Schurken translates to "villains" or "rogues". It's a less common, more evocative word than typical terms for 'bad guys', adding a dramatic flair to the lyrics.
In the song, Casper sings, "Wir waren Schurken, wir waren Helden" (We were villains, we were heroes). This line beautifully captures the duality of life experiences and the journey of self-discovery, suggesting that both the 'good' and 'bad' parts of their past have shaped who they are today. It's a memorable word that highlights the song's reflective and powerful message.
This song is a powerful anthem about living life on your own terms. The lyrics describe a journey that has been a "verrĂĽckte Zeit" (crazy time), lived at "hundertzehn Prozent" (110 percent). The artists reflect on a past where they had to fight for everything, saying "uns wurde nichts geschenkt" (nothing was given to us). This experience has led them to a philosophy of individuality and freedom: "Jeder, wie er will / Alles kann, nichts muss" (Everyone as they want / Anything is possible, nothing is a must).
At its heart, the song is a celebration of being alive. The chorus repeats the simple but profound message, "Atme ein, atme aus, weil du lebst" (Breathe in, breathe out, because you live). It encourages listeners to embrace the present moment and the uncertainty of the future, asking, "Wer weiß schon, was morgen kommt?" (Who knows what tomorrow will bring?). It's a call to join a movement of people going "gegen den Strom" (against the current), acknowledging both the good and bad parts of their past—"Wir waren Schurken, wir waren Helden" (We were villains, we were heroes)—and finding strength in the simple fact that they are here, now.