Introduction
In 1983, the British rock band After the Fire released their biggest hit, “Der Kommissar,” which spent 24 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaked at No. 5. The song’s catchy synth-pop beat, combined with its German lyrics and references to a police officer, caught the attention of audiences all over the world. But what is the meaning behind the song, and why did it resonate with so many people?
The Lyrics
“Der Kommissar” has an interesting history, as the song was originally written and performed by the Austrian musician Falco in 1981. Falco’s version of “Der Kommissar” was in German and had a different arrangement than After the Fire’s version, but the lyrics remained the same. The song’s title translates to “The Commissioner” or “The Inspector,” and the lyrics tell the story of a police officer who investigates different crimes. Throughout the song, the narrator mentions various criminal activities such as smuggling, prostitution, and drug dealing.
However, the overarching theme of the song is the idea that no one can escape the scrutiny of the law. The chorus of the song translates to: “Don’t turn around, oh oh / The commissioner’s back / Don’t turn around, oh oh / He’s close behind you.” This suggests that the police officer is always watching, and even when someone thinks they’ve gotten away with something, they’re not in the clear yet.
The Historical Context
The political and social climate of the early 1980s influenced the lyrics of “Der Kommissar.” At the time, Europe was still dealing with the aftermath of World War II and the Cold War tensions between the East and West. The song’s references to criminal activity and the police commissioner could be interpreted as a commentary on law and order and the surveillance state.
Additionally, “Der Kommissar” was released during the height of the New Wave movement in music, which was characterized by its use of synthesizers, electronic drums, and new recording techniques. After the Fire’s version of the song was a perfect example of this genre, and its catchy beat and repetitive chorus made it an instant hit.
The Reception
“Der Kommissar” was a massive success for After the Fire and helped to establish them as a major force in rock music. The song’s popularity led to them touring extensively in Europe and the United States and appearing on popular music shows such as “American Bandstand” and “Top of the Pops.”
Although the lyrics of “Der Kommissar” were in German, the song became an international hit and resonated with audiences around the world. The song’s catchy beat and memorable chorus made it an instant classic, and it was covered by several other artists, including Falco himself, who released an English-language version of the song that became a hit in its own right.
The Legacy
“Der Kommissar” continues to be a beloved song more than 30 years after its release. Its use of synth pop and electronic drums was influential in the development of 80s pop music, and the song has been covered and sampled by artists in different genres.
The song’s message about the law and order still resonates today, with debates raging about the role of surveillance and the ethics of policing. Additionally, the idea that someone is always watching, even when you think you’ve gotten away with something, is still relevant in the age of social media and online surveillance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Der Kommissar” by After the Fire is a classic song that continues to be popular today. Its catchy beat and memorable lyrics have ensured that it remains a favorite among music lovers, while its message about the role of law and order continues to be relevant today. Whether you’re dancing to the song at a party or listening to it in your car, “Der Kommissar” is a song that will always stand the test of time.
