This rousing and idealistic workers’ song by an unknown author and composer was likely written in the late nineteenth century. Its lyrics call for international peace and cooperation, echoing the basic tenet of the Socialist International. Meanwhile its refrain—“Ein Volk, ein Herz, ein Vaterland” [one people, one heart, one Fatherland] seems to co-opt the traditionally nationalistic theme of national unity for the worker's movement. Featured here is a recording by the Nebe-Quartet from 1912. Founded by Carl Nebe, this Berlin-based male vocal ensemble made numerous recordings for several recording labels and became one of the most successful musical acts during the early phase of sound recording. Interestingly, the quartet’s repertoire included traditional folk songs, church songs, Schubert and Beethoven, patriotic songs such as Die Wacht am Rhein, as well as socialist workers’ songs such as this one.

Lyrics:
Arise, comrades, let us sing
the song of freedom: Spring is coming
Let the whole world rejoice:
The seeds of freedom are sprouting and growing
And if clouds threaten all around the earth
They cannot withstand the light
Soon the whole world must become
One people, one heart, one fatherland.

Brothers far away in the East and West
All peoples in the North and South
Banish the last remaining brotherly hatred
Our slogan shall be: Holy peace
No war shall divide us henceforth
And plunge us to the brink of ruin
Only in peace can the world flourish
One people, one heart, one fatherland.