S.T.S.

With their biggest successes in the '80s, S.T.S. is one of the most successful Austrian bands. In their songs they combine traditional provincial Austrian music with pop on a high level; the lyrics are usually written in Styrian dialect, many songs are typically accompanied by their accoustic guitars.

One of their biggest successes is Großvater (Grandfather). It's a nostalgic song of a man remembering his grandfather who has been his role model throughout the whole life and wishing him back. His grandfather had taught him a lot for life, although he was nothing like outstanding or highly educated but just a modest, wise, decent man.

It may encourage us to recognize the hidden treasures within the ordinary people of our surroundings.

Lyrics:

Every time there was quarrel with the mother

The first thing I did was going to you

And you said “She’s alone, you must understand her

Everything passes by, c’mon let’s have a beer”

And then you meant, the whole life is about taking

And a lot more of giving,

So in the next night out of the cupboard

I stole the 1000 Schilling

For spending in the discotheque

The day after you asked me about it.

I denied it, cried hysterically

Your eyes were sad, then I wept

You just said, “C’mon, forget about it

Money can’t possibly be so important.”

When you told me about the war

When you looked with a Russian eye to eye

You both offered each other a cigarette

The hand on the trigger was shaking out of fear.

Or your wife, who all day cried your ears full

You just said “I love her

I don’t always need to hear everything she says.”

Grandfather, can’t you come down for a cup of coffee,

Grandfather, there are just so many things to say I now came to understand,

Grandfather, you were my first friend and that’s something I’ll never forget,

Grandfather.

You were neither superhuman, nor pretended to be

Just because of that there was some sort of power

But by the way you lived your life

I recognized how you may make it through

Your principle was: Always think first

Have an opinion you advocate

No violence, talk about everything

But never be afraid of anyone.

Grandfather, can’t you come down for a cup of coffee,

Grandfather, there are just so many things to say I now came to understand,

Grandfather, you were my first friend and that’s something I’ll never forget,

Grandfather.

Translation by Julian Trummer

Other notable songs:

Fürstenfeld. A slightly parodic song about the longing for getting back to province.

Irgendwann bleib I dann dort (One day I'll stay there). A song about going away from home forever.