☝️ Key Points
- The text emphasizes the military character of the SA and the unity of its members through instructions and calls such as 'Raise the flag! Close ranks.'
- The fights against political opponents, especially the communists and the established order, are highlighted by the reference to 'comrades who have shot down the Red Front and the reaction'.
- A glorifying view of the National Socialist movement is presented, with expressions like 'Make way for the brown battalions' and 'Millions already look with hope at the swastika'.
- The SA's determination to fight for their aims and overthrow the existing order is shown in phrases like 'For the last time, the call is sounded. We are all ready for the fight.'
- Although 'Raise the flag' is historically significant, its message is largely rejected today as part of a dark and painful period in German history.
Interpretation
"Die Fahne hoch" is the song of the Sturmabteilung (SA), a paramilitary organization of the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) in the 1920s and 1930s. It was written by
Horst Wessel, a member of the SA. The lyrics of the song are strongly political and nationalist, reflecting the ideology and goals of the NSDAP and the SA.
In the first verse "The flag held high! The ranks tightly closed! SA marches with steady and firm step", the military character of the SA is emphasized and the solidarity and unity of its members are highlighted. The "comrades who shot down the Rotfront and reaction" refer to the fights against political opponents, especially the communists and the established order.
The second verse "The street free for the brown battalions! The street free for the Sturmabteilung man! Millions already look with hope at the swastika. The day of freedom and bread is breaking!" emphasizes the desire of the nationalists to take power on the streets and gain control of the country. The "swastika" is the symbol of the NSDAP and here represents the national socialist movement.
The third verse "For the last time the call is blown. We are all ready for the fight. Soon Hitler's flags will flutter over all streets. Servitude will last only a short time more!" shows the determination of the SA to fight for their goals and overthrow the established order.
Despite the historical significance of this song, it is important to emphasize that its message and ideology are widely rejected today and are seen as part of a dark and painful period in German history."