Panzerlied

The song 'Panzerlied' is a military march that was used by the German armored forces (Panzerwaffe) during World War II. Composed by Oberleutnant Kurt Wiehle in 1933 while on his way to Königsbrück, the song has been associated with the Wehrmacht and is known for its portrayal of the tank crews' experience in battle. The version mentioned here is attributed to Benjamin Frankel, a British composer who may have arranged or used the song in one of his works, possibly for a film score. The lyrics reflect the harsh conditions faced by tank crews and their unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

The song speaks to the relentless and unyielding nature of the soldiers, who press on regardless of the weather or time of day. The imagery of the 'glowing hot day' or 'ice-cold night' and 'dusty faces' evokes the grueling conditions of war. Yet, the soldiers' morale remains high ('froh ist unser Sinn'), driven by the power of their tanks ('Es braust unser Panzer') and the camaraderie among them. The lyrics also emphasize the speed and protection offered by the tanks, which allow the soldiers to confront the enemy head-on.

The song takes a somber turn as it contemplates the possibility of death. The soldiers express a willingness to sacrifice their lives for their country ('Für Deutschland zu sterben'), viewing it as the highest honor. The mention of 'treulose Glück' (faithless luck) and the 'ehernes Grab' (iron grave) refers to the acceptance of fate and the tank potentially becoming their final resting place. This acceptance of mortality and the glorification of sacrifice for the homeland reflect the ethos of the time and the indoctrination of soldiers to value the nation above their own lives.