O Deutschland hoch in Ehren

"O Deutschland hoch in Ehren" 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.

"Beharrlich. Deutsches Kriegslied", postcard from World War I

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.^[1] 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.^[2]

Lyrics

O Deutschland hoch in Ehren, Du heil'ges Land der Treu, Stets leuchte deines Ruhmes Glanz In Ost und West aufs neu! Du stehst wie deine Berge fest Gen Feindes Macht und Trug, Und wie des Adlers Flug vom Nest Geht deines Geistes Flug. Refrain: Haltet aus! Haltet aus! Lasset hoch das Banner wehn! Zeiget ihm, zeigt dem Feind, Dass wir treu zusammenstehn, Dass sich unsre alte Kraft erprobt, Wenn der Schlachtruf uns entgegen tobt! 𝄆 Haltet aus im Sturmgebraus! 𝄇 Gedenket eurer Väter, Gedenkt der großen Zeit, Da Deutschlands gutes Ritterschwert Gesiegt in jedem Streit! Das sind die alten Schwerter noch, Das ist das deutsche Herz: Die schlagt ihr nimmermehr ins Joch, Sie dauern fest wie Erz! Refrain Zum Herrn erhebt die Hände, Er schirm' es immerdar, Das schöne Land, vor jedem Feind. Hoch steige, deutscher Aar! Dem teuren Lande Schirm und Schutz Sei, deutscher Arm, bereit! Wir bieten jedem Feinde Trutz Und scheuen keinen Streit. Refrain

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! 𝄇 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 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[citation needed]