before the 90s will be in the Classics/Traditional (wow, I’m starting to feel old…)

They’ve become popular in the last 10 years, but are incredibly well-known in the Munich area (and Austrian ski resorts and German beach resorts in Spain, if we’re being honest).  The truth is that many Bavarian traditions have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over the last 10 years or so. While visitors to Munich in the summer will likely see plenty of people dressed in tracht, this is a more recent development.  It’s fun, it’s cool, and many young people enjoy the traditions today.

In no particular order, but starting with a crowd favourite –

Fliegerlied:

What I love about this one are the silly motions and the catchy tune.  It began as a children’s song but has become a favourite of beer festivals, après ski, and anywhere that involves a band and drinks. This one came to Oktoberfest 4 or 5 years ago from the children’s band Donikkl und die Weißwürschtl but was popularized by Tim Toupet’s top 10 cover version.

The full lyrics are below, but most important are the motions to the chorus.  Watch the crowd and singer in the video for examples, but we’ve listed them here next to the chorus:

Und ich flieg, flieg, flieg wie ein Flieger (fly your arms like a bird or airplane)
Bin so stark, stark, stark wie ein Tiger (make a muscle to show your strength)
Und so groß, groß, groß wie 'ne Giraffe (pump  your arms to the ceiling to show being tall)
So hoch oh, oh, oh (wave your hands up high)
Und ich spring, spring, spring immer wieder (hold your hands in front and jump like a kangaroo)
Und ich schwimm, schwimm, schwimm zu dir über (swim your hands in front of you)
Und ich nehm, nehm, nehm dich bei der Hand, (shake hands)
Weil ich dich mag, Und ich sag
Heut ist so ein schöner Tag
La-la-la-la-la (wave your hands and dance)

Fliegerlied Ich lieg gern im Gras Und schau zum Himmel rauf Schauen die ganzen Wolken Nicht lustig aus? Und fliegt en Flieger vorbei Dann wink ich zu ihm rauf "Hallo Flieger!" Und bist du auch noch dabei Dann bin ich super drauf [Chorus] Und ich flieg, flieg, flieg wie ein Flieger Bin so stark, stark, stark wie ein Tiger Und so groß, groß, groß wie 'ne Giraffe So hoch oh, oh, oh Und ich spring, spring, spring immer wieder Und ich schwimm, schwimm, schwimm zu dir über Und ich nehm, nehm, nehm dich bei der Hand, Weil ich dich mag Und ich sag Heut ist so ein schöner Tag La-la-la-la-la Heut ist so ein schöner Tag La-la-la-la-la Heut ist so ein schöner Tag   [Chorus 2x, then 1x slow]

Flying Song I like lying in the grass And looking up into the sky Don't all these clouds Look funny? And a plane flies past Then I wave up to him “Hello flyer!“ And if you're there, too Then I have the time of my life [Chorus] And I fly, fly, fly like a flyer I'm so strong, strong, strong like a tiger And so big, big, big like a giraffe So tall, oh, oh, oh And I jump, jump, jump again and again And I swim, swim, swim over to you And I take, take, take you by the hand, 'cause I like you And I say Today is such a beautiful day La-la-la-la-la Today is such a beautiful day La-la-la-la-la Today is such a beautiful day  [Chorus 2x, then 1x slow]

Here is the best video tutorial about how to sync the movements with the song:

Here is what it's like in a festzelt at Oktoberfest.  The motions aren't so disciplined, but awesome ENERGY! 

Viva Colonia:

The truth is that very few people know all the words to this song. It’s from Köln, not Bavaria, and is totally unrelated to Oktoberfest.  But still all the bands play it and everyone stumbles along until the chorus of “Viva Colonia” comes and they reach the two words they know. Don’t feel bad, just go with the flow and learn the tune and the two most important words. 

This one is fairly new, too, recorded in 2003 by De Höhner.  It was meant to sound like a song in the Cologne dialect (Kölsch), but to be able to be understood by most Germans. (…still pretty tough for non-native speakers like us!)  You’ll hear it often at Karneval or Köln area sporting events, but somehow it made it to Oktoberfest.  At Oktoberfest, you might hear a slightly altered version, replacing “Viva Colonia” with “Viva Bavaria.”

I’m just giving you the chorus, but if you really want the rest of the lyrics, you can find them online.

Viva Colonia (Chorus) Da simmer dabei! Dat is prima! VIVA COLONIA! Wir lieben das Leben, die Liebe und die Lust Wir glauben an den lieben Gott und ham noch immer Durst

Viva Colonia (Chorus) Count us in! That's great! Long live Cologne! We love life, love, and fun We believe in the dear Lord God and are always up for a drink

I chose this particular video because it’s bizarrely funny – someone laid the sound track over a video of German heavy metal band Rammstein.

Cowboy und Indianer:

Also a song that has its own dance, the Lasso Dance (Lasso-Tanz), this song first came out in 2000, but became a hit several years later after the dance was popularized.  It almost cracked the German Top 5 (peaked at #6) in 2007.

During the chorus (which is sung a record FIVE times!!), follow the dance steps shown in the video. A quick intro:

Komm hol das Lasso raus (motion like you’re twirling a lasso) wir spielen Cowboy (point a gun with your finger) und Indianer (put a couple fingers behind your head to simulate feathers)...
wir reiten um die Wette (put hands at waist like riding with reins) ohne Rast und ohne Ziel (shield your eyes with your hand, looking at the horizon)
hast du mich umzingelt werd ich mich ergeben (put your hands up to surrender) stell mich an den Marterpfahl (put your hands like they’re tied behind your back)
komm hol das Lasso raus, (twirl the lasso again) so wie beim ersten Mal...

Cowboy und Indianer  [Chorus] Komm hol das Lasso raus wir spielen Cowboy und Indianer... wir reiten um die Wette ohne Rast und ohne Ziel hast du mich umzingelt werd ich mich ergeben stell ich an den Marterpfahl komm hol das Lasso raus, so wie beim ersten Mal... So wie ein Cowboy in der Einsamkeit auf seiner Suche nach Geborgenheit reite ich immer weiter gegen den Wind so lange bis ich endlich bei dir bin Für dich ist mir kein Weg zu weit Das bei dir vergesse ich die Zeit nun bin ich da und ich hör nur wie du sagst... [Repeat Chorus] So wie ein Cowboy in der fremden Stadt in der die Angst, noch einen Namen hat bin wie besessen auf der suche nach dir jede Gefahr nehme ich ins Visier. Für dich ist mir kein Weg zu weit Das bei dir vergesse ich die Zeit nun bin ich da und ich hör nur wie du sagst...  [Repeat Chorus 3x]

Cowboy and Indians [Chorus] Come get out the lasso, we’ll play cowboys and Indians ... We ride against each other without rest or aim Have you surrounded me, I'll surrender myself, put me on the stake Come, take out the lasso, like the first time Like a cowboy alone in his quest for comfort I ride on against the wind until I’m finally with you For you no way is too far With you I lose track of time Now I'm here and I just listen as you say ...  [Repeat Chorus] Like a cowboy in a foreign town where fear still has a name I'm obsessed with searching for you I face every danger in my sight For you no way is too far With you I lose track of time Now I'm here and I just listen as you say ... [Repeat Chorus 3x]

Here is another great video tutorial about how to perform the movements with the song:

Living Next Door to Alice:

This is one of those songs that most English speakers will hear in Germany and then think to themselves “Wait, did I understand that correctly?” The answer is yes, you did. This one is an English-language Wies’n hit, where the crowd shouts the chorus, “Alice, Who the f--- is Alice?”

The song originally was an early 70s song Living Next Door to Alice by the Australian group New World.  It was remade a few times, with the English band Smokie’s version topping the charts in the German-speaking region.  Finally the Dutch band Gompie released the more risqué version with the current title and chorus. While it only made it to #2 on the German charts, it secured a place in the Oktoberfest and après ski repertoires. 

Though it’s only one word, probably not safe to play loudly at work…

Living Next Door to Alice Sally called when she got the word, She said: "I suppose you've heard - About Alice". Well I rushed to the window, And I looked outside, But I could hardly believe my eyes - As a big limousine rolled slowly Into Alice's drive...  [Chorus] Oh, I don't know why she's leaving, Or where she's gonna go, I guess she's got her reasons, But I just don't want to know, 'Cos for twenty-four years I've been living next door to Alice. Alice, who the f-- is Alice Twenty-four years just waiting for a chance, To tell her how I'm feeling, maybe get a second glance, Now I've got to get used to not living next door to Alice... Alice, who the f-- is Alice

Grew up together, Two kids in the park, Carved our initials, Deep in the bark, Me and Alice. Now she walks through the door, With her head held high, Just for a moment, I caught her eye, As a big limousine pulled slowly Out of Alice's drive. [Chorus] Sally called back, asked how I felt, She said: "I know how to help - Get over Alice". She said: "Now Alice is gone, But I'm still here, You know I've been waiting For twenty-four years..." And the big limousine disappeared...  [Chorus] Now I'll never get used to not living next door to Alice...

Hände zum Himmel:

We included this in our classic Schlager list, but it’s big at Oktoberfest, too.

Originally done by Die Kolibris, the Hansi Hinterseer cover is well-known, too! 

Die Hände zum Himmel Wenn du heut' nicht in der Stimmung bist Lass doch alles so sein, wie es ist Wir wollen trinken, noch einen trinken Weil man die Sorgen dann vergisst  Fühltst Du dich manchmal auch so allein Glaub mir das brauchte gar nicht zu sein Denn heute abend, gehn wir feiern Die ganze Welt ist ein Verein  [Chorus]Und dann die Hände zum Himmel Komm lasst uns fröhlich sein Wir klatschen zusammen und keiner ist allein Und dann die Hände zum Himmel Komm lasst uns fröhlich sein Wir klatschen zusammen und keiner ist allein   Wir tun nur noch das was uns gefällt Tanzen, singen im Saal oder Zelt Nicht alleine denn das will keiner Uns gehört die ganze Welt   Und an morgen wird heut nicht gedacht Wir feiern weiter - die ganze Nacht Lasst uns heben, einmal schweben und dabei wird nur gelacht  [Chorus 2x] Wir klatschen zusammen und keiner ist allein

Hands to Heaven If today you aren’t in the mood Let everything be as it will be We want to drink, even one drink To forget our worries  You feel so alone sometimes Believe me that doesn’t have to be So tonight, let's go celebrate The whole world is a club [Chorus] And then put your hands up to heaven Come let us be merry We clap together and no one is alone And then hands up to heaven Come let us be merry We clap together and no one is alone We do only what we like Dance, sing in the hall or tent Not alone – no one wants that We own the whole world And today we don’t think of tomorrow We celebrate more - the whole night Let us lift, float once and just laughing [Chorus 2x] We clap along and no one is alone

Joana (Du geile Sau):

Peter Wackel’s  party version of an old song by Roland Kaiser became a big hit in 2006 (especially in Mallorca) and is now a top Wies’n hit.

Not the best recording in the world, but you get an idea of the crowd reaction and where to sing along.  Like Wahnsinn, there are expected crown refrains in bracketed italics.  This one is a tougher one to translate, as the crowd refrains are all slang and depending on the translation could range from playful to downright vulgar. I went with the more playful translation, and since you’ll be singing along with the crowd, there is nothing to worry about. But I’d be careful about calling someone a “geile Sau...”

There’s a better version here, but it’s blocked in the US.  Perhaps it will work for our European friends…  

Joana Joana, geboren um Liebe zu geben Verbotene Träume erleben Ohne Fragen an den Morgen  Wie ein Stich ins Herz traf mich dein Blick Und ich sah, für mich gab's kein zurück Und Dein Wunsch flog mir entgegen Doch er machte mich verlegen Ein Gefühl, das längst verloren schien  [Chorus] Joana, [du geile Sau] geboren um Liebe zu geben [du Luder] Verbotene Träume erleben [du Drecksau] Ohne Fragen an den Morgen danach aha aha Oh Joana, [du geile Sau] Dein Lächeln ist fordernd und flehend [du Luder] Mit mir all die Wege zu gehen [du Drecksau] Die ein Mensch allein nicht findet  'Ich wohn' in der Stadt nicht weit von hier' Sagtest Du wie nebenbei zu mir Und ich sah in Deinen Augen Die zur Schüchternheit nicht taugen Dass Du halten wirst was Du versprichst aha aha [Chorus 2x]

Joana Joana, born to give love To experience forbidden dreams Without questions in the morning  Like a stab in the heart I met your gaze And I saw there was no turning back And I flew to your wish And was embarrassed by A feeling that seemed long-lost [Chorus] Joana, [you dirty sow] to give birth to love [you hussy] Forbidden Dreams do [you swine] without questions in the morning after aha aha Oh Joana, [you dirty sow] Your smile is demanding and pleading [du hussy] To go all the way with me[you swine] So a person is not alone “I live in the city not far from here,” You said casually to me And I saw in your eyes That shyness doesn’t suit you That you keep your promises aha aha  [Chorus 2x]

'54, '74, '90, 2006:

This one really is a World Cup song, but everyone liked it so much that it’s played at Oktoberfest and après ski.  If you plan to be in Germany for long (or during World Cup or Euro Cup), you should learn this one.

Written by Sportfreunde Stiller for the 2006 World Cup, it mentions Germany’s championships in 1954, 1974, 1990, and it’s hoped-for 2006 championship. Last summer we heard the updated '54, '74, '90, 2010 version and at this year’s Women’s World Cup '54, '74, '90, 2011… with the 2012 EuropaCup coming soon. Not sure what will happen to they lyrics when Germany next wins….

'54, '74, '90, 2006 [Chorus] (Eins und Zwei und Drei und) Vierundfünfzig , Vierundsiebzig, Neunzig, Zweitausendsechs, Ja so stimmen wir alle ein, Mit dem Herz in der Hand und der Leidenschaft im Bein Werden wir Weltmeister sein. Wir haben nicht die höchste Spielkultur, Sind nicht gerade filigran, Doch wir haben Träume und Visionen Und in der Hinterhand nen Masterplan Für unsere langen Wege aus der Krise Und aus der Depression Lautet die Devise: Nichts wie rauf auf den Fußballthron.  [Chorus] Die ganze Welt greift nach dem goldenen Pokal, Doch nur einer hält ihn fest, so ist das nun einmal. Die ganze Welt spielt sich um den Verstand, Doch der Cup bleibt in unserem Land.  [Chorus] Beim ersten Mal wars n Wunder, Beim zweiten Mal wars Glück, Beim dritten Mal der verdiente Lohn Und diesmal wirds ne Sensation.  [Chorus]

'54, '74, '90, 2006 [Chorus] (One and Two and Three and) Fifty-four, seventy-four, ninety, two thousand six, Yes we all agree, With the heart in the hand and passion in the leg Will we be world champion.  We don’t have the highest game culture, Are not exactly delicate, But we have dreams and vision And in the hindquarters a Master Plan For our long ways out of crisis And out of depression The motto is: Nothing like being up on the Football throne [Chorus] The whole world reaches for the golden cup,  But only one holds it, this is the case now The whole world revolves around the tension, But the Cup will remain in our country.  [Chorus] The first time was a wonder, Second time was luck, The third time the reward And this time a sensation.   [Chorus]

Ab in den Süden:

Another summer hit that became a Wies’n hit.  The band and/or the crowd usually will change the words to fit Oktoberfest.  This one is a sort of German reggae-hiphop summer anthem, by Buddy and DJ The Wave in 2003.

For the Oktoberfest lyrics, user chickmunks has posted them on Toytown here (middle of the page).  “Sommer, sonne, sonnenschein” are replaced with “Hendl, Brezn, und a Bier,” as well as changing many of the lyrics to fit Oktoberfest.

Ab in den Süden Oh willkommen, willkommen sonnenschein! Wir packen unsere sieben sachen in den flieger rein. Ja wir kommen, wir kommen, wir kommen macht euch bereit, Reif für die insel, sommer, sonne, strand und zärtlichkeit. [Chorus] Raus aus dem regen, Ins leben, Ab in den süden, Der sonne entgegen, Was erleben, Einen heben, Und dann bikinis erleben. Jetzt kommt es dick mann, Ich rette den tag, Ich sag, ab geht die party, Und die party geht ab.  Und ich sag: Eeeeeeeeey, ab in den süden, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht. Ja ich sag: Eeeeeeeeey, ab in den süden, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht.  Sommer, sonne, sonnenschein, Sommer, sonne, sonnenschein, Sommer, sonne, sonnenschein, Sommer, sonne, sonnenschein, Sommer, sonne, Sommer, sonne, Sommer, sommer, sommer.   Oh wir kommen, wir kommen, wir kommen sonnenschein!!!!! Den ganzen tag am strand ziehn wir uns die melonen rein. Ja tequila, tequila, tequila, wonderbrah, Und heute nacht machen wir noch die ganze insel klar. [Chorus] [Sing 2x] Eeeeeeeeey, ab in den süden, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht. Ja ich sag: Eeeeeeeeey, ab in den süden, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht, Der sonne hinterher, Ey joh, was geht.

Off to the South Oh welcome, welcome sunshine! We packed our 7 bags into plane. Yes, we’re coming, we’re coming, get ready Ready for the island, summer, sun, beach and tenderness. [Chorus] Out of the rain, Into life, Off to the south, Into the sun, What experience, Lift a cold one, And then experience bikinis. Now man it’s getting late, I'll save the day, I say down, “Party down”, And the party goes off.  And I say: Eeeeeeeeey, off to the south, The sun behind, Ey whatever comes, The sun behind, Ey whatever comes. Yes, I say: Eeeeeeeeey, off to the south, The sun behind, Ey joh what works, The sun behind, Ey joh what goes. Summer, sun, sunshine, Summer, sun, sunshine, Summer, sun, sunshine, Summer, sun, sunshine, Summer, sun, Summer, sun, Summer, summer, summer.   Oh, we’re coming, we’re coming, we’re coming sunshine !!!!! The whole day at the beach the melons pull us in. Yes, tequila, tequila, tequila, Wonderbra, And tonight we’ll make the whole island clear.  [Chorus] [Sing 2x] Eeeeeeeeey, off to the south, The sun behind, Ey joh what works, The sun behind, Ey joh what goes. Yes, I say: Eeeeeeeeey, off to the south, The sun behind, Ey joh what works, The sun behind, Ey joh what goes.

Das geht ab:

This is another one you should know for any football related activity, though its refrain applies to many occasions.  It’s a 2009 Top 5 hit collaboration between DJ Manny Marc and the group Frauenarzt.

This is a German rap song, so often you’ll hear just the chorus rather than the entire song. FC Bayern fans love to cheer it at games.

We’ll go with their original video:

Das geht ab ich hab dieses gefühl ja das wird heut´n riesen ding das ist die party des jahres ja das sagt mir mein instinkt heut´ sind alle dabei es ham sich hier alle com getroffen wir feiern bis zum abwinken hier wird konfetti geschossen hebt die hände in die luft und macht die ganze nacht krach damit auch jeder partymuffel geht weil er abkackt kackst du ab hast du verkackt denn die party geht erst los wenn die bässe richtig pumpen bis in jeden hinterhof das ist atzenmusik bei uns da brennt jeder club es wird gefeiert wie noch nie schmeiß die hände in die luft hey [Chorus] hey das geht ab! wie feiern die ganze nacht die ganze.. hey das geht ab! wir feiern die ganze nacht die ganze.. hey das geht ab wir feirn die ganze nacht die ganze.. hey das geht ab! wir feiern die ganze nacht die ganze nacht heute sind wir nicht alleine heute wird nur noch gefeiert alle atzen sind dabei das ist das absolute highlight die löcher fliegen durch den käse blankenese polonaise lass die sau mal richtig raus denn heut´ gibts keine pause deutsche party atzen machen faxen und sind laut wir sind auf jeder party und drehn´ anlagen auf wir ham den mob mitgebracht wir toben mit in der menge wir rasten richtig aus wir schlagen voll über die strenge die fraun´ sind hier sehr freizügig sie zeigen was sie ham wir sind bekannt für wilde partys und das schon seit vielen jahren hey! [Chorus 2x]

It’s going off (it’s awesome) I have this feeling Yes, today’s going to be big It’s the party of the year Yes instinct tells me Today everybody will be there All will meet We celebrate until dawn Here we’ll shoot confetti Raise our hands into the air And make noise all night So that every party-pooper leaves Because he sucks If you suck you're a loser Because the party’s just starting When the bass is really pumping Up to every backyard This is homie music We burn every club when we're there We'll celebrate as never before Throw our hands into the air Hey [Chorus] Hey, that's awesome! We celebrate the whole night The whole ... Hey, that's awesome! We celebrate the whole night The whole ... Hey, that's awesome! We celebrate the whole night The whole ... Hey, that's awesome! We celebrate the whole night The whole night Today we’re not alone Today we'll just party All our homies are there That's the absolute highlight The holes fly through the cheese Blankenese, Polonaise Let it all hang out Because today there will be no break German party Homies make a ruckus and they're loud We're on every party And put the music louder We've brought the mob with us We rage with them We really freak out We get totally carried away The women here are really generous They show what they've got We are known for wild parties And that already for many years Hey! [Chorus 2x]

Anton aus Tirol:

This is one of the many hits of DJ Ötzi, king of the après ski and Wies’n…A number one hit in both Austria and Germany in 2000, this one is about Anton, the (annoying) ladies man from Tirol.

I’ll just let the video and lyrics speak for themselves. But if you spend enough time in Munich or skiing, you’ll hear it. 

Anton aus Tirol [Chorus] Ich bin so schön , ich bin so toll. Ich bin der Anton aus Tirol. Meine gigaschlanken Wadln san a Wahnsinn für die Madln. Mei Figur a Wunder dar Natur. I bin so stoak und auch so wild. Ich treib es heiss und eisgekühlt. Wippe ich mit dem Gesäß, schrein die Hasen SOS und wollen den Anton aus Tirol.  Blaue Pille, Sellerie - des braucht so a Anton nie. Koa Tattoo und koane Schmäh, a koa Piercing und koa Juche. Bin koa Softie, bin koa Tiger. Girls, so an Typ wie mi, des gab´s noch nie.  [Chorus] Abends dann im Discostadl zoag i mi mit 15 Madl, denn gewinnen kann nur i. Ui, so schön woai no nie. Lass alle Buam im Regen stehen. Koana is so urig schön. Ahhh, bin i schön. Ahhhh, is der schön, stoaka Bua, von dir kriag i net gnua. Komm her und mochs mit mia, mein Tiroler Stier.  [Chorus] Lalalalala.............

Anton from Tirol [Chorus] I am so beautiful , I am so great, I am Anton from Tirol. My mega-slim calves make all the girls crazy, My physique, is a wonder of nature. I am so strong, and also so wild, I play it hot, and icy cool. When I wiggle my butt, all bunnies scream SOS and want Anton from Tirol. Blue pill, ginseng root, Anton never needs those, No tattoo, no shoes, and no piercings, no yahoo! I’m not a softy, I’m a tiger. Girls… a guy like me, there has never been!  [Chorus] Evenings then at the village disco, I show up with fifteen babes, because I’m the only winner O yeah, i was never before so beautiful Leave all the other boys out in the rain, Noone is so beautiful, Ahhh I am so beautiful! Ahhhh he’s beautiful, Strong boy, I never get enough of you, Come here and cuddle with me, my Tirolean steer [Chorus] Lalalalala……

Ein Stern (der Deinen Namen Trägt):

This is a much better DJ Ötzi one, a 2007 Number One in both Germany and Austria.  I like this version he did with Andre Rieu and his orchestra in 2010, though there are many dance and acoustic versions out there. It’s an incredibly popular song here! 

Ein Stern [Chorus] Einen Stern der Deinen Namen trägt Hoch am Himmelszelt Den schenk ich Dir heut Nacht Einen Stern der Deinen Namen trägt Alle Zeiten überlebt Und über unsere Liebe wacht  Seit Jahren schon leb ich mit Dir Und ich danke Gott dafür Dass er mir Dich gegeben hat Als Erinnerung an unser Leben möchte ich Dir heut' etwas geben Ein Geschenk für alle Ewigkeit   [Chorus]   Irgendwann ist es vorbei Und im Himmel wird Platz für uns zwei Doch Dein Stern bleibt oben für immer und ewig stehn Und auch noch in 1000 Jahren wird er Deinen Namen tragen Und immer noch der schönste von allen sein [Chorus 2x]

A Star [Chorus] A star which bears your name High on the firmament That one I give to you tonight A star which bears your name Survives all time And watches over our love  For years I have been with you And I thank God for this That he gave you to me As a memory of our life, I want to give you something today A gift for eternity   [Chorus] Someday it will be over And in heaven there’ll be a place for us two But your star remains above For ever and ever And even in a 1000 years It will bear your name And forever It will be the most beautiful of them all  [Chorus 2x]

The last few of this group are recent official Wies’n Hits and contenders, so may not be as widely played as the old favorites.  There definitely seems to be a trend toward making them sound more Bavarian (whether it’s accurate or not, I’m no judge!).  I wouldn’t worry about learning the words, but here are the videos:

Wies’n Hit 2010: Fassl voll Bier

This was the official Wies’n hit for 2010, by the band HoAß, appropriately about a keg of beer and some fun after the guy’s girlfriend goes out.

Wies’n Hit 2009 Runner-up: 10 Meter geh’

This song by Chris Böttcher mocks Top Model and and superstars with a catchy tune to be elected the 2009 Wies’n Hit. It’s pretty catchy but an odd, funny video.

Before those were Fliegerlied (2008), Ein Stern (2007), and 54, 74, 90, 2006 (2006), which have all stood the test of a few years.

What will be selected as 2011’s Wies’n Hit?  Most people's money is on Austrian Andreas Gabalier’s song:

I sing a Lied für di

This one has become popular in the Austrian summer festivals, “I sing a song for you.”

Other contenders include:

I am from Bavaria:

Amusing and full of stereotypes (and in English):

Kuh Yvonne:

I think this one is probably trying too hard with silly animal theme, motions, and traditional sound mixed with pop. But, it’s out there….

By the way, for those of you who haven’t heard of her, Yvonne is the fugitive cow (kuh) who escaped the slaughterhouse.

Scharfe Möpse:

As Herr J mentioned earlier, this one is a play on words. Möpse is both the plural of pug (the dog) and boobs, which are often accentuated by the dirndls at Oktoberfest. 

And finally we end with a little fun. Not going to be a Wies’n Hit, but still catchy and cute: (and the guy scuba diving in the beer mug is cute)

For the other two groups, head to our later posts:

Classic/Traditional Oktoberfest Songs (long live the 80s!)

Songs You Should Already Know

Munich's Westpark

Everyone visits the famous English Garden in Munich.  It's smaller relative, the Westpark, might be a little further from the city center and less well known, but it has a lot to offer as well.

To get there from downtown, take the U6 subway heading south out of the city and exit at the "Westpark" stop.
It's only about 15 minutes.  Here is its location relative to some other Schnitzelbanh photoblog destinations - the English Garden, Nymphenburg Palace, and the Tierpark (zoo): 

As you might tell from above, the Westpark has two sections - confusingly called the Eastern and Western parts.  For this post (more to come) I visited the points in the Western part outlined below:  seebühne (lakeside ampitheater), rosengarten (rose garden), spielplatz (playground), and biergarten (needs no translation!): 

In many ways, the Westpark is typical of German public spaces.  Large expanse of open space surrounded by tall trees.  In the open people are playing soccer, volleyball, frisbee, or just sunning themselves.

There is a small lake, home to ducks an geese -- no swimming allowed, but creates a nice atmosphere.

One unique aspect of the Westpark is its specifically identified grill zone - even has its own sign (below)!  It seemed like everyone brought a small charcoal grill and grabbed a picnic table or spot on the ground.  At one point, the air along the entire edge of the lake was white with smoke, and you could smell the food all over the park.

Periodically people try to get the zone removed, but the idea is always defeated.

At one end of the lake is a small stone ampitheater with occasional performances.  On this day, a group of people informally were doing traditional dances (I don't know exactly which ethnicity).  A few meters out into the water, in front of the theater, is a waterfall created by the artist Alf Lechner:

You soon realize that water and art are a common theme throughout the park.  Below is the Guten Tag Brunnen ("Good Day Fountain") from artist Makoto Fujiwara.  It consists of three large stones where water is pushed through to the top and spills down the sides (surprisingly for Germany, not drinkable).

Not far from the ampitheater is a restaurant with a rose garden outside:

At the edge of the rose garden are small bubbly water fountains that basically become a playground for kids.  The weather was hot that Sunday, and these were very popular for kicking, splashing, or just sticking a foot in...
(notice the rows of roses in background):

This strange thing was between the rose garden and the water... I forgot to read the plaque (sorry!):

A little further along our walk this day was a small playground with tire swings.  I tried to catch the adventurous children (those swinging highest) in the second shot -- look at the delight on the boy's face!

There was another installment of art, called the Terraasse (the terrace) by Jean Clareboudt.  Kids of all ages have taken it over now - young ones climbing all around, older ones with graffiti.

Finally, of course, the biergarten.  Small, but nice... with a large cigarette machine for those in need of a drag.

I only walked through the Western part of the park, and will have some more posts with photos including the "East Asian" section (coming soon) -- the park's Eastern part will be another photo trip entirely.

Festivals: Auer Dult

One of my favorite aspects of living in Germany is the numerous festivals.  We're trying to visit as many as we can, but just the ones in the Munich area keep us quite busy.  We haven't begun to explore those in the Stuttgart and Rhine Valley area!

Munich has beer festivals, dancing festivals, streetlife festivals, and many others. One of the oldest festivals, Auer Dult (there are 3 per year) are more about handicrafts, though they also come with the standard carnival rides and food stalls and games. This fair dates back to the early 1300s!

The name Dult refers to old traditional church festivals that were held as part of religious observances and the Auer refers to the location, at Mariahilfsplatz in the Au district.  As with the old Dults, this one is set up around a church, the Mariahilfskirche.

Around the church they've set up a small midway, flea market, and of course food stalls.  While there are a couple of places to buy beer, this isn't a beer festival. It's mostly about the 300 or so vendors selling their wares.

In the early days, when trade was difficult, slow, and dangerous, this was a market showcasing imports such as pots, porcelain, spices, silverware, and even snake oil type "remedies".  Today it's known still as one of the biggest crockery markets in Europe.

And while you're browsing the stalls, there are fun rides, shooting galleries, and food and drink to entertain the whole family.

While there are plenty of fun games and rides and tasty treats, what sets the Auer Dult apart are the stalls selling crafts, kitchen wares, antiques, and random trash and treasure (depending on your perspective).  I especially liked this vendor, with the boar's head! 

Next year I need to stop in the ribbon stand and stock up on dirndl trimmings! 

It's usually sunny and hot during the summer Jacobi Dult, so Herr J cools off with a slushie. 

We'll have to do a post one day of all the funny decorative statues at the various fairs. I liked this guy at the french fry stand: 

And no festival (or beer garden) is complete without Steckerlfisch! 

As the Auer Dult is held in Spring, Summer, and Fall, we'll soon have another chance to visit in mid October. The "Kirchweihdult" is held from 15-23 October.  Next year's spring "Maidult" will be from 28 April to 6 May and the summer "Jacobidult" will run from 27 July to 3 August.  You can find the schedule online at the Auerdult site.

The Auer Dult in Munich is not the only Dult in Germany.  Many towns large and small across southern Germany have them at least once or twice per year. Hop on over to the Regensblog to see Cliff and Sarah's visits to the semi-annual Dult in Regensberg.  Or check out Servus München for some great pictures from the other Munich Dults.

Munich Restaurants - Milagros (Mexican)

Within the foreigner community in Munich, people are always discussing new things to see and do.  "Have you eaten at [restaurant X]" is one of the most popular topics.  Therefore we decided to blog some Munich restaurants for both locals and visitors alike.

In this case, the first one is the easiest, because we can say it up front:  Milagros is the best Mexican restaurant in Germany.  Together Frau A and I have sampled places in Hamburg, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Munich, and there's no contest.  (Granted, Germany doesn't do Mexican very well as a rule, but Milagros would make it in Manhattan.)

Milagros opened its doors 10 months ago -- October 2010.  It sits in the city center, not far from the Viktualien Markt and Oktoberfest Museum.  Great location.  The owner, Scott Myers, is a Mexican-American who married a German woman and moved back with her.  It's certainly no Taco Bell -- his mentor David Sterling is head of the Los Dos cooking school in Mérida (Yucatán)!

We ordered the "Fiesta Mexicana" platter for two, which includes steak arrachera (marinated & grilled), cochinita pibil (slow roasted pork in homemade tortilla), barbacoa de pollo (marinated/grilled chicken), and carnitas (braised pork in homemade tortilla) with condiments of guacamole, refried beans, and salsa.  It's a great way to try different items, and they taste as good as they look:

To drink we had a top-shelf margarita (no salt when the tequila is this good) that uses fresh juice (no mix):

Above, you'll notice on the chair the familiar Yucatan striped pattern textile -- the decor is pure Mexican.  Below, notice the hanging lamps on the right, textile patterns in the upper left (on the ceiling), and the Virgin Mary in the bottom left.  (With Mary, it fits perfectly in Bavaria.)

It is important to clarify that the food and decor are not "tex-mex".  Most Germans (and Europeans in general) would not differentiate, but it's important here because the dishes are so authentically Mexican.

To finish, we shared a chocolate flan -- not sticky sweet at all, but a rich cocoa instead, with some fresh fruit:

Milagros claims that key or special ingredients are sourced from Mexico (e.g., chiles, Mexican oregano), but where possible local (Bavarian) produce is used.  Also, they use the traditional cooking methods:  tortillas pressed by hand, wood oven and grills using mesquite from America, and real banana leaves for slow-roasting the pork.  It's serious food, and should be a perfect match for the organic, quality-focused Munich diner.

And people are noticing.  The "Restaurant Kritik" wrote a very positive article (with interviews of the owner and mentor), reviews on Tripadvisor are good (it's already in the top 100), and Google reviews are excellent too.  Since it opened we're probably been 4-5 times already, it's that good.  (And Frau A lived in Dallas, so is a tough critic.)

Locals should try the best Mexican we've had on the continent so far, and visitors can take a break from a steady diet of Bavarian food with fantastic authentic Mexican.  Higly recommended.