Falco’s “Der Kommissar” exploded onto the international music scene in the early 1980s, becoming a massive hit with its infectious synth-driven beat and catchy chorus. But the song’s themes are far darker than its upbeat rhythm suggests. It paints a picture of a gritty, drug-fueled underworld in Vienna, explored through the eyes of “Der Kommissar” – the police commissioner.
While the song doesn’t explicitly detail a crime investigation involving a lake (“See” in German), the urban decay and dangerous atmosphere described resonate deeply with the anxieties of the time. Imagine “Der Kommissar,” weary and cynical, overlooking a murky body of water on the city’s outskirts. Perhaps the lake serves as a dumping ground for the victims of drug-related violence, a silent witness to the darkness he battles daily. The water reflects the bleak reality of his world, a world where hope seems to have drowned beneath the surface.
The lyrics, even to those who don’t understand German, convey a sense of urgency and warning. “Dreh’ di nicht um, oh oh!” (Don’t turn around!) and “Alles klar, Herr Kommissar?” (Everything alright, Mr. Commissioner?) are repeated mantras, hinting at constant danger lurking just around the corner. The Kommissar is not a heroic figure; he’s a weary protector, trying to maintain order in a society seemingly on the brink of collapse. His job is less about solving crimes and more about containing the chaos.
The song’s success wasn’t just about its catchy melody. It tapped into a cultural moment of unease and societal questioning. The rise of drug use, particularly among youth, was a major concern, and “Der Kommissar” offered a glimpse into that world, albeit a stylized and somewhat romanticized one. The Kommissar represents the authority figures grappling with these complex problems, often feeling overwhelmed and powerless in the face of a rising tide of crime and social decay. He’s a symbol of a generation struggling to understand a rapidly changing world.
The absence of a literal “See” in the lyrics allows for metaphorical interpretation. The “See” could represent the vast, unknowable depths of the criminal underworld, a dangerous and unpredictable landscape where the Kommissar must navigate. It could also represent the emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity faced by those on the front lines of the war on drugs. He’s wading through a sea of corruption and violence, trying to keep his head above water, constantly asking himself, “Alles klar?” (Everything alright?), knowing that the answer is probably “Nein” (No).
Ultimately, “Der Kommissar” isn’t just a pop song; it’s a snapshot of a specific time and place, a reflection of the anxieties and fears of a generation grappling with social and political changes. Even without a literal lake, the song conjures a powerful image of a dark and dangerous world, a world where even the authority figures are struggling to maintain control.