Charles Amberg, born Karl Amberg in 1894 near Bonn, Germany, was a prolific lyricist and composer during the 1920s and 1930s. Despite not being widely recognized today, Amberg contributed significantly to the world of operetta and Schlager music, collaborating with notable figures such as Nico Dostal and Fred Raymond. Among his famous works are the songs "Ich reiß’ mir eine Wimper aus (und stech’ dich damit tot)" and "Mein Bruder macht beim Tonfilm die Geräusche," as well as the operetta "Clivia" (1933).

Amberg's career flourished in Berlin, where he wrote over 400 songs, numerous revues, operettas, screenplays, and film songs. His collaborations included working with legendary artists like Hans Albers, Johannes Heesters, and the Comedian Harmonists. Despite his success, Amberg's life took a tragic turn when he was detained in the Neuengamme concentration camp in 1944, although he was neither politically active nor Jewish. He was released but died of cancer in Berlin in 1946.

Rumors about Amberg's homosexuality have persisted, partly due to his association with songs like "Ich reiß’ mir eine Wimper aus," considered a homosexual anthem. Josef Niesen's biography, "Gib mir den letzten Abschiedskuss," explores Amberg's life from this perspective, providing a detailed account of his career and personal challenges, including his time in the concentration camp. Despite the limited personal information available, Niesen's work aims to shed light on Amberg's contributions and the complexities of his life.