☝️ Key Points
- The lyrics of 'Berlin' by the band 'City' are a nostalgic reflection on life in the divided city and the personal memories of the singer.
- The singer talks about his childhood, playing near industrial areas, flying kites, and climbing walls. He shows a deep connection with the city through the repeated refrain 'Berlin - Berlin'.
- The second verse addresses the changes in the city after reunification: old trams have disappeared, replaced by symbols of capitalism like the Mercedes star and McDonald's.
- The lyrics reflect back on times of youth, meeting friends at Görlitzer Platz, and conversations about things like long hair and real jeans. A first big love is mentioned as part of these nostalgic memories.
- The last verse of the song examines the changes in Berlin after reunification. Although there is an increase in prosperity, the city also loses its 'innocence'. A character named Susan metaphorically represents this change and the new life in Berlin.
Interpretation
The song 'Berlin' by the band
City is a nostalgic memory and ode to life in Berlin during the division of the city. It is about childhood memories, friendships, and first loves that took place in the complex, divided world of East Berlin.
The first verse tells of specific memories of the singer - playgrounds near industrial areas, flying kites near the chimneys, and climbing over walls. 'Berlin - Berlin' is the chorus and shows the affection and connection to the city.
The second verse reflects the change of the city. The trams that used to go to the edge of no man's land have disappeared, replaced by symbols of Western capitalism, such as the Mercedes star and McDonald's.
The third verse recalls the singer's youth, when the clique met at Görlitzer Platz and talked about things like long hair and real jeans. The first great love is also mentioned, another sign of the nostalgia and sentimental mood of the song.
The last verse is a reflection on the change Berlin has experienced since reunification. Prosperity has grown, but the city has also lost its innocence. There is a line about Susan, metaphorically representing the change and new life in Berlin.