Off to the south

Sombrero-nodding, feet-tapping summer hit: excursion #15

Summer is here and, if the Americans have their Surfin’ USA and the British have got Didn’t We Have A Lo-ver-ly Time The Day We Went To Bangor?, I can assure you the Germans are not far behind.

There exists a certain style of music that is written, performed and mitgesungen in Germany and the German-speaking nations with the sole intention of getting the party moving. No, it’s not oompah-band music, but Schlager, which literally translates as hit (both literally and figuratively). It’s a trend that edges also into the Dutch language in the Netherlands and Belgium (slager), and it’s in a class of its own. In Scotland, the definition of torture is tying a Scotsman’s feet to the floor and playing a Jimmie Shand record. In Germany, it’ll be the same act, but playing Schlager music.

Every year sees a Schlager hit (if that’s not tautology, like the Rio Grande River) that carries on everyone’s voice across the summer, and, in 2003 the Summer Hit of the Year was Ab in den Süden—heading off to the south. Unless you’re closely familiar with German culture, you’re unlikely to have heard it. Here is your big chance, and don’t you dare not tap those feet.

The English translation is literal this time. I am not going to attempt any poetic interpretation of the fine sentiments expressed in this particular work of art.

Ab in den Süden

Written by Sebastian Erl (Buddy), Olaf Jeglitza (O-Jay) and Boris Köhler

Performed by Buddy vs. DJ The Wave (Sebastian Erl and Andreas Witek)