Kein Alkohol (Ist Auch Keine Lösung)! Lyrics in English by Die Toten Hosen
Abstinenzler refers to someone who abstains from something, most commonly alcohol. It's a less common word than simply saying someone doesn't drink, making it quite unique.
In the song, the band provocatively states that "die ganzen Abstinenzler noch immer die Schlimmsten sind" (all the abstainers are still the worst). This ironic and humorous take on sobriety is central to the song's message, making the word
Die Toten Hosen are known for their witty and often rebellious lyrics, and "Kein Alkohol (Ist Auch Keine Lösung)" [No Alcohol (Is Also No Solution)] is a perfect example! This song is a humorous, yet surprisingly relatable, take on the idea that sometimes, even when you try to be completely sober, it doesn't necessarily make life's problems disappear. The singer admits, "Es gibt Tage, die sollten nie enden / Und Nächte, die sollten nie gehen" [There are days that should never end / And nights that should never go], hinting at those rare moments of clarity. But mostly, "Alles ist irgendwie grau" [Everything is somehow gray], and a clear head doesn't always make things better.
They poke fun at the idea of sobriety being the ultimate answer, singing, "Kein Alkohol ist auch keine Lösung / Ich hab es immer wieder versucht" [No alcohol is also no solution / I've tried it again and again]. It's a blunt and funny way of saying that while going without alcohol could work, it doesn't always feel good. The band even brings up Jesus turning water into wine to make their point that "Ganz ohne Drogen geht es nicht" [It doesn't work without drugs at all] – a classic Die Toten Hosen move! They even declare, "Ich scheiß auf meine Vorbildfunktion" [I don't give a damn about being a role model], showing they're not afraid to be a bit provocative and honest about their struggles and opinions.
