finally - to balance rightist totalitarianism with leftist totalitarianism - the national anthem of east Germany

I actually think this is quite pretty - though a few have told me it sounds awful....
"Auferstanden aus Ruinen" (German for "Risen from the Ruins") was the national anthem of East Germany (German Democratic Republic (GDR), German: Deutsche Demokratische Republik (DDR)) during its existence from 1949 to 1990.



At the end of its last broadcast on 2 October 1990, the East German station Radio Berlin International signed off with an instrumental of Auferstanden aus Ruinen that segued into a rock-beat version of the Deutschlandlied."

Lyrics in english, first version ryhmes and you can sing along, second is more literal:

1: Official SED (German Socialist) English translation

"From the ruins risen newly,
to the future turned, we stand.
Let us serve your good weal truly,
Germany, our fatherland!
Triumph over bygone sorrow,
can in unity be won.
For we shall attain a morrow,
when over our Germany,
there is radiant sun,
there is radiant sun!

May both peace and joy inspire,
Germany, our fatherland.
Peace is all the world's desire,
to the peoples lend your hand!
In fraternity united,
we shall crush the people's foe.
Let all paths by peace be lighted,
that no mother shall again
mourn her son in woe,
mourn her son in woe!

Let us plough and build our nation,
learn and work as never yet,
that a free new generation,
faith in its own strength beget!
German youth, for whom the striving
of our people is at one,
you are Germany's reviving,
and over our Germany,
there is radiant sun,
there is radiant sun!"

2:
English translation that isn't singable as the first one is:

"Risen from the ruins
and faced towards the future,
Let us serve you for the good,
Germany, united fatherland.
Old woes have to be conquered,
and united so we shall,
For we must be successful for once
that the sun, beautiful as never before,
Shines over Germany,
shines over Germany.

Happiness and peace may be granted
Germany, our fatherland.
All the world longs for peace,
so Extend to the Peoples your hand.
When as brothers we unite,
we defeat the people's foe.
Let shine the light of Peace
so that no mother ever again must
Mourn her son,
mourn her son.

Let us plough, let us build,
do learn and work as never before,
And, with confidence in its own strength,
a free generation will come forth.
German youth, the best endeavor
of our people combined in you,
You will be Germany's new life.
And the sun, more beautiful than ever
Shines over Germany,
shines over Germany."



all very socialist and utopian as one might expect, although technically i don't see anything in there that would prohibit a united Germany from adopting this as their anthem either since the old lyrics from the existing deutschland Uber alless are now considered a bit politically incorrect and are no longer sung. or perhaps this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPdNG7xRReI ?