Der gute Kamerad (The Good Comrade)

“Der gute Kamerad“ (“The good Comrade“), also known as “I had a comrade“, is a traditional lament of the German Armed Forces. The song has also become traditional in obsequies of the Military of Austria, the Austrian firebrigades and the highly prussianized Chilean Army. It is also used to some degree in the French Army, particularly in the Foreign Legion. When the song is played, soldiers are to salute, an honour otherwise reserved for national anthems only. Lyrics (in German): Ich hatt’ einen Kameraden, Einen bessern findst du nit. Die Trommel schlug zum Streite, Er ging an meiner Seite In gleichem Schritt und Tritt. Eine Kugel kam geflogen: Gilt sie mir oder gilt sie dir? Ihn hat es weggerissen Er liegt zu meinen Füßen Als wär’s ein Stück von mir Will mir die Hand noch reichen, Derweil ich eben lad’. “Kann dir die Hand nicht geben, Bleib du im ew’gen Leben Mein guter Kamerad!“ Translation: I once had a comrade, you won’t find a better one. The drum was rolling for battle, he was marching by my side in the same pace and stride. A bullet flew towards us meant for you or for me? It did tear him away, he lies at my feet like he was a part of me. He wants to reach his hand to me, while I’m just reloading my gun. “Can’t give you my hand for now, you rest in eternal life My good comrade!“