"" is a patriotic German song written by Ludwig Bauer (1832–1910) in 1859 and set to music by Henry Hugh Pierson. The song was, besides the "Deutschlandlied", "Die Wacht am Rhein" and "Des Deutschen Vaterland", the most popular patriotic anthem in the 19th century.
History In 1858, Henry Hugh Pierson, an English composer resident in Germany, had written a tune for the patriotic song "Ye Mariners of England" by Thomas Campbell. One year later, he met Ludwig Bauer, who later married Pierson's stepdaughter Dorothea Lyser. Pierson asked Bauer to write a German text to the existing tune.Wolfgang Steinitz: Deutsche Volkslieder demokratischen Charakters aus sechs Jahrhunderten. vol. 2, Akademie-Verlag, Berlin 1962, p. 362 (Nr. 255)
Lyrics GermanEnglishI Oh Germany high in honor, Thou art the holy land of loyalty. May the brightness of thy glory Shine anew forever both in the west and east. Thou stand'st firm like thy mountains Against thy foes' power and deception. And thy spirit may fly Like the eagle that leaves his nest.
Chorus: Hold firm! Hold firm! Let the banner flutter high! Show them, show the enemy That we stand together faithfully, That our old strength persists When the battlecry rages against us! 𝄆 Hold firm in the roaring storm! 𝄇
II Remember your fathers, Remember the great era When Germany's knightly sword Was victorious in every battle! The old swords still exist, And here is the German heart: You will never subjugate them As they are firm like iron.
Chorus
III Raise your hands to the Lord! He may forever protect The beautiful country from every foe. Fly high, German eagle! German arm, be prepared To protect and defend the precious country! We defy every foe And do not shun any battle.
Chorus References
External links
"O Deutschland hoch in Ehren" (1930s recording) on Wiibiplay