Erika - Original Song (With German On-Screen Lyrics)

ChuckThemClouds
Published on Dec 14, 2020
Audio enhancements applied through video editor.
"Erika" is a marching song used by the German military. The song was composed by Herms Niel in the 1930s, and it soon came into usage by the Wehrmacht, especially the Heer and and to a lesser extent, the Kriegsmarine.
The lyrics and melody of the song were written by Herms Niel, a German composer of marches and marching songs. The exact year of the song's origin is not known; often the date is given as "about 1930", a date that, however, has not been substantiated. The song was originally published in 1938 by the publishing firm Louis Oertel in GroÃŸburgwedel. It was popular prior to the start of World War II.
Niel, who joined the NSDAP in early May 1933 and became a leading Kapellmeister at the Reichsarbeitdienst, created numerous marches. Songs like these were useful in keeping German soldiers entertained and was also used as a morale booster.
English Lyrics--
After each line, and before each time the name Erika is sung, there are three beats pause, which are filled by the kettledrum, or stomping feet (like marching soldiers), shown as (xxx) below.
On the heath, there blooms a little flower (xxx)
and it's called (xxx) Erika. (xxx)
Eagerly a hundred thousand little bees, (xxx)
swarm around (xxx) Erika. (xxx)
For her heart is full of sweetness, (xxx)
a tender scent escapes her blossom-gown. (xxx)
On the heath, there blooms a little flower (xxx)
and it's called (xxx) Erika. (xxx)
Back at home, there lives a little maiden
and she's called Erika.
That girl is my faithful little darling
and my joy, Erika!
When the heather blooms in a reddish purple,
I sing her this song in greeting.
On the heath, there blooms a little flower
and she's called Erika.
In my room, there also blooms a little flower
and she's called Erika.
Already In the grey of dawn, as it does at dusk,
It looks at me, Erika!
And then it's to me as if it's saying aloud:
"Are you thinking of your fiancÃ©e?"
Back at home, a maiden weeps for you
and she's called Erika.