The Watch on the Rhine

The cry resounds like thunder's peal,
Like crashing waves and clang of steel:
The Rhine, the Rhine, our German Rhine,

Who will defend our stream divine?
Dear fatherland, no fear be thine,
Firm stands the Watch along, along the Rhine!

They stand, a hundred thousand strong,
Quick to avenge their country's wrong,
With filial love their bosoms swell
They shall guard the sacred landmark well.

Dear fatherland, no fear be thine,

Firm stands the Watch along, along the Rhine!

He casts his eyes to heaven's blue,
From where past heroes hold the view,
And swears pugnaciously the oath,
You Rhine and I, stay German, both.

Dear fatherland, no fear be thine,

Firm stands the Watch along, along the Rhine!

While still remains one breath of life,
While still one fist can draw a knife,
One gun still fired from this one hand,
No foe will stand on this Rhine sand.

Dear fatherland, no fear be thine

Firm stands the Watch along, along the Rhine!

The oath resounds, on rolls the wave,
The banners fly high, proud, and brave,
The Rhine, the Rhine, the German Rhine
We all shall stand to hold the line!

Dear fatherland, no fear be thine,

Firm stands the Watch along, along the Rhine!

Max Schneckenburger