How old are the lyrics of Kaiser Bill's Batman / Ich War Der Putzer Vom Kaiser ?
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Andreas1974
Mar 30, 2008, 4:11:58 PM3/30/08
to World War One Literature
Hi!
There was a thread in this discussion group in 2004, when it was still
under the URL of hcu.ox.ac.uk ("http://www.hcu.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/jtap/
board/config.pl?noframes;read=7594"). I can not find it here, so I
raise the question again.
In that old forum thread, the German lyrics of the song Ich War Der
Putzer Vom Kaiser (I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman) was discussed. I'm sure
you all know the tune when you hear it. The initial post contained the
German lyrics, and there was also a translation into English.
The question whether the lyrics was really a German "trench song" was
however never answered, a "fact" that the initial poster took for
granted. Is there anyone out there with a reliable source, e.g. a book
containing old german songs, who can verify that the text is really
that old, and not just a text written after the success of the whistle
tune, in the 1960's?
The only German reference (except recordings), I find on the internet
associates the text with the tune of the "whistle song":
http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.html and http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.mid.
(The tune is easy to find on YouTube as well.)
According to Wikipedia, Ich war det Putzer vom Kaiser was "A popular
German army song", but there was no source for it (I added a "source
needed" tag to it. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(army) )
Best regards
Andreas
Ön, Sweden
There was a thread in this discussion group in 2004, when it was still
under the URL of hcu.ox.ac.uk ("http://www.hcu.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/jtap/
board/config.pl?noframes;read=7594"). I can not find it here, so I
raise the question again.
In that old forum thread, the German lyrics of the song Ich War Der
Putzer Vom Kaiser (I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman) was discussed. I'm sure
you all know the tune when you hear it. The initial post contained the
German lyrics, and there was also a translation into English.
The question whether the lyrics was really a German "trench song" was
however never answered, a "fact" that the initial poster took for
granted. Is there anyone out there with a reliable source, e.g. a book
containing old german songs, who can verify that the text is really
that old, and not just a text written after the success of the whistle
tune, in the 1960's?
The only German reference (except recordings), I find on the internet
associates the text with the tune of the "whistle song":
http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.html and http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.mid.
(The tune is easy to find on YouTube as well.)
According to Wikipedia, Ich war det Putzer vom Kaiser was "A popular
German army song", but there was no source for it (I added a "source
needed" tag to it. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(army) )
Best regards
Andreas
Ön, Sweden
DJ
Mar 30, 2008, 5:16:17 PM3/30/08
to World War One Literature
To my memory, it was pretty well established, that it was not a German
'trench' song.
As for any 'good' texts or collections..It was not included in the
ones I have seen. Not that I have come across more than one or two...
On 30 Mar, 21:11, Andreas1974 <andreas.jans...@home.se> wrote:
> Hi!
>
> There was a thread in this discussion group in 2004, when it was still
> under the URL of hcu.ox.ac.uk ("http://www.hcu.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/jtap/
> board/config.pl?noframes;read=7594"). I can not find it here, so I
> raise the question again.
>
> In that old forum thread, the German lyrics of the song Ich War Der
> Putzer Vom Kaiser (I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman) was discussed. I'm sure
> you all know the tune when you hear it. The initial post contained the
> German lyrics, and there was also a translation into English.
>
> The question whether the lyrics was really a German "trench song" was
> however never answered, a "fact" that the initial poster took for
> granted. Is there anyone out there with a reliable source, e.g. a book
> containing old german songs, who can verify that the text is really
> that old, and not just a text written after the success of the whistle
> tune, in the 1960's?
>
> The only German reference (except recordings), I find on the internet
> associates the text with the tune of the "whistle song":http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.htmlandhttp://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.mid.
'trench' song.
As for any 'good' texts or collections..It was not included in the
ones I have seen. Not that I have come across more than one or two...
On 30 Mar, 21:11, Andreas1974 <andreas.jans...@home.se> wrote:
> Hi!
>
> There was a thread in this discussion group in 2004, when it was still
> under the URL of hcu.ox.ac.uk ("http://www.hcu.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/jtap/
> board/config.pl?noframes;read=7594"). I can not find it here, so I
> raise the question again.
>
> In that old forum thread, the German lyrics of the song Ich War Der
> Putzer Vom Kaiser (I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman) was discussed. I'm sure
> you all know the tune when you hear it. The initial post contained the
> German lyrics, and there was also a translation into English.
>
> The question whether the lyrics was really a German "trench song" was
> however never answered, a "fact" that the initial poster took for
> granted. Is there anyone out there with a reliable source, e.g. a book
> containing old german songs, who can verify that the text is really
> that old, and not just a text written after the success of the whistle
> tune, in the 1960's?
>
> The only German reference (except recordings), I find on the internet
> (The tune is easy to find on YouTube as well.)
>
> According to Wikipedia, Ich war det Putzer vom Kaiser was "A popular
> German army song", but there was no source for it (I added a "source
> needed" tag to it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(army) )
>
> According to Wikipedia, Ich war det Putzer vom Kaiser was "A popular
> German army song", but there was no source for it (I added a "source
DJDJDJDJ DJDJDJDJ
Mar 30, 2008, 5:18:02 PM3/30/08
to World War One Literature
Hello yourself--
DJ
DJ
Andreas1974
Mar 31, 2008, 1:06:17 PM3/31/08
to World War One Literature
Yes, at least there was much doubt about it.
Margaret Crane
Mar 31, 2008, 2:18:41 PM3/31/08
to ww1...@googlegroups.com
Chris Spriet is likely to know if anyone does.
Hello, Chris - are you out there somewhere?
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
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DJ
Mar 31, 2008, 2:26:22 PM3/31/08
to World War One Literature
The standard reference work; Dick Jacobs; Who Wrote that Song?,
Virginia, 1988 credits Greenaway and Cook with words and music. (p.
112).
There was a site somewhere that gave the story behind the
recording....
On 31 Mar, 19:18, "Margaret Crane" <mmccr...@ukonline.co.uk> wrote:
> Chris Spriet is likely to know if anyone does. Hello, Chris - are you out there somewhere?
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: DJDJDJDJ DJDJDJDJ
> To: World War One Literature
> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:18 PM
> Subject: Re: How old are the lyrics of Kaiser Bill's Batman / Ich War Der Putzer Vom Kaiser ?
>
> Hello yourself
>
>
> - Show quoted text -
Virginia, 1988 credits Greenaway and Cook with words and music. (p.
112).
There was a site somewhere that gave the story behind the
recording....
On 31 Mar, 19:18, "Margaret Crane" <mmccr...@ukonline.co.uk> wrote:
> Chris Spriet is likely to know if anyone does. Hello, Chris - are you out there somewhere?
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: DJDJDJDJ DJDJDJDJ
> To: World War One Literature
> Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2008 10:18 PM
> Subject: Re: How old are the lyrics of Kaiser Bill's Batman / Ich War Der Putzer Vom Kaiser ?
>
> Hello yourself
>
> On Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 10:16 PM, DJ <DJDJ...@googlemail.com> wrote:
>
> To my memory, it was pretty well established, that it was not a German
> 'trench' song.
>
> As for any 'good' texts or collections..It was not included in the
> ones I have seen. Not that I have come across more than one or two...
>
> On 30 Mar, 21:11, Andreas1974 <andreas.jans...@home.se> wrote:
> > Hi!
>
> > There was a thread in this discussion group in 2004, when it was still
> > under the URL of hcu.ox.ac.uk ("http://www.hcu.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/jtap/
> > board/config.pl?noframes;read=7594"). I can not find it here, so I
> > raise the question again.
>
> > In that old forum thread, the German lyrics of the song Ich War Der
> > Putzer Vom Kaiser (I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman) was discussed. I'm sure
> > you all know the tune when you hear it. The initial post contained the
> > German lyrics, and there was also a translation into English.
>
> > The question whether the lyrics was really a German "trench song" was
> > however never answered, a "fact" that the initial poster took for
> > granted. Is there anyone out there with a reliable source, e.g. a book
> > containing old german songs, who can verify that the text is really
> > that old, and not just a text written after the success of the whistle
> > tune, in the 1960's?
>
> > The only German reference (except recordings), I find on the internet
>
> > associates the text with the tune of the "whistle song":http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.htmlandhttp://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaise....
>
> To my memory, it was pretty well established, that it was not a German
> 'trench' song.
>
> As for any 'good' texts or collections..It was not included in the
> ones I have seen. Not that I have come across more than one or two...
>
> On 30 Mar, 21:11, Andreas1974 <andreas.jans...@home.se> wrote:
> > Hi!
>
> > There was a thread in this discussion group in 2004, when it was still
> > under the URL of hcu.ox.ac.uk ("http://www.hcu.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/jtap/
> > board/config.pl?noframes;read=7594"). I can not find it here, so I
> > raise the question again.
>
> > In that old forum thread, the German lyrics of the song Ich War Der
> > Putzer Vom Kaiser (I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman) was discussed. I'm sure
> > you all know the tune when you hear it. The initial post contained the
> > German lyrics, and there was also a translation into English.
>
> > The question whether the lyrics was really a German "trench song" was
> > however never answered, a "fact" that the initial poster took for
> > granted. Is there anyone out there with a reliable source, e.g. a book
> > containing old german songs, who can verify that the text is really
> > that old, and not just a text written after the success of the whistle
> > tune, in the 1960's?
>
> > The only German reference (except recordings), I find on the internet
>
>
> > (The tune is easy to find on YouTube as well.)
>
> > According to Wikipedia, Ich war det Putzer vom Kaiser was "A popular
> > German army song", but there was no source for it (I added a "source
> > needed" tag to it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(army) )
>
> > Best regards
>
> > Andreas
> > Ön, Sweden
>
> --
> DJ
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > (The tune is easy to find on YouTube as well.)
>
> > According to Wikipedia, Ich war det Putzer vom Kaiser was "A popular
> > German army song", but there was no source for it (I added a "source
> > needed" tag to it. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman_(army) )
>
> > Best regards
>
> > Andreas
> > Ön, Sweden
>
> --
> DJ
>
>
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
> Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1352 - Release Date: 31/03/2008 10:13- Hide quoted text -
> No virus found in this incoming message.
> Checked by AVG.
>
> - Show quoted text -
DJ
Mar 31, 2008, 3:21:49 PM3/31/08
to World War One Literature
These are good links;
http://www.dustbury.com/music/smith.html
http://www.secondhandlps.de/interpreten/index/0/showip/3766/Whistling-Jack-Smith.html
Christopher
Apr 4, 2008, 12:14:21 PM4/4/08
to World War One Literature
Here are the original lyrics of the song, with an approximate
translation.
Ich war der Putzer vom Kaiser
Beim Militär hatte ich Glück:
Für mich gab's keen Exerzieren.
Da wo ich war fiel nie een Schuß
Ich tat nur Stiefel polieren.
Ich sah, gemein, nie een Gewehr
Keen Korporal schrie sich heiser
Denn ich war der Putzer vom Kaiser
Morchens um acht nahm ich's Tablett
Mit Marmelade und Guchen
Schwappte den Tee meistens aufs Bett
Dann war der Willem am Fluchen:
"Mensch, paß doch uff!" blökt' er mich an,
Das war der Ton feiner Häuser.
Nur Ich war der Putzer des Kaisers
Gab es am Schluß mal ein Bankett,
All's hübsch, das war ein Läben,
Guckte den Damen ins Schemisett,
Und kippte alles danäben.
Rülpste ich mal, rief Majestät:
"Nächstes Mal machste des leiser!"
Ich war der Putzer des Kaisers.
I was Kaiser Bill's batman
In the military I was a lucky dog
I never had any drilling to do
Where I was not even one shot was heard
I only had boots to clean boots
I never even once saw a gun
No bawling corporals no hoarse voices
For I was Kaiser Bill's batman
At 8 a.m. I had my breakfast
Of marmalade and cakes
Messed the tea mostly on the bed
Then William started to curse:
"Man, just take some care!" he bawled at me
Such was the tone in fine mansions
But I was just Kaiser Bill's batman
Whenever a banquet got to be held
Everything dainty, the time of my life:
Peeping into the ladies' cleavage
And I spilt everything on the floor
If ever I threw up, his Majesty shouted:
"Take it easier next time!"
For I was but Kaiser Bill's batman
In the German Army the post of batman was known as putzer ("cleaner")
or bursche ("fellow"). This army song "Ich war der Putzer vom
Kaiser" (lit. "I was the Kaiser's batman") is known to have been
widely sung during World War I though by that time it seems to have
been an established song indeed.
Its edifying lyrics tell of a soldier who (sadly?) missed service on
the Western front by being the batman to Kaiser Wilhelm II. The song,
whose origins are unclear, was set to a contemporary tune for a
whistling version in April 1967, and released under the title "I was
Kaiser Bill's Batman" in the UK and US. The artist credited was one
"Whistling Jack Smith", who can be admired on YouTube. Pretty much in
line with the origins of his tune, WJS's real identity remains open to
debate.
On 31 mrt, 21:21, DJ <DJDJ...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> These are good links;
>
> http://www.dustbury.com/music/smith.html
>
> http://www.secondhandlps.de/interpreten/index/0/showip/3766/Whistling...
> > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> - Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht weergeven -
translation.
Ich war der Putzer vom Kaiser
Beim Militär hatte ich Glück:
Für mich gab's keen Exerzieren.
Da wo ich war fiel nie een Schuß
Ich tat nur Stiefel polieren.
Ich sah, gemein, nie een Gewehr
Keen Korporal schrie sich heiser
Denn ich war der Putzer vom Kaiser
Morchens um acht nahm ich's Tablett
Mit Marmelade und Guchen
Schwappte den Tee meistens aufs Bett
Dann war der Willem am Fluchen:
"Mensch, paß doch uff!" blökt' er mich an,
Das war der Ton feiner Häuser.
Nur Ich war der Putzer des Kaisers
Gab es am Schluß mal ein Bankett,
All's hübsch, das war ein Läben,
Guckte den Damen ins Schemisett,
Und kippte alles danäben.
Rülpste ich mal, rief Majestät:
"Nächstes Mal machste des leiser!"
Ich war der Putzer des Kaisers.
I was Kaiser Bill's batman
In the military I was a lucky dog
I never had any drilling to do
Where I was not even one shot was heard
I only had boots to clean boots
I never even once saw a gun
No bawling corporals no hoarse voices
For I was Kaiser Bill's batman
At 8 a.m. I had my breakfast
Of marmalade and cakes
Messed the tea mostly on the bed
Then William started to curse:
"Man, just take some care!" he bawled at me
Such was the tone in fine mansions
But I was just Kaiser Bill's batman
Whenever a banquet got to be held
Everything dainty, the time of my life:
Peeping into the ladies' cleavage
And I spilt everything on the floor
If ever I threw up, his Majesty shouted:
"Take it easier next time!"
For I was but Kaiser Bill's batman
In the German Army the post of batman was known as putzer ("cleaner")
or bursche ("fellow"). This army song "Ich war der Putzer vom
Kaiser" (lit. "I was the Kaiser's batman") is known to have been
widely sung during World War I though by that time it seems to have
been an established song indeed.
Its edifying lyrics tell of a soldier who (sadly?) missed service on
the Western front by being the batman to Kaiser Wilhelm II. The song,
whose origins are unclear, was set to a contemporary tune for a
whistling version in April 1967, and released under the title "I was
Kaiser Bill's Batman" in the UK and US. The artist credited was one
"Whistling Jack Smith", who can be admired on YouTube. Pretty much in
line with the origins of his tune, WJS's real identity remains open to
debate.
On 31 mrt, 21:21, DJ <DJDJ...@googlemail.com> wrote:
> These are good links;
>
> http://www.dustbury.com/music/smith.html
>
>
> > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > Checked by AVG.
> > > Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1352 - Release Date: 31/03/2008 10:13- Hide quoted text -
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> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
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> > > Checked by AVG.
> > > Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1352 - Release Date: 31/03/2008 10:13- Hide quoted text -
>
> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -
>
>
> - Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht weergeven -
mmcc...@ukonline.co.uk
Apr 5, 2008, 6:35:56 AM4/5/08
to ww1...@googlegroups.com
Quoting Christopher <csp...@gmail.com>:
Well, there we go - I knew you would know! Meg
Well, there we go - I knew you would know! Meg
----------------------------------------------
This mail sent through http://www.ukonline.net
DJJ
Apr 5, 2008, 12:42:36 PM4/5/08
to World War One Literature
Jack Smith ? on the record Noel walker..the producer.
On tour; Billy Moeller aka Coby Wells
http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.html
> > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On tour; Billy Moeller aka Coby Wells
http://ingeb.org/Lieder/kaiserbi.html
>
> > > > No virus found in this incoming message.
> > > > Checked by AVG.
> > > > Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1352 - Release Date: 31/03/2008 10:13- Hide quoted text -
>
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>
> > - Tekst uit oorspronkelijk bericht weergeven -- Hide quoted text -
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> > > > Checked by AVG.
> > > > Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.1/1352 - Release Date: 31/03/2008 10:13- Hide quoted text -
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>
Michael Garmaise
Apr 5, 2008, 2:04:53 PM4/5/08
to ww1...@googlegroups.com
Is there an original war-era melody to be found anywhere?
M. Garmaise
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