Over A decade ago when I was a student at the University of Rhode Island, a really great professor of a German class I was attending used a really keen idea: she incorporated German pop songs into exams. It was a one on one kind of thing, and you had to listen to the music and give a general idea what they were singing about. To this day, I can still remember the first such song I was quizzed on: Millionar by Die Prinzen.

Not only did her idea spark a love of Die Prinzen in me (they’re my favorite German band), but it also cultivated an interest in German pop-rock in general. And that has been a great way for me over the years to maintain and build upon my grasp of the German language. Music is a universal language after all.

Nineteen ninety-one’s Das Leben ist Grausam (Life is Cruel) was the intro album by Die Prinzen (the Princes). The cover features five crowned frogs that would come to symbolize the group over the years, and the album features their trademark penchant for being heavy on choruses. This should come as no surprise, since the group was founded by former members of Leipzig’s Thomaskirche choir. An acappella version of Das Leben ist Grausam was also released. And though the lyrics may be in German, the themes are familiar to just about anybody in the world.

Millionar is the opening track, and one of Die Prinzen’s most famous songs. It opens with solo vocals “ I want to be a millionaire” while the chorus chants “money,money,money” in the background. The catchy rhythm and harmony make it easy to see why this song is so popular as our protagonist continues to enumerate on his money problems, and ideas on how to achieve his goal of millionaire”

I want to be a millionaire, then my bank account wouldn’t be empty anymore…..I have no money, no idea, but a big mouth (to feed) What will I do? What will I do?....maybe rob a bank, but that is so dangerous…and I don’t want to go to jail….I would rather be a rock star, and swim in my money….

Mann Im Mond (Man in the Moon) takes on a trip to the moon, where we find that the good old Man in the Moon has been watching over us, lighting up the night when the sun is down. And all he wants in return is a little love. This song has a very catchy beat and a snappy chorus with some fifties-style nonsense words chanted in the background.

Gabi und Klaus is the requisite sappy love song. Gabi loves Klaus, but Klaus doesn’t love Gabi anymore. Until he realizes he still does, by which time she doesn’t love him anymore. “Das Leben ist grausam” the chorus goes, and the title of the album to boot.

Wer is Der Typ (Who’s the Guy) features some scorching vocals and more fifties doo-wop style background vocals. It’s the story about a guy who knows lots of things, except who the guy his girl is seeing is, or why she’ seeing him.

Betriebsdirektor (The Boss) is a slow tune and my least favorite on the album. Hey, we all have a boss, but do we need to sing about him?

Ich Will Dich Haben (I’ll have you) concerns a secret admirer regaling us about his love. “I’ll have you, all for myself; I’ll have you and be your king, you my queen”. The song features soft lead vocals with a choral background and an almost disco beat. It’s fun to listen too, and really grows on you.

Blaues Blut (Blue Blood) The first song on the album to cover the “older woman” theme. “She looks so young, although she’s over 39”. The vocals and background flow so nicely here, and when the lead vocals cover the “Blaues Blut” chorus you can’t help but purse your lips and sing along to the rising and falling lyrics.

Mein Fahrrad (My Bike) The story of a man and his bike. Yes, there is life besides love. This has always been one of my favorite Prinzen songs, with its enticing vocals and simple theme. It’s pleasant to hear, and a little bit fun, too. The man and his bike have a unique understanding, and always seem to make it through traffic faster than the “apes in Fords, boogers in Opels, asses in Audis”. The song is a parody on the German love affair with the automobile, of course.

Die Vogel (The Bird) picks up the pace with a steady beat and some fast-paced choruses. A good effort, but on the lower tier of the album for me.

Vierzig Jahre (40 Years) is back in form as we return to the older woman theme. “It’s too bad for me that you’re married”, “and you’re forty years old”. The song opens with a catchy beat and a chorus of “tell me, please tell me why”. The lead vocals soar on this one and the beat and background vocals all blend together perfectly. You can’t help swaying your body, tapping your toes and singing along.

Mein bester Freund (My Best Friend) opens with some nonsense lyrics, then the solo takes over, and tells about his best friends (Sherlock Holmes, Robin Hood, and other literary characters). The forceful chorus punctuates the refrains nicely on this great little tune.

Tshcussi-Macht’s Gut (Goodbye, So Long) is all of five seconds long as Die Prinzen musically wish us well and close out the album.



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Exercising