"Unsere Heimat" (Our Homeland) was a popular song in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), where it was sung by the Ernst Thälmann Pioneer Organisation. The lyrics were written by Herbert Keller and the melody by Hans Naumilkat. The song expresses strong bonds with nature, emphasizing the significance of a sense of homeland (Heimat) beyond people. "Unsere Heimat" was taught in school music classes and was typically sung by children’s choirs. In 1951, when the song was written, an attempt was being made to establish a new idea of homeland, distinct from fascism’s conception of it. Over time, the song developed into a kind of anthem that glorified the idea of a socialist homeland and thus the political ideology of the GDR.[1]
The song plays an important role in the 2003 film Good Bye, Lenin!, being sung several times by Young Pioneer groups.
Lyrics
editUnsere Heimat, das sind nicht nur die Städte und Dörfer, |
Our Homeland is not only the cities and villages, |
References
edit- ^ Sophie Grobler (25 May 2023). "Our Homeland". norient.com (essay). Retrieved 9 March 2024. (in English)
- ^ "Unsre Heimat", text and melody, vodf.de
Further reading
edit- Confino, Alon (2006). Germany as a Culture of Remembrance: Promises and Limits of Writing. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. ISBN 0-8078-3042-9.