Songs with an attitude

In Germany, freedom of expression and artistic freedom are protected by the country’s Basic Law. This means that artists are allowed to say what they think - even if it may be uncomfortable for some people. These four songs reveal how multifaceted political music in Germany can be. 

Danger Dan - “Das ist alles von der Kunstfreiheit gedeckt” 

The rapper and pianist Danger Dan touched a nerve with this song - whose title translates roughly as “It’s all covered by artistic freedom” - in 2021. At the piano, he sings about racism, right-wing tendencies and agitation – and about how important it is to take a stand. The chorus, which goes “It’s all covered by artistic freedom “, is not only a quote from the Basic Law but also a statement: art is allowed to (and indeed should) be uncomfortable.  

Die Ärzte – “Demokratie” 

Punk rock meets politics: German band Die Ärzte are well known for their irony and social criticism - but this song comes to the point pretty directly. “Demokratie” is a song that protests against authoritarian mindsets and political apathy: the band sings that “democracy is not a football match - at which you are just a spectator.”  

Soffie – “Für immer Frühling” 

Soffie is a young musician who often sings about mental health, society and the pressures of everyday life. The title “Für immer Frühling” - forever spring - may sound upbeat, but in fact describes the opposite: the song is about how the world feels to many people - too much crisis, too little hope. And yet the song also expresses a yearning for change. For a genuine spring - not just the one indicated by the calendar. 

K.I.Z. – “Frieden” 

Berlin-based rappers K.I.Z. are known for their black humour, hard-hitting lyrics and bold statements. They show their more serious side in “Frieden”, which means peace. The song is about war, violence and the contradictory nature of political power games. “Na klar sind wir für Frieden, doch erst müssen wir gewinn'n” – meaning “Of course we’re for peace, but first we have to get it”, this line sums up the dilemma described in the song: how is peace supposed to be brought about by armed force? A song that proves that rap can also have depth.