Song meaning of 35 Jahre by Die Toten Hosen

The lyrics of the song "35 Jahre" by Die Toten Hosen tell the story of a man who has recently retired after working for 35 years. The lyrics depict his struggle to find purpose and a sense of direction in his new life. He spends most of his time sitting by the window, feeling uncertain and lost.

The man's only companion is his pet parakeet, who occasionally talks to him. The song suggests that his life has become monotonous and lonely. The mention of a photograph wallpaper highlights the man's isolation, being confined to the walls of his own home.

The lyrics also mention the man's previous job as a factory worker, where he was once a supervisor on the assembly line. The reference to his work uniform hanging like a uniform in the closet suggests that his identity was closely tied to his job. The framed farewell letter from his former company further emphasizes the loss of purpose he feels after retirement.

Overall, the song reflects on the challenges faced by individuals who have spent their entire lives working and suddenly find themselves without a clear path ahead. It speaks to the importance of finding meaning beyond the workplace and the difficulty of navigating through the transition into retirement. The lyrics convey a sense of longing, loneliness, and the search for purpose in the later stages of life.