Was es ist

"Was es ist" (What it is) is a song written and recorded by the German pop and rock band MIA., released in 2003 and later included on the album Stille Post. Although only reaching number 50 in the German charts, it caused a fierce controversy within German society because of its underlying patriotic message.

"Was es ist"
Single by MIA.
from the album Stille Post
Released2003
GenrePop
Length4:17 min.
LabelR.O.T. (production), Columbia (distribution)
Songwriter(s)MIA.

Background

The song's theme is a positive interpretation of the German national identity re-awakening in a positive and tolerant way, thus allowing young Germans to identify with their country: "Fragt man mich jetzt, woher ich komme, / Tu ich mir nicht mehr selber leid" (If I am asked now where I'm from, / I no longer pity myself).[1] The lyrics, based on a reference to Erich Fried's 1983 love poem of the same name, feature further romantic references to Germany and the colours of the German flag that are also represented by the band's black, red and gold dresses.[2]

When the song was released on an EP of the same title in 2003, the band was heavily criticized for its patriotic tone which many considered inappropriate due to Germany's difficult history, culminating in accusations of promoting nationalism.[3] MIA. claimed that the song was meant to provoke a discussion about Germany as a home and as a place to change and design; furthermore, they considered themselves politically on the left. The lead singer, Mieze Katz, who was even pelted with eggs, said about the topic: "This was grotesque for we aren't nationalists. I'm a leftist. But I have never fully understood the negation of the German national identity. I was born here, and German is the language I use to express myself. We must never forget the crimes, but this heritage is also a chance to build something good."[4]

See also

References
  1. Kruse, Merle-Marie. Pop Macht Nation. Affirmationen und Irritationen nationaler Identität in Texten deutschsprachiger Popmusik. Lit-Verlag: Berlin, 2013. Page 190.
  2. Schemel, Bianca: "'Das ist schwarz rot gold/hart mit Stolz'". Die Inszenierung von Männlichkeit, Nation und Klasse in den Songs und Videos des Rappers Fler". In: Martina Oster, Waltraud Ernst, Marion Gerards (ed.). Performativität und Performance. Geschlecht in Musik, Theater und MedienKunst [sic!]. Lit-Verlag: Hamburg, 2008. Page 134.
  3. Article about the controversy by the Stern online.
  4. Interview with the lead singer in Die Welt online, 5 March 2012. Original German: "Das war grotesk, wir sind ja keine Deutschnationalen, ich bin links. Aber die Verneinung des Deutschseins habe ich nie ganz begriffen. Ich bin hier zur Welt gekommen, Deutsch ist die Sprache, in der ich mich ausdrücke. Die Verbrechen dürfen wir nie vergessen, aber dieses Erbe ist auch eine Chance, etwas Gutes aufzubauen."
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