Ich bin Soldat [English translation]

I am a soldier, but I don't like being one

When I was a soldier, they didn't ask me

They dragged me away, into the barracks

where I was held captive and hunted like an animal

From my home, my friends and sweetheart

I had to wander, and leave my circle of friends

If I but think upon it, I feel the pain of nostalgia

And in my cheast lurks the glow of ire

I am a soldier but only against my will

I don't love the blue royal uniform

I don't love this bloody life in arms

A stick would suffice to defend myself

Oh tell me, what do you need soldiers for?

All peoples only love ease and peace

Cause your brazen despots, harming the people

You even let the golden fields be trampled

I'm a soldier have to march day and night

Instead of working I'm on sentry duty

Instead of being free, I have to salute

And deal with the arrogance of snotty youngsters

And when we go to war, I have to murder brothers

Who have never harmed me in any way

Then as a cripple,I wear decorations and medals

And starving I will exclaim 'I was a soldier'

All ye brothers, whether German or French

Whether Hungarians or Danes or Dutchmen

Whether you wear green, red, blue, white pants

Let's not exchange lead shot, but a brotherly hand

Let's march back to our home countries

And free our nations from the tryants

For only tyrants have to wage wars

A soldier of freedom, I shall gladly be