Ich hatt' einen Kameraden

About the Song

"Ich hatt' einen Kameraden" (I Had a Comrade), also known as "The Good Comrade" (Der gute Kamerad), is a traditional German lament for a fallen soldier. Written by Ludwig Uhland in 1809 with a melody by Friedrich Silcher from 1825, it is played at virtually all German military funerals and memorial ceremonies. It transcends political eras and remains one of the most respected military traditions in Germany.

Video

Lyrics

Ich hatt' einen Kameraden,

(I had a comrade,)

Einen bessern findst du nit.

(A better one you won't find.)

Die Trommel schlug zum Streite,

(The drum called us to fight,)

Er ging an meiner Seite

(He walked at my side)

In gleichem Schritt und Tritt.

(In equal step and stride.)

Eine Kugel kam geflogen,

(A bullet came a-flying,)

Gilt's mir oder gilt es dir?

(Is it meant for me or for you?)

Ihn hat es weggerissen,

(It tore him away,)

Er liegt mir vor den Füßen,

(He lies before my feet,)

Als wär's ein Stück von mir.

(As if he were a part of me.)

Will mir die Hand noch reichen,

(He still wants to reach out his hand to me,)

Derweil ich eben lad'.

(While I am just reloading.)

Kann dir die Hand nicht geben,

(I cannot give you my hand,)

Bleib du im ew'gen Leben

(Stay in eternal life)

Mein guter Kamerad.

(My good comrade.)