Historical Recordings's video: Ich Hatte Einen Kammerade - German Soldiers Lament

Support the channel: https://www.patreon.com/Feldmarschall_Friedrich This is a recording of the German soldiers' lament and funerary song 'Ich Hatt' Einen Kameraden' (I Had A Comrade). The song is also often referred to as 'Der Guter Kamerad' (The Good Comrade). The test for the song come originally from a 1809 poem by the German poet Ludwig Uhland. The poem was inspired by the Tyrolean Rebellion and the deployment of troops from the Grand Duchy of Baden during the Napoleonic Wars. Only in 1825 were the lines put to song by the German composer Friedrich Schiller. The long term popularity of the song is mostly due to its thematic ambiguity. Other that being written in German, the song holds no references to nationality, rank, or politics. Instead, it focuses entirely on the grief experienced by a soldier after the death of his good friend and comrade. For this reason, the song has become popular in many European countries and has even been translated for use in the Japanese military and into the Berber language. It is also a ceremonial part of German military funerals today, and can be considered the German equivalent of American 'Taps'. I urge all listeners to read the poem (lyrics). While the song is itself simple, the lyrics add real context, emotion, and bring to life the experiences of soldiers during the era of linear warfare. Lyrics (German): Ich hatt' einen Kameraden, Einen bessern findst du nit. Die Trommel schlug zum Streite, Er ging an meiner Seite In gleichem Schritt und Tritt. Eine Kugel kam geflogen: Gilt’s mir oder gilt es dir? Ihn hat es weggerissen, Er liegt zu meinen Füßen Als wär's ein Stück von mir. Will mir die Hand noch reichen, Derweil ich eben lad. Kann dir die Hand nicht geben, Bleib du im ew'gen Leben Mein guter Kamerad! Lyrics (English): I once had a comrade, You will find no better. The drum called to battle, He walked at my side, In the same pace and step. A bullet came a-flying, Is my turn or yours? He was swept away, He lies at my feet, Like it were a part of me. He still reaches out his hand to me, While I am about to reload. I cannot hold onto your hand, You stay in eternal life My good comrade.