Auge um Auge (Augenmaß)

Song Meaning

This track immediately establishes a gritty, street-level narrative centered on self-reliance and a transactional, often violent, worldview. The repeated phrase "Brauche keine Waage - gebe dir auf Auge" (I don't need scales - I'll give it to you on the eye) and "vertraue auf mein Augenmaß" (I trust my eye for measure) underscores a distrust of formal systems and a reliance on personal judgment, particularly in the context of selling "Platten" (records, but likely a double entendre for drugs). The tone is defiant and self-assured, presenting a persona that operates outside conventional rules, driven by instinct and a keen sense of the immediate situation. The central tension arises from the narrator's claim of having "Augenmaß" (judgment, good eye) in a world where they are perceived as lacking perspective. The lyrics pose a direct challenge: "Wie kann es sein dass ich dann treffe wenn ich schieße?" (How can it be that I hit when I shoot?). This highlights a conflict between external judgment and internal validation, suggesting that despite societal dismissal, the narrator possesses a functional, albeit dangerous, form of competence. The mention of "Augenringe" (dark circles under the eyes) links this struggle to exhaustion and the harsh realities of their life, implying that their sharp judgment is born from necessity and sleepless nights. The most striking aspect of the craft is the multifaceted use of "Auge" (eye) and its related terms. It functions literally as the organ of sight, metaphorically as judgment or intuition ("Augenmaß"), and as a violent threat ("gebe dir auf Auge," "ziele auf den Kopf," "ziel zwischen deine Augen"). This linguistic play connects the act of selling and survival to a constant state of vigilance and potential aggression. The contrast between the two "Dadashs" in the bridge—one with an "Auge für die Ruger oder die Wesson" (eye for guns) and the other for "Sony oder die Canon" (cameras)—further emphasizes how "Augenmaß" is applied across different domains, both criminal and creative, suggesting a shared, sharp instinct for success, regardless of the field. Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a raw, unvarnished perspective on navigating a challenging environment. The narrator's insistence on their own "Augenmaß" offers a powerful, if bleak, assertion of agency. It’s the unflinching portrayal of a life where survival depends on a keen, immediate, and often ruthless, assessment of every situation—a testament to the effectiveness of sharp, concise language in conveying a potent sense of self-preservation and street-smart acumen.