Sonderzug Nach Pankow

Udo Lindenberg

About Sonderzug Nach Pankow

"Sonderzug nach Pankow" (Special Train to Pankow) is a song by the German rock singer Udo Lindenberg, released as a single on 2 February 1983. It was a reaction to the refusal of the West German singer's wish to perform a concert in East Germany by the East German administration in charge. The text of this approximately three minutes long song appeals ironically directly to East German leader Erich Honecker. The melody is based on the 1941 swing classic "Chattanooga Choo Choo" by Glenn Miller. With regard to the Berlin borough Pankow, the title is based on the fact that Schloss Schönhausen situated there was the seat of the president from 1949 until 1960 and was later seat of the State Council of the German Democratic Republic until 1964. After that, many members of the East German government and high employees of the other administration departments of the government lived in Pankow, especially on the Majakowskiring. This song was in the West German music charts from 19 March 1983 to 6 May 1983 for seven weeks, spending four weeks at number five. The reaction to the song led to the first and only concert of Udo Lindenberg in East Germany on 25 October 1983. This concert took place during the festival "Rock für den Frieden" (Rock for Peace) in Berlin's Palast der Republik, but Udo Lindenberg was not allowed to sing this song then. A planned tour through East Germany in the following year was cancelled. "Sonderzug nach Pankow" became a cult song in East Germany and is one of Udo Lindenberg's most famous songs. 


Year:
2008
3:31
147 

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Entschuldigen Sie, ist das der Sonderzug nach Pankow
Ich muss mal eben dahin, mal eben nach Ost-Berlin
Ich muss da was klären, mit eurem Oberindianer
Ich bin ein Jodeltalent, und ich will da spielen mit 'ner Band

Ich hab'n Fläschchen Cognac mit und das schmeckt sehr lecker
Das schlürf' ich dann ganz locker mit dem Erich Honecker
Und ich sag, ey, Honey, ich sing' für wenig Money
Im Republik-Palast, wenn ihr mich lasst
All die ganzen Schlageraffen dürfen da singen
Dürfen ihren ganzen Schrott zum Vortrage bringen
Nur der kleine Udo,  nur der kleine Udo
Der darf das nicht, und das verstehen wir nicht

Ich weiß genau, ich habe furchtbar viele Freunde
In der DDR und stündlich werden es mehr
Och, Erich ey, bist du denn wirklich so ein sturer Schrat
Warum lässt du mich nicht singen im Arbeiter- und Bauernstaat?

Ist das der Sonderzug nach Pankow?

Ich haben Fläschchen Cognac mit und das schmeckt sehr lecker
Das schlürf' ich dann ganz locker mit dem Erich Honecker
Und ich sag, ey, Honey, ich sing' für wenig Money
Im Republik-Palast, wenn ihr mich lasst
All die ganzen Schlageraffen dürfen da singen
Dürfen ihren ganzen Schrott zum Vortrage bringen
Nur der kleine Udo, nur der kleine Udo
Der darf das nicht, und das verstehen wir nicht

Honey, ich glaub', du bist doch eigentlich auch ganz locker
Ich weiß, tief in dir drin, bist du eigentlich auch'n Rocker
du ziehst dir doch heimlich auch gerne mal die Lederjacke an
Und schließt dich ein auf'm Klo und hörst West-Radio

Hallo, Erich, kannst' mich hören
Hallolöchen, Hallo
Hallo, Honey, kannst' mich hören
Hallo Halli, Halli Hallo
Joddelido

(Genosse Erich, im übrigen hat der 
Oberste Sowjet nichts gegen ein Gastspiel von Herrn Lindenberg in der DDR)

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Udo Lindenberg

Udo Lindenberg (born 17 May 1946 in Gronau) is a German rock musician and composer. more »

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Written by: Mack Gordon, Harry Warren

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Sonderzug Nach Pankow" is performed by Udo Lindenberg, a prominent German rock musician and actor. He has been a significant figure in the German music scene since his debut in the early 1970s.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by Harry McClintock's song "Big Rock Candy Mountain" and Glenn Miller's "Chattanooga Choo Choo". Lindenberg modified the melodies and lyrics to suit his unique style and the song's theme.
Political Background
Lindenberg wrote "Sonderzug Nach Pankow" in 1983 as a protest against the East German government's decision to deny him permission to perform in East Berlin. Pankow refers to an area of Berlin that was part of the communist East Germany.
Satirical Tone
The song is known for its satirical tone, aiming to mock the rigid political stance of the East German regime. The lyrics imagine the artist pleading with East German leaders for permission to perform, incorporating humor and sarcasm.
Chart Performance
Despite its political undertones, "Sonderzug Nach Pankow" was a commercial success. It reached number 6 in the German music charts.
Political Impact
The song is also known for its impact on German culture and history. It is often credited with helping to soften the East German government's stance on Western music, ultimately leading to Lindenberg being allowed to perform in East Berlin in 1983.
Music Video
The music video for "Sonderzug Nach Pankow" is a mini movie depicting Lindenberg's train journey to Pankow. It further emphasized the song's satirical and mocking approach to the East German regime.
Experimental Sound
Like much of Lindenberg's work, "Sonderzug Nach Pankow" incorporates various music styles, including rock, jazz, and pop, reflecting his innovative and experimental approach to music.
Cultural Impact
Today, "Sonderzug Nach Pankow" is considered a classic in German rock music and an important cultural artifact representing the division and eventual reunification of Germany.
Legacy
Even after decades since its release, the song still has considerable significance. In 2015, a special train journey was arranged from Hamburg to Berlin to honor the song and its lasting impact on German music and culture. This event was aptly named the 'Special Train to Pankow'.

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