() is an interwar-era German marching song. The lyrics of the song are sourced from the poem , written by the Bavarian poet and artillery officer in 1888. The melody of the song was arranged by German songwriter Fritz Sotke in 1919. As a song about the German Peasants' War, its lyrics are noted for their strong anti-clerical and anti-noble themes.
History
The song's title (translates "We are Geyer's Black Bunch") and lyrics are references to Florian Geyer (1490 10 June 1525) and his Black Company, a heavy cavalry unit which fought on the side of the Peasants during the German Peasants' War. Geyer's Black Company was notorious with his contemporaries for their destruction of cathedrals, castles, and summary executions of clerics and noblemen. The song's lyrics capitalize on this notoriety, with references to the actions of the Black Company: "" ("Raise the red rooster [flames] upon the cloister roof!").
As a song composed within the broader context of the Weimar Republic-era German Youth Movements, the song was sung by many different political groups across the political spectrum. The song is notable for its inclusion in the official songbook of the National People's Army of the German Democratic Republic.
In the modern-day, remains a popular song performed by various German music groups. Depending on the specific arrangement and performer, the lyrics of the song may be altered or weakened. Common substitutions include replacing the "cloister roof" with a simple "knight's roof", or even omitting certain lines entirely (e.g. "").
Notably, the antepenultimate line of the song's final stanza ("") is inscribed on a memorial commemorating the 1525 German Peasants' War and the 1945 German Land Reform, in Osterhausen near Eisleben, Saxony-Anhalt. The oath "our grandchildren will fight a better fight" was seemingly fulfilled generations later, in the eyes of the memorial's designers.
Lyrics and translation
Note that depending on the specific performer and arrangement, there may be differences in the lyrics. + Lyrics German English translation We are the Geyer's Black Host, Hiya ho ho! And we want to scuffle with tyrants Hiya ho ho! Spears advance! Forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
We want to complain to God in Heaven Lord, have mercy! That we can't beat the priests to death, Lord, have mercy! Spears advance! Forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
When Adam plowed and Eve spun, Lord, have mercy! Where was then the nobleman? Lord, have mercy! Spears advance! Forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
Now we're 'gainst the castle, abbey, and church, Hiya ho ho! We keep no vows but the Holy Script Hiya ho ho! Spears advance! Forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
We're led by Florian Geyer, Despite denounce and ban The Bundschuh he carries upon his flag Wears helmets and armor! Spears advance! Forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
By Weinsberg we gave 'em fire and stench, Hiya ho ho! Many a man was put to the blade, Hiya ho ho! Spears advance! forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
The nobleman's little daughter, Lord have mercy! We'll send her straight back to hell, Lord have mercy! Spears advance! Forward march! Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
Beaten, we drag ourselves back home Hiya ho ho! Our grandchildren will fight a better fight Hiya ho ho! Spears advance! Forward march, Raise the red flames upon the cloister roof!
Bill Berry sung a shorter version in English: Troops of Geyer clad in black are we Heia o-ho And we will stamp out tyranny Heia o-ho
Chorus Spearmen ho! Forward go! On the castle roof let the Red Cock crow Spearmen ho! Forward go! On the castle roof let the Red Cock crow
When Adam dug and Eve did toil Heia o-ho No princes trespassed on their soil Heia o-ho
Bold Geyer's men their arrows shoot The knights are laid low His banner bears a peasant's boot To stamp out the foe
The noble's only God is pride Heia o-ho The Holy Scripture is our guide Heia o-ho
We're beaten though our cause is right Heia o-ho Our sons will carry on the fight Heia o-ho
References
Bibliography : . 1978, . : . 1987.
Notes