Arbetloser Marsch

“Arbetloser Marsch” by Banda Bassotti is a poignant anthem that captures the harsh realities faced by the unemployed. The song, sung in Yiddish, opens with a rhythmic chant, “Ejns, tswej, draj, fir,” which translates to “One, two, three, four,” setting a march-like cadence that mirrors the relentless and monotonous struggle of those without work. The lyrics immediately dive into the heart of the issue, describing the silence that has replaced the once-familiar sounds of industry: “nischt gehert chadoschim lang in farbrik dem hammer-klang,” meaning “for months we haven't heard the hammer's sound in the factory.” This imagery powerfully conveys the desolation and abandonment felt by the workers as their tools lie cold and forgotten.

The song continues to paint a bleak picture of the unemployed wandering the streets aimlessly, likening them to “di gewirim pust-un-pas,” or “the rich, empty and idle.” This comparison highlights the stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the destitute, emphasizing the social and economic divide. The repetition of the phrase “arbetlos senen mir,” or “we are unemployed,” serves as a haunting reminder of their plight, reinforcing the sense of hopelessness and despair that pervades their existence.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics delve deeper into the personal toll of unemployment. The lines “on a beged, on a hejm, undser bet is erd un lejm,” which translate to “without clothes, without a home, our bed is earth and clay,” starkly illustrate the dire living conditions of the jobless. The song also touches on the desperation that drives people to make do with whatever they can find, as they “tajt men sich mit jedn bisn,” or “tighten their belts with every bite.” The imagery of drinking water like the rich drink wine, “woser wi di g'wirim wajn,” further underscores the disparity and the longing for a better life.

“Arbetloser Marsch” is a powerful social commentary that sheds light on the struggles of the unemployed, using vivid imagery and stark contrasts to evoke empathy and awareness. Banda Bassotti’s choice to perform this song in Yiddish adds an additional layer of cultural and historical significance, connecting the modern-day struggles of the working class with those of the past.