Picture 1: During Peacetime.
It’s eighteen hundred seventy, a very stormy year,
And all the signs are pointing that war is drawing near.
And here are two young people, sitting happy as can be,
Within the shaded garden, enjoying a life so free.
It’s little Hans and Trudy, they live in Cologne along the Rhine,
They like to share hot chocolate, they drink it all the time.
Picture 2: Mobilization for War.
When all at once a messenger before them comes and stands,
And gives to little Hansel a pressing telegram.
With wonder Hansel scans the lines and right away he knows
He’s being drafted, that is clear, to the army he must go.
He cries for joy “So now it starts!” Come here, my Trudy, see!
It’s war with France and we will soon be marching to Paris.”
Picture 3: Taking His Leave.
But Trudy can’t help feeling sad, and thinks about the threat
To her dear Hans, she can’t let go, and cries her eyes deep red.
Now, Hans looks forward to the war and packs his things real fast,
Bids Trudy then a fond farewell and hurries off at last.
And when he leaves his love behind, her heart begins to pound,
She prays with eyes both full of tears that he stays safe and sound.
Picture 4: The Troops March Off to War.
Hans makes it to his regiment with many of his friends
He shakes their hand and is happy to see them once again.
In his lieutenant’s uniform he’s really quite a sight,
And ready now, both proud and bold, to move off to the fight.
The soldiers then begin their march with shouts of joy and praise
And all along the marching route in song their voices raise.
Picture 5: Crossing the Border.
As the troops depart their homeland, accompanied by the drums,
They leave behind the ones they love and their beloved homes.
In the sun’s warm rays, on this sunny day, they march across the Rhine
And intone the poem “The Watch on the Rhine” with voices loud and fine.
They soon will cross the border and enter the Frenchman’s land,
And each man holds his rifle a little tighter in his hand.
Picture 6: Standing Guard.
Here in the land of enemies there’s danger all around,
And so we must protect ourselves from traps that do abound.
The guard provides this service and calls out the alarm
When e’er he sees approaching those who could do harm.
Our Hans must guard as others do and does his job right well,
But thinks of Trudy and his home, whereby his heart does swell.