literature

Volk ans Gewehr! - English Lyrics

Deviation Actions

BlutEisen's avatar
By
Published:
16K Views

Literature Text

Over the east, there rises the sun
A sign of our nation's endeavors
We've stood together – a people of one
A bond that unites us forever!
Yet, why do you doubt?
Why do you cast the blame?
When the blood of our heroes
Still runs through our veins!

People arise! People arise!

Many years have come and have gone
For years we have beaten and toiled
Deceivers and traitors now think they've won
Our spirit they've only embroiled!
But now we arise
Bringing zeal for salvation!
With life to the people
And hope for the nation!

People arise! People arise!

Elders and youth together now stand
They rally to end the oppression
Whether employer or working-man
Our voices are one in expression
We fight for our freedom,
Our rights and our labor
A nation awakens
To vanquish the traitors!

People arise! People arise!
A German song from the Second World War. As much as I might use photos from that time period, a great many of the songs I have translated so far are not directly tied to this time period. Horst Wessel, SS Lied, and this one being the exception now.

This was the anthem of the German "Volksstrum" or "People's Storm" (a colloquial coined by Josef Goebbels). They were the "German Home Guard" so to speak. The last defense against the oncoming Russians and Americans. Mainly boys and old-men given usually out-of-date weapons or Panzerfausts (disposable rocket launchers designed to knock out tanks).

Before the Volksstrum, it was the anthem of the German Arbeits-Soldat "Working Soldier" - a division of Hitler's Reich, not unlike many of labor programs that FDR used in America.

The song embodies, in my belief, the sense of revival that was going on at the time, and helped sustain it throughout the war because of its moving tune which can be found here: [link]

The original refrain (and name of the song) "Volk ans Gewehr" - "People to arms" to me seemed more embodied in the "Arising" as I mentioned before. So for this one discrepancy, I beg your pardon.
© 2012 - 2024 BlutEisen
Comments33
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
TheodorVahlen's avatar
God bless you, comrade. Thank you for this.