High Germany Song Lyrics And Guitar Chords

"High Germany" is a traditional English folk song with themes of love, war, and separation. The song is believed to date back to the late 17th or early 18th century and references the wars of the time, including the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) or the Napoleonic Wars (1799–1815). It tells the story of a soldier departing for war and the sorrowful farewell between him and his beloved. Here's a breakdown of the song's meaning and themes:

Summary of the Song’s Story:The song is often told from the perspective of a young woman who pleads with her lover not to go off to war, specifically to fight in "High Germany." Despite her longing for him to stay or take her with him, he expresses that the harsh realities of war are no place for a woman.

Key Themes:

1. Separation and Love:
   
   • The core of the song is about lovers being separated due to war. The woman’s sorrow at her partner’s departure highlights the emotional toll that war takes on relationships and families.
   • The repeated references to "High Germany" symbolize both the literal destination of the soldier and the figurative distance between the lovers.
2. War and Hardship:
   
   • The song reflects the historical realities of military conscription and deployment during the various wars in Europe. Soldiers were often sent to distant places like Germany to fight, causing fear and uncertainty among those left behind.
   • There is also mention of how difficult life on the battlefield would be, emphasizing that it would not be suitable for women or civilians.
3. Cultural and Historical Context:
   
   • "High Germany" likely refers to the mountainous regions of southern Germany. The wars of the 17th and 18th centuries saw many British soldiers sent to fight in European conflicts, especially in Germany, Austria, and the Low Countries.
   • Folk songs like "High Germany" were often used to tell personal stories about war, offering a glimpse into the emotional impact it had on ordinary people.
4. Patriotism vs. Personal Desire:
   
   • There is a subtle tension between duty to country and personal desire. The soldier’s decision to leave despite his lover’s pleas shows how the call to war often took precedence over personal relationships.

Interpretations and Legacy:

• Emotional Ballad: The song is typically sung in a slow, mournful style that reflects the heartbreak and longing expressed in the lyrics.
• Anti-War Sentiment: Although the song doesn’t outright denounce war, it captures the pain and loss that accompany it, hinting at a subtle anti-war sentiment common in many folk songs of the era.
• Cultural Preservation: "High Germany" remains a staple in the English folk music tradition and has been covered by artists like Martin Carthy, The Dubliners and Steeleye Span, helping to preserve its legacy.

A traditional song. High Germany sheet music notes in solfege Do Re Me format now added. High Germany guitar tab in CGDA tuning. Recorded by The Dubliners with Luke Kelly singing. Also recorded by Martin Carthy and Pentangle. I have given the guitar chords in two versions. The first is in Em [ in chordpro ] and the second version is in the key of Dm which is the key that Luke Kelly plays the song in. The sheet music and tin whistle notes are included.

Here are the guitar chords as used by The Dubliners in the youtube video.
Oh[Dm] colleen, love,[F] oh colleen love, the [Dm]rout has now be[Emgun,
And[F] we must go a-marching to the beating[Dm] of a drum.
Come,[F] dress your self all in your best and come along with [C]me
And I'll[Dm] take you to the [F]wars, me love, in High Germa[Dm]ny

Oh[Em] colleen, love,[D] oh[Em] colleen love, the [Am]rout has now be[Emgun,
And[D] I must go a-marching to the beating[Am] of a drum.
Come,[G] dress your self[Bm] all in your best and come a[Am]long with me
And I'll[Em] take you to the wars, me love, in[Am] High Germany,,[Em].
I'll buy for you a horse, my love, and on it you will ride
And all of my delight will be in riding by your side
We'll stop at every ale-house, and drink when we are dry
We'll be true to one another and get nmarried by and by.

Oh cursed be those cruel wars that ever did they rise
And out of merry England pass many a man likewise;
They took my true-love from me, likewise my brothers three
And sent them to the wars m'love in High Germany.

My friends I do not value and my foes I do not fear
For now my fine love's left me and wanders far and near
But when my baby it is born and smiling on my knee
I'll think of handsome Willie in High Germany

​The Dubliners Sheet Music / Tin Whistle Notes Ebook

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​High Germany guitar tab in CGDA 

High Germany sheet music notes in solfege Do Re Me format

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Luke Kelly High Germany Singer