Song meaning of Straßenfieber by Udo Lindenberg

The lyrics of the song "Straßenfieber" by Udo Lindenberg convey a message about the frustrations and discontent of people living in a cold and indifferent society. The lyrics depict a sense of rebellion and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

The song opens with a reference to punk and AC/DC, symbolizing rebellion and individuality. The energy that builds up in people is compared to an illness, a fever, that spreads through the streets. It represents the collective anger and frustration that arises from constantly facing cold and unfeeling walls, symbolic of the societal barriers and alienation people experience.

The lyrics also criticize the political establishment, citing politicians in Berlin who are deemed ineffective and disconnected from the people they represent. The absence of a lie detector in the Bundestag highlights the lack of honesty and transparency in politics.

The song further explores the emotional isolation and fear that individuals experience. The metaphor of thick walls around their hearts and minds reflects the emotional detachment and lack of warmth in their lives. The lyrics suggest that this hostile climate only leads to violence and unrest.

The medical metaphor in the last verses represents the attempt to find a solution to the societal unrest. The doctors, symbolizing the authorities, struggle to control and understand the fever that is spreading. The prescribed "knüppeltherapie" (heavy stick therapy) and the mention of "leichte Krawallerie" (light rioters) suggest a lack of understanding and an excessive use of force to suppress the underlying issues.

Overall, "Straßenfieber" conveys a message of social dissatisfaction, alienation, and the urgency for change. It criticizes the coldness and indifference of society and the political establishment, emphasizing the need for genuine connections, warmth, and understanding to prevent further unrest and violence.