Song meaning of Altes Fleisch by Till Lindemann

"Altes Fleisch" by Till Lindemann is a song that delves into the theme of aging and the decay of the human body. The lyrics paint a vivid and grotesque picture of a person who has become repulsive and unrecognizable due to the effects of time. The narrator expresses their disgust and revulsion towards this individual, describing their appearance as nauseating and stomach-turning. The use of vivid imagery, such as "eine alte, welke Hülle" (an old, withered shell) and "schwarze Flecken da in Fülle" (black spots abound), emphasizes the deterioration and decay that the person has undergone.

The song also touches upon the loss of vitality and sexual potency that comes with aging. The lyrics mention how the person's genitalia has shrunk and their body is covered in hair, further highlighting the physical decline. The line "Der Schuss fällt lange vor dem Knall" (The shot falls long before the bang) suggests that the person's sexual performance has diminished, perhaps implying impotence or a lack of desire.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of resignation and acceptance of the inevitable decay that awaits us all. The narrator reflects on their own mortality, expressing a sense of hopelessness and despair. The line "Niemand, der mich jetzt noch mag" (No one who still likes me now) suggests a feeling of isolation and abandonment, as the narrator believes that nobody will find them attractive or desirable anymore.

The chorus repeats the phrase "Altes Fleisch" (Old flesh) several times, emphasizing the central theme of the song. It serves as a reminder that the aging process is inevitable and that the physical beauty and desirability associated with youth will eventually fade away. The bridge adds a darker element to the song, with references to death and the idea that life has already consumed the narrator. The line "Vollgeschissene Menschenhaut" (Shit-covered human skin) creates a disturbing image, further emphasizing the decay and degradation of the human body.

Overall, "Altes Fleisch" is a song that confronts the uncomfortable reality of aging and the physical decline that comes with it. It explores themes of disgust, isolation, and the inevitability of mortality, painting a vivid and unsettling portrait of the human condition.