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On Quiet Nights
There’s a place inside us that is cloaked in darkness, rubbed raw with silence. It’s a shadow wrapped in a shadow and it screams, but it screams in harsh whispers. This collection explores the blackness within, the gritty underground that hides inside memories and cowers just outside fear. The poems, paired with illustrations from Matthias Matthies work in sync to create a collage of blunt sexuality, masochistic, and sometimes sadistic recollections of love, reflection, and self-exploration.
Lindemann paints pictures with his poems, a slave to the vulnerability and sexuality that drives mankind. His words themselves are body modifications that settle on readers, piercing then slowly penetrating and pumping his audience full with a mix of pleasure and pain. A combination of longing, emotional depth, and bestial intuition, these pieces evoke an innate nature to seek pleasure, to ask for forgiveness, to instill blame.
On Quiet Nights pulls back the curtains at night and asks readers to think about who they are. Lindemann holds a mirror to soul, capturing desire and need, with the courage to answer some of life’s biggest questions: Who am I? What am I? Why am I?
Lindemann paints pictures with his poems, a slave to the vulnerability and sexuality that drives mankind. His words themselves are body modifications that settle on readers, piercing then slowly penetrating and pumping his audience full with a mix of pleasure and pain. A combination of longing, emotional depth, and bestial intuition, these pieces evoke an innate nature to seek pleasure, to ask for forgiveness, to instill blame.
On Quiet Nights pulls back the curtains at night and asks readers to think about who they are. Lindemann holds a mirror to soul, capturing desire and need, with the courage to answer some of life’s biggest questions: Who am I? What am I? Why am I?
148 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2013
73 people are currently reading
1334 people want to read
About the author
Till Lindemann
11 books225 followersTill Lindemann is a German singer, songwriter, musician, actor, and poet, best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of the band Rammstein.
Born in Leipzig, East Germany, he grew up in Wendisch-Rambow near Schwerin. His father was children's poet Werner Lindemann and his mother, Brigitte "Gitta" Lindemann, was a journalist and writer. His parents lived separately for career reasons after 1975.
Lindemann started to play drums for First Arsch, who released an album titled Saddle Up, and played one song with a punk band called Feeling B (which was the former band of Rammstein members Paul H. Landers, Christoph "Doom" Schneider and Christian "Flake" Lorenz). In the 1990s, he began to write lyrics. In 1994, the trio entered and won a contest in Berlin that allowed them to record a four track demo professionally. Lindemann moved to Berlin.
In November 2002, Lindemann's poetry book Messer was published. It consists of 54 poems compiled by Gert Hof, who is author of the book Rammstein and was the band's pyrodesigner for the last seven years.
Born in Leipzig, East Germany, he grew up in Wendisch-Rambow near Schwerin. His father was children's poet Werner Lindemann and his mother, Brigitte "Gitta" Lindemann, was a journalist and writer. His parents lived separately for career reasons after 1975.
Lindemann started to play drums for First Arsch, who released an album titled Saddle Up, and played one song with a punk band called Feeling B (which was the former band of Rammstein members Paul H. Landers, Christoph "Doom" Schneider and Christian "Flake" Lorenz). In the 1990s, he began to write lyrics. In 1994, the trio entered and won a contest in Berlin that allowed them to record a four track demo professionally. Lindemann moved to Berlin.
In November 2002, Lindemann's poetry book Messer was published. It consists of 54 poems compiled by Gert Hof, who is author of the book Rammstein and was the band's pyrodesigner for the last seven years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 24, 2015
Note: I was involved in publishing this book
After hearing that Till Lindemann (frontman of the German band Rammstein) has published a book of poetry many people assume that it is essentially a collection of lyrics. This is not the case at all. Lindemann's poetry encompasses the themes that are expressed by his music but also much more and in a more artistic fashion. It is still bold, powerful, raw and revealing. Lindemann does not shy from ugly images or heartbreaking truths. But there are also thoughtful moments of quiet beauty alongside bawdy exclamations. Like any good poetry collection On Quiet Nights forces us to think about the human condition, about the world and our place in it. There is a depth and range of feeling here that is probably only possible to express through poetry.
This is an English translation of the original poems written in German and the translator, Ehren Fordyce, has done much to preserve the feel of the poems including meter and rhyme. If you lack experience in reading poetry Michael Arnzen has done a great job of setting the stage with his foreword so even novices will have a place to start and a few signposts to look for.
After hearing that Till Lindemann (frontman of the German band Rammstein) has published a book of poetry many people assume that it is essentially a collection of lyrics. This is not the case at all. Lindemann's poetry encompasses the themes that are expressed by his music but also much more and in a more artistic fashion. It is still bold, powerful, raw and revealing. Lindemann does not shy from ugly images or heartbreaking truths. But there are also thoughtful moments of quiet beauty alongside bawdy exclamations. Like any good poetry collection On Quiet Nights forces us to think about the human condition, about the world and our place in it. There is a depth and range of feeling here that is probably only possible to express through poetry.
This is an English translation of the original poems written in German and the translator, Ehren Fordyce, has done much to preserve the feel of the poems including meter and rhyme. If you lack experience in reading poetry Michael Arnzen has done a great job of setting the stage with his foreword so even novices will have a place to start and a few signposts to look for.
January 11, 2016
This book screams Till Lindemann. So, if you know Till you already know what kind of poems you're going to find here, but trust me you will be surprised. "On Quiet Nights" definitely exceeded my expectations!
I personally recommend the short poems, they are my favorite ones!
I personally recommend the short poems, they are my favorite ones!
April 23, 2017
I am not a big fan of poetry, but I am a big fan of Rammstein so I might be a bit biased. However, this collection of poems stands on its own in all its twisted glory. The writing is hard to judge since I don't speak German and have to rely on translations, but from what I gather it's pretty good. Very much in line with Rammstein lyrics (and similar topics, too). I enjoyed it a lot, some made me think, some made me laugh and all of them entertained me so I have nothing but praise for this book. Great read, highly recommended, especially for people who are already familiar with Till Lindemann.
December 2, 2022
Mixed feelings about this. Some of the poems were too vulgar for my taste. Some were exploring boundaries, limits of what I can enjoy, sth for which I commend Mr Lindemann, he really pushed the narrative. And some heart-rending pieces that tore me right open. A succesful book that managed to keep me interested all the way through.
November 15, 2015
[Review to come...]
August 18, 2017
Cudowna mieszanka erotyki, perwersji, strachu i refleksji nad przemijaniem. Wszystko to, co najlepsze u Tilla Lindemanna.
November 23, 2016
Уникален проект на вокалиста на Rammstein Тил Линдеман и художника Матиас Матис (сериозно, без неговите илюстрации книгата щеше да е непълна!). Знаехме, че Тил е вицеевропейски шампион за младежи по плуване, уредник на галерия, дърводелец, квалифициран пиротехник и плетач на кошници... но чак пък поет?
Еми защо пък не?! То така или иначе мало и голямо се юрна да стихоплетства (в някои случаи да стихоабортира, ама нейсе...), защо пък нашето момче да не пропише? Не че сума ти и текстове на Rammstein не са негово дело - въпрос на време беше да издаде собствена стихосбирка, па макар и 18+ (пак не е много изненадващо...).
Книжката се казва "В тихата нощ" ("In stillen Nächten"), но това не трябва да ви заблуждава. Тук няма да намерите коледни песнички, за сметка на това има култови стихове - ВНИМАНИЕ, 18+!!! Любителски превод, частичен:
Не знам дали това бижу ще се появи на български (най-вероятно не, като знаем генералната бъзливост на "издателските" ибрикчии), но ако ви попадне на руски, купете си го!
Еми защо пък не?! То така или иначе мало и голямо се юрна да стихоплетства (в някои случаи да стихоабортира, ама нейсе...), защо пък нашето момче да не пропише? Не че сума ти и текстове на Rammstein не са негово дело - въпрос на време беше да издаде собствена стихосбирка, па макар и 18+ (пак не е много изненадващо...).
Книжката се казва "В тихата нощ" ("In stillen Nächten"), но това не трябва да ви заблуждава. Тук няма да намерите коледни песнички, за сметка на това има култови стихове - ВНИМАНИЕ, 18+!!! Любителски превод, частичен:
Не знам дали това бижу ще се появи на български (най-вероятно не, като знаем генералната бъзливост на "издателските" ибрикчии), но ако ви попадне на руски, купете си го!
April 28, 2019
As the foreward rightly predicts, I came to this collection as a fan of Rammstein, and with fluent knowledge of Till's lyrics. Having such understanding is a great help in deciphering his poetry, which is of such amazing flavour. Mostly dark, often funny, yet always emotional on some level, this is an excellent compilation. I'm not sure how much is lost in the translation, although greater authority than my own assures of its faithfulness; I wish I knew German to read these poems as they were written.
October 13, 2021
Mon nouveau livre de chevet !
April 8, 2023
"It does really really good when someone understands your art."
Love yet heartbreak.
"I want to love but also live."
Sex is not romance.
"Now to choose which less is best, cold delight or hot distress."
Romance without reciprocation.
"Never seen her, nakedly the mistress of his fantasy."
Death... or is it life?
"You do not have to play with fire, If what you need is something warm."
The motifs of this journey are dark and sometimes sinister. With the overarching theme of a path well worn, a life deeply lived. While the depth is present, don't assume all joy or all heartache; lust and beauty are woven in leaving a relatable cadence of life, love, and death.
Lindemann pours emotion and meaning into these bite sized journeys. Each new title taking us on a lifetime of emotion through his reflection. These titles are an obvious pairing, showcasing the mountains of life: highs and lows, peaks and valleys, that make up the emotional journey we are all on.
Fordyce has done a phenomenal job of bringing Lindemann's German words and deep meanings to the English audience. Using rich phrasing to transplant meaning and rhythm, Fordyce was able to capture and share this work of art to a broader audience.
Love yet heartbreak.
"I want to love but also live."
Sex is not romance.
"Now to choose which less is best, cold delight or hot distress."
Romance without reciprocation.
"Never seen her, nakedly the mistress of his fantasy."
Death... or is it life?
"You do not have to play with fire, If what you need is something warm."
The motifs of this journey are dark and sometimes sinister. With the overarching theme of a path well worn, a life deeply lived. While the depth is present, don't assume all joy or all heartache; lust and beauty are woven in leaving a relatable cadence of life, love, and death.
Lindemann pours emotion and meaning into these bite sized journeys. Each new title taking us on a lifetime of emotion through his reflection. These titles are an obvious pairing, showcasing the mountains of life: highs and lows, peaks and valleys, that make up the emotional journey we are all on.
Fordyce has done a phenomenal job of bringing Lindemann's German words and deep meanings to the English audience. Using rich phrasing to transplant meaning and rhythm, Fordyce was able to capture and share this work of art to a broader audience.
October 30, 2024
Najbardziej kojąco brudna lektura jaką miałam przyjemność przyswajać wieczorami.
November 16, 2015
On Quiet Nights is the English translation of the poetry book In stillen Nachten written by Rammstein frontman Till Lindemann. Many of the poems are dark and disturbing, but he still had moments of light. The illustrations by Matthias Matthies certainly add to the dreariness of the poems. As a huge Till and Rammstein fan, I was glad to have been able to have read this book. Now I have to learn German so that I can read the original!
November 5, 2020
Coś pięknego.. po prostu.
Till Lindemann jest twórcą większości tekstów, które śpiewa w Rammstein, więc wydanie swojego tomiku poezji było czymś oczywistym. Prosty język, brutalność, seksualność, ciemne strony ludzkości, perwersja, samotność, ból, maksymalna szczerość. Zwieńczeniem są kontrowersyjne rysunki, tak bardzo komponujące się z tym co czytamy.
Za każdym przeczytanym razem, kocham coraz mocniej.
Till Lindemann jest twórcą większości tekstów, które śpiewa w Rammstein, więc wydanie swojego tomiku poezji było czymś oczywistym. Prosty język, brutalność, seksualność, ciemne strony ludzkości, perwersja, samotność, ból, maksymalna szczerość. Zwieńczeniem są kontrowersyjne rysunki, tak bardzo komponujące się z tym co czytamy.
Za każdym przeczytanym razem, kocham coraz mocniej.
December 16, 2019
I love this collection. This is the second time I’ve read it now and I intend to read it again soon. The only thing I dislike about this edition is that it only has the English translation. I would much prefer to have the original German verse alongside the English translation. If you’re a fan of dark poetry, I highly recommend.
January 15, 2016
While I am certain the original German version of this book has better meter and rhyme, the English translation is still magnificent poetry. As a hard-core Rammstein fan, I was not disappointed in the slighted. Till Lindemann is an artist who creates thought-provoking pieces every time.
June 27, 2022
Zawiodłam się bardzo. To w ogóle nie było zrobione ze smakiem. Nie mówię, że brutalność, nagość itp w poezji są złe, ale akurat tu zostało to nieciekawie zrobione. Zamiast zrozumieć autora zaczęłam go widzieć jako obrzydliwego mężczyznę, po prostu. Ale ilustracje były ciekawe.
April 4, 2016
Reads magically, like the perfect nacht stroll.
February 24, 2022
J’ai pris le livre au hasard parce que c’était de la poésie et j’ai été pas mal surprise. Il y’a des poèmes très doux et délicats, et d’autres très provocateurs. Ça change de la poésie classique :D
November 23, 2020
Eftersom jag uppskattar det tyska bandet Rammstein blev jag givetvis intresserad när jag blev varse om att deras frontman, Till Lindemann, även gett ut poesi, och att samlingen In stillen Nächten förra året kom ut på svenska i översättning av Carl-Michael Edenborg, Mikael Fant och Alexandra Nedstam.
Men hur är då Lindemanns poesi? Jag finner vid upprepade tillfället att jag önskar att jag kunnat läsa dikterna i original. Vissa dikter känns enormt träffsäkra och har en tyngd i sig, men i andra fall blir språket otympligt och syntaktiskt tillkrånglad på ett sätt som får mig att fundera kring översättningen. Är dessa otympligheter germanismer som följt med in i svenskan och där stör syntaxen, eller är det helt enkelt Lindemanns estetiska val att även i originalet göra detta (och har störningen i så fall samma effekt i de två olika språken)?
Med tanke på att samlingen har tre olika översättare är det frestande att misstänka att språkliga skillnader mellan olika dikter beror på vem som översatt dem, men eftersom det inte framgår vilken översättare som ansvarat för vilka dikter, eller om översättningen varit mer av ett konkret samarbete för den delen, blir det omöjligt fastslå något kring detta.
Det är ett klart plus att Matthias Matthies illustrationer från den tyska utgåvan även finns inkluderade här. Dessa underliga och fascinerande tuschteckningar bidrar till diktsamlingens övergripande stämning.
På det hela taget är det en intressant diktsamling.
Men hur är då Lindemanns poesi? Jag finner vid upprepade tillfället att jag önskar att jag kunnat läsa dikterna i original. Vissa dikter känns enormt träffsäkra och har en tyngd i sig, men i andra fall blir språket otympligt och syntaktiskt tillkrånglad på ett sätt som får mig att fundera kring översättningen. Är dessa otympligheter germanismer som följt med in i svenskan och där stör syntaxen, eller är det helt enkelt Lindemanns estetiska val att även i originalet göra detta (och har störningen i så fall samma effekt i de två olika språken)?
Med tanke på att samlingen har tre olika översättare är det frestande att misstänka att språkliga skillnader mellan olika dikter beror på vem som översatt dem, men eftersom det inte framgår vilken översättare som ansvarat för vilka dikter, eller om översättningen varit mer av ett konkret samarbete för den delen, blir det omöjligt fastslå något kring detta.
Det är ett klart plus att Matthias Matthies illustrationer från den tyska utgåvan även finns inkluderade här. Dessa underliga och fascinerande tuschteckningar bidrar till diktsamlingens övergripande stämning.
På det hela taget är det en intressant diktsamling.
November 15, 2025
„On Quiet Nights“ ме очарова още с първите редове. Това е втората книга на Линдеман, която чета, и отново откривам същата дълбочина и честност, която вече съм усетила в неговата поезия. Но тук има нещо различно - тишина, която говори повече от всяка крещяща сцена или провокативен текст на Rammstein. Това е Линдеман без маската на артиста, човекът зад образа, оголен и искрен.
Стихотворенията му са кратки, понякога едва няколко реда, те са сурови и директни, но в тази необработена честност се крие тяхната красота.
“It does really really good
when someone understands your art”
Два реда, но казват всичко. Колко често човек се стреми да бъде разбран, да усети, че усилията му, болката му, изкуството му имат значение? Линдеман го казва по толкова чист, директен начин, че не можеш да не се идентифицираш. Това е поезия, която разбира, не просто разказва.
„On Quiet Nights“ не е книга за всеки. Това не е лека поезия за разтоварване или красиво декорирани метафори. Това е книга за читатели, които търсят истина и честност, които не се страхуват от мрака и от емоциите си. Тя предлага интимен поглед към душата на човек, който живее между светлината и сенките, между страстта и разрушението, и превръща тези преживявания в думи.
Четенето на тази книга е като разговор с някой, който те разбира без да се налага да обясняваш.
December 2, 2017
I'm a fan of Rammstein's music but I'm not sure how I feel about this poetry collection.
Certain lines have that darkness that hides under the sheets and rolls around at your feet. Then other parts just a simple verse or rhyme from what would be recognised from one of Rammstein tunes.
The illustrations from Matthias Matthies are disturbingly pleasant and would love to hang them inside bathroom stalls around the world.
I recommend "On Quiet Nights" because it captures Lindemanns thoughts and desires within a small glance of darkness, rhyme and verse.
Certain lines have that darkness that hides under the sheets and rolls around at your feet. Then other parts just a simple verse or rhyme from what would be recognised from one of Rammstein tunes.
The illustrations from Matthias Matthies are disturbingly pleasant and would love to hang them inside bathroom stalls around the world.
I recommend "On Quiet Nights" because it captures Lindemanns thoughts and desires within a small glance of darkness, rhyme and verse.
August 17, 2024
Do żadnego innego dzieła literackiego nie wracam tak często, jak do tego zbioru wierszy.
Nigdy jeszcze nie doświadczyłam tak nagiego poczucia sedna ludzkiej egzystencji, jak przy tym tomiku. Lindemann pokazuje ludzkie ciało - członki, płyny, powłoki - oraz jego żądze; robi to w sposób balansujący na granicy codzienności i niezwykłości. Uwielbiam w szczególności te zwięzłe formy, gdzie przez zabawę językiem przekazuje to, co w człowieku najgorsze (a może najlepsze? wszystko zależy od interpretacji).
Nigdy jeszcze nie doświadczyłam tak nagiego poczucia sedna ludzkiej egzystencji, jak przy tym tomiku. Lindemann pokazuje ludzkie ciało - członki, płyny, powłoki - oraz jego żądze; robi to w sposób balansujący na granicy codzienności i niezwykłości. Uwielbiam w szczególności te zwięzłe formy, gdzie przez zabawę językiem przekazuje to, co w człowieku najgorsze (a może najlepsze? wszystko zależy od interpretacji).
October 31, 2022
reread; niezmiennie 7/10
December 31, 2022
Till Lindemann's writing style is more literal than what I prefer for poetry though I TOTALLY enjoyed peeking into the mind of one of my favorite band's frontman.
April 24, 2024
Une bonne expérience 🤘🏻
On y retrouve la pate de l'artiste et certaine paroles qui finiront dans ses chansons
On y retrouve la pate de l'artiste et certaine paroles qui finiront dans ses chansons
October 15, 2013
Man kann Till Lindemann viel unterstellen - aber sicher keine mangelnde Phantasie. Was er in "Rammstein" laut und düster ins Mikrophon spricht, brüllt und singt, das kritzelt er "in stillen Nächten" auf das Papier: Gedichte, wie wir sie von ihm erwarten.
Zweizeiler in Prosa. Viele Zeilen in (beinahe) gereimter Form. Worte, die sich zu einem Bild verbinden, das wir nur schwer wieder aus dem Kopf bekommen - und noch schwerer aus unsere Händen. Denn selbst, wenn man nicht sofort Gefallen an diesem Buch findet, man liest es doch beinahe in einem durch.
Dieses Buch ist allen zu empfehlen, die Lyrik auch außerhalb verstaubter Regale und kleiner gelber Bücher lesen wollen. Nicht jede Zeile trifft jeden Geschmack - oft lässt sie diesen sogar gänzlich vermissen - aber einige davon zeigen ein Potenzial, das Lindemann auf der Bühne längst entfaltet hat.
Zweizeiler in Prosa. Viele Zeilen in (beinahe) gereimter Form. Worte, die sich zu einem Bild verbinden, das wir nur schwer wieder aus dem Kopf bekommen - und noch schwerer aus unsere Händen. Denn selbst, wenn man nicht sofort Gefallen an diesem Buch findet, man liest es doch beinahe in einem durch.
Dieses Buch ist allen zu empfehlen, die Lyrik auch außerhalb verstaubter Regale und kleiner gelber Bücher lesen wollen. Nicht jede Zeile trifft jeden Geschmack - oft lässt sie diesen sogar gänzlich vermissen - aber einige davon zeigen ein Potenzial, das Lindemann auf der Bühne längst entfaltet hat.
April 13, 2020
Who cannot love the lines "like dandelions in the rain / they stare with eyes a gold champagne". That comes from my favorite poem here "True joy." IMO, Lindemann's words and compositions were not unlike what I've read by Tim Burton (but more carnal, obviously).
Honorable mentions:
"Meaning"
"At Sea"
"Fresh snow"
"Sweat"
Honorable mentions:
"Meaning"
"At Sea"
"Fresh snow"
"Sweat"
August 8, 2016
My first poetry book, I found it too be pretty cool but was by Till Lindemann and he is awesome so I might be slightly bias.
It is very adult in content and the illustrations also are some of the weirdest I have seen.
I found it an excellent introduction to poetry and am glad I gave it a go.
It is very adult in content and the illustrations also are some of the weirdest I have seen.
I found it an excellent introduction to poetry and am glad I gave it a go.
March 14, 2017
wow loss of words
June 11, 2017
Verrassend en vaak grappig of een beetje beangstigend. Maar niet mijn lievelingpoëzie. Ik las het meer als spielerei dan als een dichtbundel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews