Song meaning of Die Fastnacht der Hölle by Kanonenfieber

The song "Die Fastnacht der Hölle" by Kanonenfieber depicts the horrors of war, specifically the Battle of Belleau Wood during World War I. The lyrics vividly describe the chaotic and gruesome nature of the battle, with references to gas attacks, destroyed landscapes, and piles of rotting corpses. The soldiers are portrayed as both victims and aggressors, driven by a feverish state and desperate need to survive.

The song's message is an indictment of war and its devastating consequences. It highlights the senseless violence and loss of humanity experienced by the soldiers on both sides, as well as the indifferent gaze of God in the face of such horrors. The mention of the "Fastnacht der Hölle" (Carnival of Hell) emphasizes the grotesque nature of the battle, associating it with a nightmarish and surreal event.

The repetition of the command to march ("Links zwo drei vier") further emphasizes the mechanical and dehumanizing nature of war, as soldiers are reduced to mere instruments of destruction. The lyrics also convey a sense of resignation and despair, as the narrator yearns for an end to the suffering, longing for the mercy of death.

Overall, "Die Fastnacht der Hölle" serves as a powerful critique of war, shedding light on the atrocities and the toll it takes on the soldiers involved, ultimately questioning the senselessness of such violence.