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Wilco — Impossible Germany
Album: Sky Blue Sky
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2116









Released: 2007
Length: 5:51
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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
Comments (361)add comment
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:

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.
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
A gentle, unhurried calm. 
 swtobias508 wrote:

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:
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
 
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:
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
I think I know why they're not listening.
Impossible Wilco.
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:
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:
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:
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 ~
What is he talking about?
 pankman wrote:
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:
   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,

 
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,


 lasker98 wrote:
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?  



 
{#Bounce}
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  
 

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.   
Sorry - 3 only. It just jars
 ScottishWillie wrote:

“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 {#Yawn}
 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?
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

 


Art of Almost isn´t on the playlist yet, I regret.

JeffGuyett wrote:

Almost. (I get stuff, sometimes {#Wink} )

 




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
 Lazarus wrote:

This song is ho-hum...

 
I've been curious for awhile.  Who made you God?
 
 Larrygrrl wrote:
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.{#Stupid}
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:
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:
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:
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:
Godlike (almost ... art of)

 
Almost. (I get stuff, sometimes {#Wink} )
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 
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.
Godlike (almost ... art of)
The guitar work reminds me of Quicksilver Messenger Service.
Bumped it to an 8 simply for the guitar work alone!    {#Bananajam}
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:
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…
11.  My rating is an 11.
 kendyce wrote:
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 {#Hug}
 ziakut wrote:
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:
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:
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!{#Clap}
 
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'' {#Yes}

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

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:
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!{#Clap}
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!{#Hearteyes}{#Yes}{#Notworthy}
Just a great song.

Wilco - Impossible Germany, Live

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



 pauleywalnuts wrote:

Agreed! {#Yes}
 



Agreed!!!!

Wilco by The Boy With The Blues
https://www.flickr.com/photos/guitarreos/

Una banda espectacular, con un sonido casi perfecto y un directo tan genial que te transportará a un mundo mejor durante un par de horas.

Letras preciosas, mejores melodías...

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