Der heimliche Aufmarsch

“Der heimliche Aufmarsch” by Commandantes is a powerful and evocative song that serves as a rallying cry for workers and farmers to rise against the forces of fascism and imperialism. The lyrics are steeped in the historical context of the early 20th century, particularly the tensions between capitalist nations and the Soviet Union. The song opens with a whisper that travels the world, a metaphor for the covert preparations of war by the ruling classes and industrial magnates. These whispers are not just idle talk; they are the voices of war ministers and producers of coal, steel, and chemical weapons, all conspiring for mobilization against the Soviet Union.

The song then shifts to a more direct and urgent tone, calling on workers and farmers to take up arms and dismantle the fascist armies. This is not just a physical battle but a symbolic one, urging the proletariat to ignite their hearts and plant the red banners of labor on every ramp and factory. The imagery here is vivid and revolutionary, envisioning the rise of a socialist world republic from the ruins of the old society. This vision is not just a dream but a call to action, a demand for solidarity and collective effort to overthrow oppressive regimes.

In the final verse, the song highlights the deceitful nature of the war, framed by the ruling classes as a fight for nation and race. However, the true target is the working class, and the attack on the Soviet Union is depicted as a direct assault on the heart of the revolution. The song concludes with a stark reminder that the ongoing war is, in essence, a war against the proletariat. This powerful message underscores the need for unity and resistance against the forces that seek to oppress and exploit the working class.