If I were from Rome or Napoli
I would have my choice of girls
As a Frenchman I would happily
Show my coolness to the world
Being Brit or being Spanish
These both are, or once were, great
But it’s better to drop my fantasies
I just cannot escape my Fate
So I must accept and recognise
That I am stuck with my German state
I’m not German just by wishing it
Nor because it’s just a name
Being German means self-censure
Consequence of former shame
Nazi infamy lingers endlessly
Blame is still a heavy weight
If I praise my country loudly
Will you imprison me and lock the gates?
I’ll stay home and stick to baking
To live a quiet life, domesticate
But I don’t complain or criticise
Germany is quite OK
Your opinions can be exercised
Freedom circulates this way
Nowhere can produce better wholemeal bread
We’re on time and we are new
We have mountains, lakes and waters
Four World Cups and the best beer too
Blossom into the light of excellence
My dear homeland, I honour you