Proud to serve

I recall the blood the screams at Verdun
and I recall the smoke the sounds of the guns
but my strongest memory is of a man of steel
who's heart was as big as his courage was real

I could see in his eyes, a hunger burning bright
he restored the pride and banished the guilt
layed the foundation on which empires are built

Even after that defeat, he never bowed his head
vowed to reclaim the 'fatherland' for the valiant dead
from the Burgerbraukeller in Munich to his Landsverg cell
I never saw him falter, I am so proud to tell

I was there at the start, I pledged to be here at the end
not only as my duty but as a loyal friend
I stood proudly by your side during the great victories
and I was there when we turned East, alas it wasn't to be

I left your side just once in my flight for peace
but how could I have known, death was my only release
46 years spent alone, I still served you at the end

for you you were my leader and I your loyalest friend