Preußens Gloria is a German military march composed by Johann Gottfried Piefke and written in 1871 after the Kingdom of Prussia's victory in the Franco-Prussian War. This led to the reunification of the German states.
As Piefke only performed it on important occasions, the march was unknown to a broader public for a long time. In 1909 the manuscript of the almost forgotten tune turned up and was reworked by army-musical inspector Prof. Grawert. Shortly afterwards it was included in the collection of Prussian army marches.
When the Nazi Party came to power in 1933, the famous march became a staple of nationalistic triumph spurred by the propaganda movement for the reclaiming of former glory for the nation.
It was banned in socialist East Germany.
Lyrics[]
Preußens Gloria (prussia glory march)
Die Fahne hoch, mit Schwur voran!
Marschieren, wir Preußen nun Mann für Mann!
Es gibt niemanden auf der Welt,
der uns den Sieg nehmen kann!
Solang ein Tropfen Blut noch glüht,
so sind wir Preußen stets bemüht!
Solang der deutsche Stolz noch steht,
und niemand auf die Knie geht:
Hoch Preußenland! Hoch Preußenland!
Gott schütze es durch seine Hand!
Stolz, mutig, ehrenvoll zugleich:
Du Perle im heiligen Reich!
Schwarz-Weiß, die Fahne uns weht. Voran! Ja, voran!
Von Potsdam bis nach Königsberg,
Vollbringen Preußen stolz ihr Werk,
Im Geiste von des Alten Fritz,
Wir stets bewahren sein Antlitz!
Und in alle Ewigkeit!
Niemals uns ein Feind entzweit!
Seiest du, mein Preußen, hier,
Der ganzen Menschheit edle Zier!
Und vom schönen Annaberg
Grüßt uns Rübezahl mit Zwerg
Du, geliebtes Vaterland:
Sei stark, mit Gottes rechter Hand!
Preußens Gloria (prussia glory march)
Sing with DK - Preußens Gloria - Prussian & German March (With Lyrics)
Today[]
In Germany[]
Today it is one of the best known German army marches. It is often played by the Bundeswehr at official ceremonies and state visits. It is also a standard tune in many international military bands. In Germany, it is regularly played by non-professional bands due to its popularity. It has also been adopted by units in other armies; e.g., by the First Squadron, Honorable Artillery Company.
In Northern Ireland[]
The song is frequently played by marching bands in Northern Ireland.
In Chile[]
The march is also played in the Military Parades of Chile, performed by the Chilean Army.
In Sweden[]
It is also played by the Royal Swedish Army Band.
In Britain[]
It is even played by the British Army at times.