Wilco — Impossible Germany
Album: Sky Blue SkyAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2229
Length: 5:51
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Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I'll say what this means to me
I'll do what I can
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
The fundamental problem
I need to face "This is important."
But I know you're not listening
I know you're not listening
This is still new to me
I wouldn't understand
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
This is what love is for
To be at a place
Gorgeous and alone
And face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
And nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
Oh I know you'll be listening
Unlikely Japan
Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I'll say what this means to me
I'll do what I can
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
The fundamental problem
I need to face "This is important."
But I know you're not listening
I know you're not listening
This is still new to me
I wouldn't understand
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
This is what love is for
To be at a place
Gorgeous and alone
And face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
And nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
Oh I know you'll be listening
Comments (365)add comment
Song about WWII??
One of the prettiest guitar solos…
I don't understand their intention with this lyrics, really. First row is understood, but second? Never, to me! Zendo!
Incredibly voiced guitar solo, wonderfully abstracted somehow starkly relevant & visionary lyric, just amazing. Beautiful track by a lovely American band. Go Wilco! Love the new album Cruel Country.
Impossible music.
Mattan wrote:
Get out..!!
I thought of this:
Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.
Gary Lineker
Get out..!!
Fantastic stuff.
Blows yer mind.
Blows yer mind.
I was about to feed the fish, but they will have to wait for another five minutes.
This is a great song to start my day with!
Sounds like Television! Which I love
I thought of this:
Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.
Gary Lineker
Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.
Gary Lineker
A gentle, unhurried calm.
swtobias508 wrote:
Today, the next song if for you.
Beautiful song. I saw them a couple of weeks ago. I had to go solo since no one I know has heard of them. This song was the highlight of the night. Didn't mind going solo at all (might I need new freinds?).
Today, the next song if for you.
ShaunJ wrote:
The lyrics are as meandering as the guitar. Must have been an off day at the Wilco studio
Oh, to totally miss the point and the beauty.
ger-man wrote:
I'm not sure exactly, though the song feels more about an actual love dealing with Tweedy's travels and his wife so far away than anything WWII related. Must be a metaphor though, right?
Still a 9 for me, Long Live RP!#
What does the title of this song mean in context to the words? Can any native speaker explain it to me, aks a german.
Greetings from Bavaria to all the listerners outside
Greetings from Bavaria to all the listerners outside
I'm not sure exactly, though the song feels more about an actual love dealing with Tweedy's travels and his wife so far away than anything WWII related. Must be a metaphor though, right?
Still a 9 for me, Long Live RP!#
lemmoth wrote:
Yeah , Nice work on the Jazz Master.
Nels is brilliant
Yeah , Nice work on the Jazz Master.
What does the title of this song mean in context to the words? Can any native speaker explain it to me, aks a german.
Greetings from Bavaria to all the listerners outside
Greetings from Bavaria to all the listerners outside
I think I know why they're not listening.
Impossible Wilco.
Boring.
Boring.
Beautiful song.
I saw them a couple of weeks ago. I had to go solo since no one I know has heard of them. This song was the highlight of the night. Didn't mind going solo at all (might I need new freinds?).
ddog wrote:
I'd be down with that...I even went +1, calling this a solid 9...that guitar work is pretty cool...LLRP!!
It'd be nice if this song was played more than once a month!
I'd be down with that...I even went +1, calling this a solid 9...that guitar work is pretty cool...LLRP!!
123heyaho! wrote:
It's up to you to decide.
I think it's about 2 very different people from vastly different places coming together and finding peace.
What is he talking about?
It's up to you to decide.
I think it's about 2 very different people from vastly different places coming together and finding peace.
idiot_wind wrote:
Yes, it does have a Wishbone Ash sound. I was trying to place it. THANKS!!
is there is a Wishbone Ash "sound" or hooks in this song?
Yes, it does have a Wishbone Ash sound. I was trying to place it. THANKS!!
one of my favorite songs! even better live.
ooops.
WHOOPSY Tweedy ~
WHOOPSY Tweedy ~
What is he talking about?
pankman wrote:
Spot on
The guitar (and the whole song) is so 1971-Fleetwood Mac.
Spot on
I give this one a 10 because on the live version, Nels Cline plays this solo at a 10. Or 11 if you are Nigel
F1 hybrid song
The guitar (and the whole song) is so 1971-Fleetwood Mac.
twoplain2sea wrote:
70 years ago Germany had a vision we didn't like. Today history seems to be repeated but now in an inverted reality.
a come-on from the phores seen on Ave!
nue eye du Clair kampfer
there were times like be wise, and girls sound sucha camp ort, heal till yea,
nue eye du Clair kampfer
there were times like be wise, and girls sound sucha camp ort, heal till yea,
70 years ago Germany had a vision we didn't like. Today history seems to be repeated but now in an inverted reality.
It'd be nice if this song was played more than once a month!
a come-on from the phores seen on Ave!
nue eye du Clair kampfer
there were times like be wise, and girls sound sucha camp ort, heal till yea,
nue eye du Clair kampfer
there were times like be wise, and girls sound sucha camp ort, heal till yea,
lasker98 wrote:
Gotta agree about the guitar work !
Just an amazing song with incredible guitar playing.
Gotta agree about the guitar work !
Just an amazing song with incredible guitar playing.
two wilco songs in the last few hours, Bill must be a big fan to choose the same band twice in a short period of time. I like them better live.
mfcrowe wrote:
This is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
What else needs to be said on a Tuesday morning?
This is my favorite Wilco song. When they hit the bridge I want to light up. What will RP follow this song with? Rating: 10.1
Unmöglich Deutschland!
To me the guitar sounds like John Cipollina ... RIP.
hints of Tom Verlaine in the guitar style...nice.
Just saw Wilco at Red Rocks. 3rd row, right in front of Nels... Mind blowing.
It's outstanding all right, but I have to raise it to 10!
Its really imposible
The guitar solo on the live version of this song is outstanding. Takes the studio version and adds crazy energy and urgency to it
Of all the music i've found here in RP, this one has to be in my Top Ten ever
very nice song!!
ShaunJ wrote:
The lyrics are as meandering as the guitar. Must have been an off day at the Wilco studio
The lyrics are as meandering as the guitar. Must have been an off day at the Wilco studio
If only others could have off days like this!
If you've never seen this performed live in front of an appreciative crowd, you're missing out.
is there is a Wishbone Ash "sound" or hooks in this song?
Such beautiful, lyrical guitar playing!
very cool song
If you catch them on a good night, and there is a vibe going around in the crowd, they can kick ass doing a live version of it.
But I don't think they tour much any more..playing RnR.
But I don't think they tour much any more..playing RnR.
Sorry - 3 only. It just jars
ScottishWillie wrote:
The lyrics are as meandering as the guitar. Must have been an off day at the Wilco studio
“Meandering guitar”. Perfect way to describe it
The lyrics are as meandering as the guitar. Must have been an off day at the Wilco studio
Nels is brilliant
This is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
What else needs to be said on a Tuesday morning?
Sasha2001 wrote:
I love the way that guitar meanders.
“Meandering guitar”. Perfect way to describe it
Reminds me of Marquee Moon.
The Blues as told by Wilco....
Impossible Wilco 
palatin8 wrote:
In my opinion, the lyrics don't seem to have concrete meaning, unlike some other Wilco songs. They could be just a collection of words and thoughts that somehow go together and rhyme. Maybe Tweedy was just thinking about touring Germany & Japan?
In my opinion, the lyrics don't seem to have concrete meaning, unlike some other Wilco songs. They could be just a collection of words and thoughts that somehow go together and rhyme. Maybe Tweedy was just thinking about touring Germany & Japan?
Tell me, Wilco, where´s your new car coming from? Now we know what´s impossible, and what´s unlikely, is it from Korea? This I posted elsewhere, just kidding.
Not a native English speaker, I was wondering about the song´s lyrics for some time. Now I think it´s all about empathy - with a person or a country. If you´re out of your own environment, alone, and face to face, and you start to look and listen, you will recognize things and individuals in a different way. Am I completely wrong about the song´s meaning?
Lyrics again:
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I'll say what this means to me
I'll do what I can
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Fundamental problem
All need to face
This is important
But I know you're not listening
No, I know you're not listening
This was still new to me
I wouldn't understand
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
This is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
Now, I know you'll be listening
Not a native English speaker, I was wondering about the song´s lyrics for some time. Now I think it´s all about empathy - with a person or a country. If you´re out of your own environment, alone, and face to face, and you start to look and listen, you will recognize things and individuals in a different way. Am I completely wrong about the song´s meaning?
Lyrics again:
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I'll say what this means to me
I'll do what I can
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Fundamental problem
All need to face
This is important
But I know you're not listening
No, I know you're not listening
This was still new to me
I wouldn't understand
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
This is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
Now, I know you'll be listening
Art of Almost isn´t on the playlist yet, I regret.
JeffGuyett wrote:
Almost. (I get stuff, sometimes
)
JeffGuyett wrote:
Almost. (I get stuff, sometimes
)Tell me, Wilco, where´s your new car coming from? Now we know what´s impossible, and what´s unlikely, is it from Korea? This I posted elsewhere, just kidding.
Not a native English speaker, I was wondering about the song´s lyrics for some time. Now I think it´s all about empathy - with a person or a country. If you´re out of your own environment, alone, and face to face, and you start to look and listen, you will recognize things and individuals in a different way. Am I completely wrong about the song´s meaning?
Lyrics again:
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I'll say what this means to me
I'll do what I can
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Fundamental problem
All need to face
This is important
But I know you're not listening
No, I know you're not listening
This was still new to me
I wouldn't understand
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
This is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
Now, I know you'll be listening
Not a native English speaker, I was wondering about the song´s lyrics for some time. Now I think it´s all about empathy - with a person or a country. If you´re out of your own environment, alone, and face to face, and you start to look and listen, you will recognize things and individuals in a different way. Am I completely wrong about the song´s meaning?
Lyrics again:
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Wherever you go
Wherever you land
I'll say what this means to me
I'll do what I can
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
Fundamental problem
All need to face
This is important
But I know you're not listening
No, I know you're not listening
This was still new to me
I wouldn't understand
Impossible Germany
Unlikely Japan
This is what love is for
To be out of place
Gorgeous and alone
Face to face
With no larger problems
That need to be erased
Nothing more important
Than to know someone's listening
Now, I know you'll be listening
Lazarus wrote:
This song is ho-hum...
I've been curious for awhile. Who made you God?
This song is ho-hum...
I've been curious for awhile. Who made you God?
Larrygrrl wrote:
I am here to tell you that it is not and seeing how their music is absolutely not related in any way shape or form, do not see how anyone could make that assumption.
I have a theory that Wilco only appeals to those who enjoy The Grateful Dead. Is this true? I, however, do not, so PSD >>
I am here to tell you that it is not and seeing how their music is absolutely not related in any way shape or form, do not see how anyone could make that assumption.
I have a theory that Wilco only appeals to those who enjoy The Grateful Dead. Is this true? I, however, do not, so PSD >>
Siljanus wrote:
Odd, I was hearing some Steely Dan in there, especially the Larry Carlton tracks. Thanks for the validation!
This song channels the great rock bands of the 70s which weren't afraid to just let the guitar do the talking and wander a bit in a nice solo. Thanks Radio Paradise!
Odd, I was hearing some Steely Dan in there, especially the Larry Carlton tracks. Thanks for the validation!
Such a cool song, from a landmark album. Great to hear it, as always. The voice, the guitar. Thanks, RP, for the Soundtrack of Our Lives!
pousso wrote:
Me too - a strong 11. Especially when performed live!
deepwoodskev wrote:
Me too - a strong 11. Especially when performed live!
deepwoodskev wrote:
This song is simply magical when performed live.
This song channels the great rock bands of the 70s which weren't afraid to just let the guitar do the talking and wander a bit in a nice solo. Thanks Radio Paradise!
Really a great song! Sometimes I hear the Allmann Brothers or Wishbone Ash?!
Ditto what Bricobet said. I love the way that guitar meanders. Nobodies tellin that guitar to mosy.
absolute perfection...
Brilliant song
kingart wrote:
B-O-O-R
S-N-O-R-E.
B-O-O-R
Watched them play this on Sunday in Nashville. Thanks for the remembory.
Great Song, Great Album!
S-N-O-R-E.
This song is ho-hum...
palatin8 wrote:
Almost. (I get stuff, sometimes )
Godlike (almost ... art of)
Almost. (I get stuff, sometimes
)Brilliant.
And as it turns out, I saw this cover when out for a walk two days ago
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/8674986/Starlings-dazzle-with-sunset-show
And as it turns out, I saw this cover when out for a walk two days ago
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/8674986/Starlings-dazzle-with-sunset-show
Splendid guitar work after midpoint makes it an 8 for me!
A great song from an underrated album.
It reminds me of the critics bashing Miles Davis's Kind of Blue for being too lethargic.
It reminds me of the critics bashing Miles Davis's Kind of Blue for being too lethargic.
Godlike (almost ... art of)
The guitar work reminds me of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Bumped it to an 8 simply for the guitar work alone! 
I don't often (ever?) say this but reading the comments here, it's hard to believe this song is «only» getting a 7.5 rating.
Nice song!
First time I've heard this..I like what they're doing with the guitar riffs..unusual
Biscobret wrote:
Me too - a strong 11. Especially when performed live!
11. My rating is an 11.
Me too - a strong 11. Especially when performed live!
I'm no music critic, but I can say that this is one of the most moving songs I know of.
This song is simply magical when performed live.
This has no business being rated less than a 10. Way up there as one of the best pop songs ever written, in my books.
Germany and Japan - the unlikely allies - what a great metaphor for a love song…
Germany and Japan - the unlikely allies - what a great metaphor for a love song…
11. My rating is an 11.
kendyce wrote:
Totally kidding, right?
why do i have to wait til the end of the song to hear the guitar solo? annoying
Totally kidding, right?
why do i have to wait til the end of the song to hear the guitar solo? annoying
I heard the Allmans here too - but then I hear the Allmans in almost all music 
ziakut wrote:
Totally agree! Saw them do this song live once, and it was incredible! Nels Cline was amazing to watch. The swirling guitar in the latter half of this tune was ten times as good as it is on the album (and I thought it was great on the album).
Possibly one of the best Wilco songs in existence. It has an unhurried lack of pretentiousness and calm vocal...the way Jeff Tweedy does best. Nice tune all the way around.
Totally agree! Saw them do this song live once, and it was incredible! Nels Cline was amazing to watch. The swirling guitar in the latter half of this tune was ten times as good as it is on the album (and I thought it was great on the album).
Indeed, very Television-ish.
Not usually a big fan of Wilco, but this isn't bad.
Also, I did order Anodyne the other day.
Possibly one of the best Wilco songs in existence. It has an unhurried lack of pretentiousness and calm vocal...the way Jeff Tweedy does best. Nice tune all the way around.
calypsus_1 wrote:
Wilco - Impossible Germany, Live:
Bummmmmmpppp
Wilco - Impossible Germany, Live:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmI7SiLe4Vw
Extended version, guitar solo and coments of Jeff Tweddy.
" "If this is what love is for... to be out of place" Wilco has picked up the mantel of The Dead/Phish and Widespread. Long live the king. " Gansecki123
Bummmmmmpppp
sirdroseph wrote:
I agree. This tune and Jesus Etc. are my favorite Wilco tracks and I'm not a big Wilco fan.
You know what it is really strange is I am hearing shades of Steely Dan in this even though I usually would not associate Wilco with The Dan at all. There is no higher compliment!
I agree. This tune and Jesus Etc. are my favorite Wilco tracks and I'm not a big Wilco fan.
Having been an Allmans B.B. for years I listened with admiration on this excellent track, the irony is that one of my all time favourites of the A.B.B. is called ''BLUE SKY'' 
just close the eyes and listen............one of the best bands of all time, at their peak....Thanks for playing a lot of the new album too Bill!
heard them do this live 3 times...never gets old
impossible for a German not to like this :-)
by the way: I own this record from when it came out, and listen to it frequently. but today for the first time i discovered some striking similarities to early Wishbone Ash... funny i did never notice this before xD
by the way: I own this record from when it came out, and listen to it frequently. but today for the first time i discovered some striking similarities to early Wishbone Ash... funny i did never notice this before xD
Godlike is Right
Incredible live.
I think this is the best CD from the current lineup!
not many new songs with this type of song development. sublime.
Nice guitar work
Great great tune. And a fantastic solo from Nels Cline .
naqutn1 wrote:
Or in my case, a Monday morning!
Thank you RP! This is a great song to start my weekend too!
Or in my case, a Monday morning!
Thank you RP! This is a great song to start my weekend too!
Nice!
You know what it is really strange is I am hearing shades of Steely Dan in this even though I usually would not associate Wilco with The Dan at all. There is no higher compliment!
musica semplicemente gradevole
ALL RIGHT, RP! This is the best set of solid numbers I have had the good fortune to be typing to in a long time! You have saved my ear-life tonight! I am eternally grateful!
Out in these here hinterlands. The birthplace for Wilco, Son Volt, and Uncle Tupelo.