Nazi songs
Encyclopedia
Nazi songs deals with songs that were written for the Nazi Party (NSDAP) in Germany.
Some songs which are much older than the post-World War I
Nazi movement, and which were used by the Nazis, are often confused with Nazi songs; this observation applies above all to Das Lied der Deutschen
, which was written in 1841. It was made the national anthem of democratic Germany in 1922, but after 1930 the Nazis commonly appended the Horst-Wessel-Lied to it. Also, the song Die Wacht am Rhein
, which is famous from a scene of the 1941 movie Casablanca
, was at that time almost 100 years old.
In modern Federal Republic of Germany
, public singing or performing of songs identified exclusively with Nazi Germany
is illegal (§86a Strafgesetzbuch
) and can be punished with up to 3 years of imprisonment.
The Horst-Wessel-Lied
, also known as Die Fahne Hoch
, was the official anthem of the NSDAP. The song was written by Horst Wessel
, a Nazi activist and SA
leader, who was killed by a member of the Communist Party of Germany
and subsequently considered a martyr by his National Socialist comrades.
The song is currently banned in Germany (the lyrics and even the melody itself).
The original song's refrain was "Denn heute, da hört uns Deutschland und morgen die ganze Welt" (for today, Germany hears us and tomorrow, the whole world). This was altered later to "Denn heute gehört uns Deutschland..", meaning "For today, Germany is ours..".
Another variation in the first stanza reads "Es zittern die morschen Knochen der Welt vor dem roten Krieg", meaning "The rotten bones of the world are shaking before the red war".
MP3 of first three stanzas
.
Rough English translation:
Another song by Kleo Pleyer:
Some songs which are much older than the post-World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
Nazi movement, and which were used by the Nazis, are often confused with Nazi songs; this observation applies above all to Das Lied der Deutschen
Das Lied der Deutschen
The "'" , has been used wholly or partially as the national anthem of Germany since 1922. The music was written by Joseph Haydn in 1797 as an anthem for the birthday of the Austrian Emperor Francis II of the Holy Roman Empire...
, which was written in 1841. It was made the national anthem of democratic Germany in 1922, but after 1930 the Nazis commonly appended the Horst-Wessel-Lied to it. Also, the song Die Wacht am Rhein
Die Wacht am Rhein
"Die Wacht am Rhein" is a German patriotic anthem. The song's origins are rooted in historical conflicts with France, and it was particularly popular in Germany during the Franco-Prussian War and the First World War....
, which is famous from a scene of the 1941 movie Casablanca
Casablanca (film)
Casablanca is a 1942 American romantic drama film directed by Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid, and featuring Claude Rains, Conrad Veidt, Sydney Greenstreet, Peter Lorre and Dooley Wilson. Set during World War II, it focuses on a man torn between, in...
, was at that time almost 100 years old.
In modern Federal Republic of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, public singing or performing of songs identified exclusively with Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany
Nazi Germany , also known as the Third Reich , but officially called German Reich from 1933 to 1943 and Greater German Reich from 26 June 1943 onward, is the name commonly used to refer to the state of Germany from 1933 to 1945, when it was a totalitarian dictatorship ruled by...
is illegal (§86a Strafgesetzbuch
Strafgesetzbuch
Strafgesetzbuch is the German name for Penal Code and is abbreviated to StGB.- History :In Germany the Strafgesetzbuch goes back to the Penal Code of the German Empire passed in the year 1871 which was largely identical to the Penal Code of the North German Confederation.This Reichsstrafgesetzbuch ...
) and can be punished with up to 3 years of imprisonment.
Horst-Wessel-Song
The Horst-Wessel-Lied
Horst-Wessel-Lied
The Horst-Wessel-Lied , also known as Die Fahne hoch from its opening line, was the anthem of the Nazi Party from 1930 to 1945...
, also known as Die Fahne Hoch
Horst-Wessel-Lied
The Horst-Wessel-Lied , also known as Die Fahne hoch from its opening line, was the anthem of the Nazi Party from 1930 to 1945...
, was the official anthem of the NSDAP. The song was written by Horst Wessel
Horst Wessel
Horst Ludwig Wessel was a German Nazi activist who was made a posthumous hero of the Nazi movement following his violent death in 1930...
, a Nazi activist and SA
Sturmabteilung
The Sturmabteilung functioned as a paramilitary organization of the National Socialist German Workers' Party . It played a key role in Adolf Hitler's rise to power in the 1920s and 1930s...
leader, who was killed by a member of the Communist Party of Germany
Communist Party of Germany
The Communist Party of Germany was a major political party in Germany between 1918 and 1933, and a minor party in West Germany in the postwar period until it was banned in 1956...
and subsequently considered a martyr by his National Socialist comrades.
The song is currently banned in Germany (the lyrics and even the melody itself).
Es zittern die morschen Knochen
Es zittern die morschen Knochen "The rotten bones are trembling" by Hans Baumann was, after the Horst-Wessel-Lied, one of the most famous Nazi songs. It was the official song of the Hitler Youth: hence the occasional attacks on the elderly in the song. Many Germans know the quote "Heute gehört uns Deutschland und morgen die ganze Welt", but few know the song as a whole.The original song's refrain was "Denn heute, da hört uns Deutschland und morgen die ganze Welt" (for today, Germany hears us and tomorrow, the whole world). This was altered later to "Denn heute gehört uns Deutschland..", meaning "For today, Germany is ours..".
Another variation in the first stanza reads "Es zittern die morschen Knochen der Welt vor dem roten Krieg", meaning "The rotten bones of the world are shaking before the red war".
| German lyrics | Approximate translation note: translation is inaccurate and does not match up line-by-line |
|---|---|
| First stanza | |
Es zittern die morschen Knochen, Der Welt vor dem großen Krieg, Wir haben den Schrecken gebrochen, Für uns war's ein großer Sieg. |
The rotten bones are trembling, Of the World before the War. We have smashed this terror, For us a great victory. |
| Refrain | |
Wir werden weiter marschieren Wenn alles in Scherben fällt, Denn heute da hört uns Deutschland Und morgen die ganze Welt. |
We will continue to march, Even if everything shatters; Because today Germany hears us, And tomorrow, the whole World. |
| Second stanza | |
Und liegt vom Kampfe in Trümmern Die ganze Welt zuhauf, Das soll uns den Teufel kümmern, Wir bauen sie wieder auf. refrain |
And because of the Great War The World lies in ruins, But we don't care; We build it up again. refrain |
| Third stanza | |
Und mögen die Alten auch schelten, So laßt sie nur toben und schrei'n, Und stemmen sich gegen uns Welten, Wir werden doch Sieger sein. refrain |
And the elders may chide, So just let them scream and cry, And if the World decides to fight us, We will still be the victors. refrain |
| Fourth stanza | |
Sie wollen das Lied nicht begreifen, Sie denken an Knechtschaft und Krieg Derweil unsre Äcker reifen, Du Fahne der Freiheit, flieg! |
They don't want to understand this song, They think of slavery and war. Meanwhile our acres ripen, Flag of freedom, fly! |
| Fourth stanza refrain | |
Wir werden weiter marschieren, Wenn alles in Scherben fällt; Die Freiheit stand auf in Deutschland Und morgen gehört ihr die Welt. |
We will continue march, Even if everything shatters; Freedom rose in Germany, And tomorrow the world belongs to it. |
MP3 of first three stanzas
Deutschland erwache
Deutschland erwache "Germany Awake" was another song favoured by the Nazis:| German lyrics | Approximate translation |
|---|---|
| First stanza | |
Deutschland erwache aus deinem bösen Traum! Gib fremden Juden in deinem Reich nicht Raum! Wir wollen kämpfen für dein Auferstehn Arisches Blut soll nicht untergehen! |
Germany awake from your nightmare! Give foreign Jews no place in your Empire! We will fight for your resurgence! Aryan blood shall never perish! |
| Second stanza | |
All diese Heuchler, wir werfen sie hinaus, Juda entweiche aus unserm deutschen Haus! Ist erst die Scholle gesäubert und rein, Werden wir einig und glücklich sein! |
All these hypocrites, we throw them out, Judea leave our German house! If the native soil is clean and pure, we united and happy will be! |
| Third stanza | |
Wir sind die Kämpfer der N.S.D.A.P. Treudeutsch im Herzen, im Kampfe fest und zäh. Dem Hakenkreuze ergeben sind wir. Heil unserm Führer, Heil Hitler dir! |
We are the fighters of the NSDAP True Germans in heart, firm and tough in our Struggle To the Swastika, devoted are we Hail our Leader, Hail Hitler to thee! |
Combat songs
The battle song of the Nazi Party was the Kampflied der Nationalsozialisten by Kleo PleyerKleo Pleyer
Kleo Pleyer was a Nazi politician and academic .He was married to Luithgard Pleyer with 7 children....
.
Kampflied der Nationalsozialisten (Nazi Combat Song)
Sample:- Wir sind das Heer vom Hakenkreuz,
- Hebt hoch die roten Fahnen!
- Der deutschen Arbeit wollen wir,
- Den Weg zur Freiheit bahnen!
Rough English translation:
- We are the army of the swastika,
- Raise high the red Flags!
- For the German labour we want
- to clear the path to freedom!
Another song by Kleo Pleyer:
- Wir Nationalen Sozialisten,
- Wir wollen keine Reaktion
- Wir hassen Juden und Marxisten
- Ein Hoch der deutschen Revolution
- Drum Bruder auf die Barrikaden!
- Der Führer ruft, so folget gleich
- Die Reaktion hat ihn verraten,
- Und dennoch kommit das Dritte Reich!
- We National Socialists
- Want no reaction (no ReactionariesReactionaryThe term reactionary refers to viewpoints that seek to return to a previous state in a society. The term is meant to describe one end of a political spectrum whose opposite pole is "radical". While it has not been generally considered a term of praise it has been adopted as a self-description by...
) - We hate Jews and Marxists
- Long live the German Revolution!
- Onward, brothers, to the barricades!
- The Führer calls, follow him now!
- Reaction has betrayed him
- But the Third Reich comes nevertheless.
Blut muss fließen
This was an SA combat song based on "Das Heckerlied", a song from the German revolution of 1848 used originally by left wing democrats.- Wetzt die langen Messer auf dem Bürgersteig,
- laßt die Messer flutschen in den Judenleib.
- Blut muss fließen knüppelhageldick
- und wir scheißen auf die Freiheit dieser Judenrepublik.
- Zerrt die Konkubine aus dem Fürstenbett,
- schmiert die Guillotine mit dem Judenfett.
- Blut muss fließen knüppelhageldick
- und wir scheißen auf die Freiheit dieser Judenrepublik.
- In die Synagoge hängt ein schwarzes Schwein,
- in die Parlamente schmeißt die Handgranaten rein.
- Blut muss fließen knüppelhageldick
- und wir scheißen auf die Freiheit dieser Judenrepublik.
- Sharpen the long knives on the pavement,
- let the knives stab into the Jews body.
- Blood must flow extreme extensive
- and we shit on the freedom of this Jews Republic.
- Tug the concubine out of the rulers bed,
- grease the guillotine with the Jews fat.
- Blood must flow extreme extensive
- and we shit on the freedom of this Jews Republic.
- There's a black pig hanging in the synagogoue,
- throw the grenades into the parliaments.
- Blood must flow extreme extensive
- and we shit on the freedom of this Jewish Republic.
Sieg Heil Viktoria
A popular marching song of the Nazi period, which was attributed to the SS (Schutzstaffel)- Ade, mein liebes Schätzelein,
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Es muß, es muß geschieden sein
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Es geht um Deutschlands Gloria,
- Gloria, Gloria,
- Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Viktoria
- Sieg Heil! Viktoria!
- Good-bye, my sweet darling,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- It has, It has to be parted
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- It is about Germany's Glory,
- Glory, Glory,
- Hail Victory! Hail Victory! Victory!
- Hail Victory! Victory!
- Visier und Ziel sind eingestellt
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Auf Stalin, Churchill, Roosevelt,
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Es geht um Deutschlands Gloria,
- Gloria, Gloria,
- Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Viktoria
- Sieg Heil! Viktoria!
- Sight and target are adjusted,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- To Stalin, Churchill, Roosevelt,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- It is about Germany's Glory,
- Glory, Glory,
- Hail Victory! Hail Victory! Victory!
- Hail Victory! Victory!
- Wir ruhen und wir rasten nicht
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Bis daß die Satansbrut zerbricht,
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Es geht um Deutschlands Gloria,
- Gloria, Gloria,
- Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Viktoria
- Sieg Heil! Viktoria!
- We don't rest or stop,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- Until the spawn of Satan breaks,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- It is about Germany's Glory,
- Glory, Glory,
- Hail Victory! Hail Victory! Victory!
- Hail Victory! Victory!
- Reich mir die Hand zum Scheidegruß
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Und deinen Mund zum Abschiedskuß
- Ade, ade, ade,
- Es geht um Deutschlands Gloria
- Gloria, Gloria,
- Sieg Heil! Sieg Heil! Viktoria
- Sieg Heil! Viktoria!
- Give me your hand for the parting greeting,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- And your mouth for the parting kiss,
- good-bye, good-bye, good-bye,
- It is about Germany's Glory,
- Glory, Glory,
- Hail Victory! Hail Victory! Victory!
- Hail Victory! Victory!
Other music
- Alte KameradenAlte KameradenAlte Kameraden is the title of a popular German military march. It is included in the Heeresmarsch as HM II, 150.The march Alte Kameraden was composed around 1889 by the composer of military music Carl Teike in Ulm. Allegedly his superior told him, after Teike presented him the notes, "We have...
- Erika (Auf der Heide blüht ein kleines Blümelein)Erika (song)Erika is a marching song of the German military. The song was composed by Herms Niel in the 1930s specifically for the Waffen-SS, but it soon came into usage by the Wehrmacht in general, especially the Heer and, to a lesser extent, the Kriegsmarine...
- Erzherzog-Albrecht-MarschErzherzog-Albrecht-MarschThe Erzherzog-Albrecht-Marsch is a German military march, composed by Karel Komzák II It was used extensively in World War I and World War II, especially during the departures and arrivals of U-boats...
- Es war ein EdelweissEs war ein EdelweissEs war ein Edelweiss is a march composed by Herms Niel in 1941 for the Wehrmacht Heer, the German Army land forces.- Lyrics and Translation :- See also :* Erika * Königgrätzer Marsch* Panzerlied...
- Königgrätzer MarschKöniggrätzer MarschThe Königgrätzer Marsch is a famous German military march composed by Johann Gottfried Piefke after the Battle of Königgrätz, 1866, the decisive battle of the Austro-Prussian War, in which the Kingdom of Prussia defeated the Austrian Empire.It was one of Adolf Hitler's favorite marches and was...
- Westerwaldlied (O du schöner Westerwald)
- PanzerliedPanzerliedThe Panzerlied is one of the best known Wehrmacht songs. It was composed in June 1933 by Oberleutnant Kurt Wiehle while on his way to Königsbrück. Wiehle adapted a German sailor's song, writing lyrics more appropriate to the Panzerwaffe. At the time, Germany was clandestinely developing an armored...
- Unter dem Doppeladler
- Wenn alle untreu werdenWenn alle untreu werden"Wenn alle untreu werden, so bleiben wir doch treu" is the opening line of a famous patriotic German popular song written by Max von Schenkendorf in 1814...
Further reading
- Frommann, Eberhard (1999). Die Lieder des NS-Zeit: Untersuchungen zur nationalsozialistischen Liedpropaganda von den Anfängen bis zum Zweiten Weltkrieg. ISBN 3-89438-177-9
External links
- Song site, combat song section (In German)
- German National Anthem Site
- AFRIKAKORPS.Org / Afrikakorps Songs of the Desert