Ich tu dir weh
Rammstein's controversial single about sadomasochism.
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"Ich tu dir weh" translates from German as "I'm hurting you." This Rammstein track, rooted in the Neue Deutsche Härte style, served as the second single from their 2009 album Liebe ist für alle da, dropping on 5 February 2010. Its music video had already appeared online on 21 December 2009.
The song's sadomasochistic themes sparked controversy, landing the album on Germany's BPjM censorship index. That forced a sanitized re-release, but the Cologne Administrative Court overturned the ban on 31 May 2010, deeming it illegal. The BPjM removed the record from the list the next day.
Music video
The music video was released online on 21 December 2009 on the adult site visit-X, directed by Jonas Åkerlund. It depicts the band performing with black and gray equipment.
Till Lindemann and Oliver Riedel wear eye contacts that change color—Riedel's to green, Lindemann's to red. Lindemann's mouth emits white light when he sings, achieved by a cable through his cheek with a mounted light; he had his cheek pierced for authenticity. At the climax, the stage around Flake fills with electricity, causing the band members to explode on the final note.
Live performances
During live performances, extensive pyrotechnics accompany the song. A choreographed fight between Lindemann and Flake ends with Flake forced into a large bathtub.
Lindemann then stands on a raised platform and pours sparks from a milk can into the bath, triggering multiple large explosions. Flake emerges wearing a silver holographic suit. At early German concerts of the Liebe ist für alle da tour, the lyrics were modified so Lindemann could sing them, as the original lyrics were deemed inappropriate by the Bundesprüfstelle für jugendgefährdende Medien.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which label released Ich tu dir weh?
Ich tu dir weh was released by Universal and Spinefarm.
Who produced Ich tu dir weh?
Ich tu dir weh was produced by Jacob Hellner and Rammstein.
Who wrote Ich tu dir weh?
Ich tu dir weh was written by Richard Kruspe, Paul Landers, Till Lindemann, Christian Lorenz, Oliver Riedel and others.
More in Spinefarm Records Singles
Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Ich tu dir weh (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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