A friend, Tatiana – who has a deep fascination with German culture and language – first introduced me to Clueso back in 2017 with the song Wenn Du Liebst (When You Love). It was love at first listen, truly. So much so that in 2019, I chose that song to inaugurate my Music Library Project – a piece that encapsulated the breadth and depth of the music I intended to feature. Years later – thanks be to the Internet gods – Clueso’s 2024 summer tour popped up in my feed. That was the real clincher for me in appreciating the sheer talent and range of the German singer-songwriter and rapper. Today, I’d like to feature another highlight from that concert: “Gewinner” (Winner), which appears at 01:11:34 in the set.
It’s interesting how the language barrier has never really been an obstacle to connecting with Clueso’s music. His alluring melodies, inventive arrangements, and understated yet poignant voice convey emotions that seem to transcend words. If I had to guess what today’s song Gewinner was about before reading the translation below, I doubt I’d have been far off. Gewinner explores the complex and often contradictory emotions of deep personal connection – and the willingness to lose oneself within a relationship.
Like much of Clueso’s work, Gewinner is both introspective and atmospheric. Though its rhythm might at first seem simple, there’s much more beneath the surface – a distinctive and subtle meter that sets it apart. The song carries a quiet melancholy, gradually building in emotional intensity rather than volume, guided by the calmness and warmth of Clueso’s voice. This slow unfolding mirrors the lyrical theme itself – a reflection on how love can make us feel lost and found at once.
The words deepen that mood of uncertainty and self-examination, as Clueso questions belief, trust, and mutual commitment: “Ich glaube nichts, ich glaub an dich, glaubst du an mich? ich glaub ich auch” (“I believe in nothing, I believe in you, do you believe in me? I think I do too”). The central refrain, “Ich bin dabei, du bist dabei, wir sind dabei uns zu verlieren” (“I’m all in, you’re all in, we’re all in to lose ourselves”), captures a kind of shared surrender – a willingness to dissolve the self within love, and the quiet risk that comes with such closeness.
[Verse 1]
There’s some truth in everything you say, in everything you say.
No matter who comes, no matter who goes, it doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter.
I don’t believe anything, I believe in you, do you believe in me? I think I do too.
I wonder, I ask you, but if I don’t ask, do you wonder too?
[Chorus]
I’m in, you’re in, we’re in the process of losing ourselves.
I’m in, are you in? Are we in the process of losing ourselves?
I’m in, you’re in, we’re in the process of losing ourselves.
I’m in, are you in? Am I in the process of losing us?
[Verse 2]
Easier than easy, is it perhaps easier than what perhaps was?
Easier than easy, it’s not far from here to what hasn’t been yet.
If you’re looking for me, then I’ll look for you, is the temptation great enough?
I’ll allow it, come on, allow it, come on, let’s do it again.
I won’t give up, will you come with me, will you come with me, towards us?
Can’t think of anything? Come on, don’t hang up, come on, get worked up and calm down.
[Chorus]
I’m in, you’re in, we’re in, losing ourselves.
I’m in, are you in? Are we in, losing ourselves?
I’m in, you’re in, we’re in, losing ourselves.
I’m in, are you in? Am I in, losing ourselves?
I’m in, you’re in, we’re in, losing ourselves.
I’m in, are you in? Are we in, losing ourselves?
[Outro]
Ohh, oh-oh, yeah
I’m in, you’re in, we’re in
Ohh
I’m in, are you in, are we in?
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
Another decent song by Clueso I had not known. The studio version is pretty good, but once again it’s the live rendition that seals the deal for me.
It’s also interesting to me to see that when it comes to Clueso you find yourself in a similar situation I did when I started listening to English language music as a 7-year-old without understanding a word. I think this goes to show that if the melody, sound, grove and vocals are good, a song can grab you, even of you don’t understand the lyrics. Which is kind of cool since it makes music truly universal!
To me, this song is far more than just decent — though don’t let that stop you from describing it however you feel.
Gewinner keeps getting better with each listen, to the point where I’m left genuinely gobsmacked by its musical quality and intriguing arrangement.
I prefer the original studio recording over the live version, as it better complements the song’s sparse, desolate sound and rhythm — not to mention the conflicting emotions woven through the lyrics.
I have never heard of Clueso. My background is mostly German ~ the old folks still spoke German when I was a child. I took several years of German in high school & years later in college (I also took Latin). German is one of the languages I understand easily, although speaking it is a bit harder.
I grew up listening to German opera ~ Wagner, mostly but also Richard Strauss. German sounds as natural to me as English.
I dare you to watch the first 18 minutes of Clueso’s 2024 Summer Tour concert and not be genuinely impressed — if not completely blown away, as my daughter and I were.
So, you’re linguistically competent — unlike my brute self — and have German heritage. Nice! I studied German back in Year 5, and every now and then I still like to count from one to ten. They say German is one of the toughest languages to learn, especially when it comes to grammar.
While we’re on the subject, I’ve got to share Irish comedian Dylan Moran’s reflections on Germany below. Take them with a grain of salt — he roasts just about every country, including his own.
I never thought the grammar was tough. There are exact grammar rules & all you have to do is learn them & follow them. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule but that’s how you learn the rules. LOL
Maybe it’s the verb at the end of the sentence? I don’t know. People seem to think that every language should be like their own language & that’s not how it works. & the point of learning another language is to learn something other than your own point of reference.