Rumpelstilzchen is the German name for the famous fairy tale character Rumpelstiltskin. It's a unique and memorable word that immediately brings to mind the classic story.
In the song, the lyrics play on the well-known line from the fairy tale, "Ach wie gut, dass niemand weiß, dass ich Rumpelstilzchen heiß" (Oh, how good that no one knows that I am called Rumpelstiltskin). This creates an intriguing mystery around the narrator's identity, making the word highly enticing.
This song takes its title and central theme from the classic German fairy tale, Rumpelstiltskin. The lyrics are sung from the perspective of a mysterious, chameleon-like figure who lives hidden in plain sight. He describes himself as a "shadow man," a "loner," and an informant, capable of being a "hero," a "dog," or a "villain." He boasts that even though people see him, they don't recognize him because he has an ordinary, everyday face.
The chorus directly quotes the famous line from the fairy tale: "Oh, how good that nobody knows / That my name is Rumpelstiltskin." The singer revels in his anonymity, comparing himself to other deceptive figures like the Pied Piper ("der Rattenfänger"). He is a traitor, an informant, and a phantom who can be anyone—a woman, a child, or even your favorite singer. The song uses this fairy tale character to explore themes of deception, betrayal, and the hidden, often sinister, figures who move unnoticed through society.