Wenn Das Licht Angeht Lyrics in English by In Extremo

Below, I translated the lyrics of the song Wenn Das Licht Angeht by In Extremo from German to English.
These lyrics have verified word for word translations. Click any lyric word to see the translation and hear the pronunciation!
You were the best guy in the world
Pockets full, but never money
The world was made just for us
The doubters were laughed at
We paid, loved, drank
The golden future was open to us
I'd have liked to be like you
But today new brooms sweep clean
But when the light goes on
And when the wind changes
Then I have your pity
Your picture in a crooked frame
But when the light goes on
And when the wind changes
Then the king stands naked
Because fear seized him
A lively song on your lips
Knocking back vodka to our friendship
You turn your flag with the wind
Where the prices are cheap
You stealthily sneak onto the dance floor
A stiletto in your pocket
You're a guy who promises a lot
But true men don't dance
But when the light goes on
And when the wind changes
Then I have your pity
Your picture in a crooked frame
But when the light goes on
And when the wind changes
Then the king stands naked
Because fear seized him
Lyrics and Translations Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing
Sebastian Lange, Kay Lutter, Boris Pfeiffer Yellow, Michael Rhein, Florian Speckardt, Andre Strugala, Marco Zorzytzky
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Erbarmen — mercy / pity / compassion

Erbarmen translates to "mercy," "pity," or "compassion." It's a strong, evocative word that carries significant emotional weight and isn't as common in everyday song lyrics as simpler terms.

In the context of "Wenn das Licht angeht," the line "Dann hab ich dein Erbarmen" (Then I have your mercy) suggests a moment of vulnerability and a plea for understanding or forgiveness from a former friend. It highlights a dramatic shift in the relationship, making it a compelling word choice.

In Extremo turn on an old friend who was once "der beste Typ der Welt" (the best guy in the world). The first verse is fond memory: pockets full but never any money, a world "nur für uns gemacht" (made just for us), a golden future standing open. Then one line flips it: "Doch heute kehren neue Besen" (but today new brooms sweep).

The second verse shows who he became. He toasts the friendship with vodka, then "hängst du die Fahne in den Wind" (you hang your flag in the wind), going wherever the price is right, with a stiletto in his pocket. The chorus waits for the moment the light comes on: then the picture hangs in a crooked frame, and "dann steht der König nackt" (then the king stands naked), caught by his own fear.

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