Sag Mir Was Du Willst (2020) – Clueso

For the launch of my Music Library Project on July 25, 2019, I wanted to present a single song that could encapsulate the breadth and depth of the music I planned to feature. I ultimately chose the track Wenn Du Liebst (When You Love) by the German popsinger and rapper Clueso. A friend, Tatiana, who shares a deep appreciation for German culture and language, introduced me to the song during the early days of our friendship.

Though I have yet to reach that remarkable song in my alphabetical listing, I recently stumbled upon another Clueso track that left me raptous – Sag Mir Was Du Willst (Tell Me What You Want). Just a few days ago, a video from Clueso’s 2024 summer tour appeared in my YouTube feed, and I decided to give it a watch. Calling it impressive would be an understatement – not only were the songs and sound quality outstanding, but the setting, a breathtaking amphitheater at dusk, added to the magic. More songs from this concert will undoubtedly find their way here. I can at least point this concert to my kids and say: this is what I think encapsulates excellent new-modern music.

What captivated me most about Sag Mir Was Du Willst was its infectious guitar riff, perfectly complemented by a rich, dynamic horn section. As I delved deeper into the song’s meaning, I was struck by its lyrics being an inner dialogue with himself, the writer. It alternates between euphoria and melancholy and questioning what one truly wants in life, even after achieving success. Beyond personal relationships, the song also offers a rare glimpse into the frustrations of the creative process, highlighting the struggles artists face in transforming emotions into new art.

“The song sounded pretty happy and catchy at first, so a love song was actually recommended. However, that’s exactly why I didn’t feel like making it a love song. In terms of energy and my own mood, I’m in a very good mood right now, but I definitely wanted to keep the song thoughtful because that’s just how I always am.”

– Clueso

On October 1, 2021, Sag Mir Was Du Willst was released as part of Clueso’s ninth studio album, Album, of which it is the first single. I have presented two versions of Sag Mir Was Du Willst below. The first from their marvelous concert (from 13:40) and the second the official original version.

A loose English translation is as follows:

[Intro]
Tell me what you want, tell me what you want
Tell me what you really want
Come on, spit it out, always just get it out
Come on, say what’s up (Oh, yeah)

[Verse 1]
Everyone says: “Hey, cool, what you’ve achieved”
Taking photos, handshakes, it goes on
My mood: cloudy to cheerful
It’s easier to nod with an empty head
Look in the mirror, what has changed
Apart from more appointments in the calendar?
Looking for a deeper denominator
Today July, tomorrow December again

[Pre-chorus]
Suddenly you’re standing there in front of yourself
Standing there in front of yourself
Want to talk, but remain silent
Suddenly you’re standing there as if on cue
Standing there in front of yourself
Ask yourself for your opinion

[chorus]
Tell me what you want, tell me what you want
Tell me what you really want
Come on, spit it out, always just out
Come on, say what’s up (Yeah)
Tell me what you feel, tell me what you feel
Tell me what you honestly feel
Come on, spit it out, always just out
Fuck it, come on, let’s do it (Yeah)

[Verse 2]
I don’t do much wrong, unfortunately nothing right either
I’m sarcastic and find everything funny
Clear view, but no clarity
Free time only on the way to work
Only see the same stripes as a tiger
Only among my own kind, without a feature
No new playlist, just the old songs always on repeat (Wouh)
Over and over

[Bridge]
If I think today like I did yesterday
Then I’ll lose a day
No matter what anyone says (Wouh-uh)
Because everything runs by itself
It usually goes downhill
Even if I like it right now
And I say to myself

References:
1. Sag mir was du willst – Wikipedia