The 1944 Warsaw Uprising (not to be confused with the 1943 Warsaw Ghetto Uprising when the Jews in the Warsaw ghetto tried to overthrow their Nazi captors.)
Poland, lying between Germany/Prussia and USSR/Russia, was, over the centuries, a political football for those and other European countries. One country or another was trying to subjugate the Poles and make the country part of its sphere of influence. Poland fought for its independence time and again, mostly unsuccessfully. After World War I, Poland regained its independence as a term of the Versailles Treaty.
As part of the Ribbentrop-Molotov (German-USSR) Non-Aggression Pact of August 1939, the Nazis and the Communists, which were sworn ideological enemies, cynically agreed to peace between them. As part of the Pact, they agreed to allow Germany to have control over western Poland and USSR to have control over eastern Poland, i.e. the areas east of the Pisa, Narev, Vistula and San rivers. Control over Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Romania was also allocated between them. After the Germans invaded Poland from the west on September 1, 1939, the Russian Army invaded Poland from the east. In November 1939, the Soviets followed up and annexed Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and parts of Romania.
That status-quo remained until Germany breached the Non-Aggression Pact by launching its attack on Russia on June 22,1941 – Operation Barbarossa. Thereafter, the Germans and the Russians engaged in the vicious, see-saw struggle on the eastern front that is described in the sections of this Songbook relating to “Operation Barbarossa”, “The Russian Campaign Spring 1942” and “The Battle of Stalingrad.” Initially, the Germans pushed the Russians back far into Russian territory, to the edges of the cities of Leningrad, Moscow and Stalingrad. However, the German offensive eventually stalled and the Nazis were put on the defensive, leading to retreat and ultimate defeat.
In the initial invasion of Poland, the German Wehrmacht, using its Blitzkrieg tactics, quickly disposed of Polish resistance. The capital of Poland, Warsaw, fell to the German Army about September 28,1939, after a three-week siege. The Germans occupied Warsaw until January 1945, when the city was liberated by the Soviet forces.
Polish resistance to the occupying Germans was intense throughout the war. Many members of the Polish Army, along with the government in exile, which was re-located in London, had escaped to safe places in other countries. Those soldiers and partisans who remained in Poland made up the Polish Home Army (PHA). The Polish Home Army conducted guerrilla warfare against the Germans. The greatest effort by the Polish partisans was “The Warsaw Uprising” that occurred between August and October 1944.
During the summer of 1944, Soviet forces were pushing the Germans westward from Russia into Poland. It became clear that the Germans were going to have to retreat as far as Warsaw. The PHA saw an opportunity to coordinate an organized insurrection within the city of Warsaw with the advancing Soviet Army. The Polish nationalists hoped that they could gain control over the capital, thereby obtaining leverage in the post-war political arrangements.
By the end of July, the Soviet Army was on the outskirts of Warsaw, advancing to the banks of the Vistula River. Warsaw’s insurgents consisted of an estimated 40,000 soldiers, including 4,000 women, with only enough small weapons (no heavy weapons) for 2,500 fighters. They only had enough ammunition to last seven days. They relied on capturing ammunition and weapons from the Germans and receiving air drops from the Allies, including the Red Army. Although outnumbered and greatly out armed, when the PHA received radio communications from Moscow urging the commencement of the uprising they decided to try to help take the city from the Germans. (Richie, Alexandra, Warsaw 1944: Hitler, Himmler and the Warsaw Uprising, New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (2013); http://info-poland.buffalo.edu/classroom/pajak.html; http://ww2db.com/battle_spec.php?battle_id=150; https://www.britannica.com/event/Warsaw-Uprising ).
Initially, there was intense street fighting and the PHA achieved control over several sections of the city and some important installations. But, expected assistance from the Soviets did not materialize. The Russians forces stopped on the eastside of the Vistula and did not try to reinforce the partisans. There was no air support from the Russians. Russia refused to allow British and American supply planes that were trying to drop supplies to the PHA to land on nearby Russian controlled airfields or otherwise cooperate with the supply efforts. (Id.)
Thus, by the end of September the Germans successfully crushed the Uprising. The PHA signed a surrender in early October. What was left of Warsaw was systematically destroyed by the Germans. Its inhabitants were either murdered or deported to concentration camps in which they then found their death. Its buildings were burnt and razed to the ground. It is estimated that about 16,000 members of the Polish resistance were killed and about 6,000 badly wounded. In addition, between 150,000 and 200,000 Polish civilians died, mostly from subsequent mass executions. (Id.)
The Russian Army resumed its offensive in mid-September, after the Polish forces had been largely defeated. (http://www.warsawuprising.com/timeline.htm) Why did the Russians refuse to assist the PHA? Some commentators called it a cynical act motivated by post-war considerations – Stalin wanted to eliminate patriotic Poles, who were loyal to the Polish Government-in-Exile in London and who might prove uncooperative with his plans for a Soviet dominated, Communist Poland. Others saw legitimate strategic military reasons.
The Warsaw Uprising holds a special place in the hearts of Polish patriots. Many songs have been written about the heroic acts of the partisans. One of the most popular songs sung by the insurgents during the Warsaw Uprising was Pałacyk Michla (The Palace Michl). (https://youtu.be/HCqtIoBCWOI)
Michel’s palace, Żytnia, Wola. Defending are “Parasol” boys.
Even though against Tigers they have Vis’es, Warsawians are all cool guys. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, working as for two. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, as steel.Every boy wants a wound. The paramedics, cool gals, And when a bullet hits you’ll ask a gal, she’ll give a kiss. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, working as for two. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, as steel.
Behind the lines deserters, commisars, some deadmen brew soups, black coffee. This way, they fight the cause. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, working as for two. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, as steel.
But the leadership is fantastic. In the first lines they risk their heads. The best of all commanders is our Miecio, shaved bald. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, working as for two. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, as steel.
Faith fights, faith sings, krauts are all angry, veins popping. They try all their tricks, always sending bombs our way. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, working as for two. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, as steel.
For nothing bombs and their grenades, each time, they’re getting wrecked. Each day time comes closer when we win – and discharged. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, working as for two. Stay put, faith and listen closely, stiffen your young soul, as steel.
Like “Pałacyk Michla” above, “Serce w Plecaku” (Heart in a Knapsack)” was written at the time of the Uprising by Michał Zieliński and was sung by the insurgents during the fighting. The song is sung in Polish; it was translated into English by Irene P. Coulter. (https://youtu.be/QxWK9BgBrw8)
From a youthful breast it scampered
full of loving and elation,
ran after the soldiers crying
a lost heart full of frustration.
Met a soldier marching gaily
who took pity on its troubles
stuck the lost heart in his knapsack
and his marching speed redoubled.
This one song, this one and only
I will sing for you, my lonely.
Maybe your heart too is crying
full of longing and of sighing.
Maybe secretly you’re loving
and your nights are spent in sobbing.
This one song, this one and only
I will sing for you, my lonely.
Uprising, a latter-day song written and sung by Sabaton, centers on the theme of failed support from the allies. (https://youtu.be/Y7dRBmMsevk)
Warsaw Rise!
Do you remember when the Nazis forced their rule on Poland
1939 and the allies turned away
From the underground rose a hope of freedom as a whisper
City in despair, but they never lost their faith
Women, men and children fight they were dying side by side
And the blood they shed upon the streets was a sacrifice willingly paidWarsaw, city at war
Voices from underground whispers of freedom
1944 help that never came calling
Warsaw city at war
Voices from underground whispers of freedom
Rise up and hear the call history calling to you
Warszawo walcz!Spirit, soul and heart in accordance with the old traditions
1944 still the allies turn away
Fighting street to street in a time of hope and desperation
Did it on their own and they never lost their faith
All the streetlights in the city broken many years ago
Break the curfew, hide in sewers Warsaw it’s time to rise now
The Polish band Lao Che treated the subject of Warsaw Uprising in their concept album “Powstanie Warszawskie”, which consists of 10 songs illustrating the course of 1944 uprising in Warsaw, Poland. The songs are sung in Polish. Except as noted, I could not find English translations.
“1939 / Przed Burzą” (1939 / Before the Storm) (https://youtu.be/1dl5hdtVH4c?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
Unsuccessful assassination attempt on Hitler! x2
I love and understand freedom
I can’t give up my freedom*
My handcuffs clinging, when the shadow of the Imperial Eagle** above my head
It’s time to rise, and get even with them for our injustice
You j_rks of the ghost of Nazi!
Delusions with the muppet moustache
Won’t make it out alive, the scabby dog-blood
For f_ck’s fascist sake
The three-person resistance crawls stealthy
Me, the brush and the white paint – that’s one groovy crew
I own the walls of this city
I scratch the claws of rebellion with the Anchor***
Freedom, freedom, freedom – I (x4)
Love and understand (x3)
Can’t give up on it (x2)
“Godzina W” (W-Hour) (https://youtu.be/q_d7DtcmhVE?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
I’m riding the tram to war, in the section which is only meant “for Germans”,
With 1st of August sweat on my brow, I’m in a cold barrel along with my Visa in my pant leg.Axe, hoe, saw, cup,
my white-red armband – an insurgent armband.With fear in my pocket, coat of arms and rolled tobacco
I’m not cracking, I’m heading for death just like that – on a short shirt.Under ground soldiers – Aye!
Battalion “Hacky Sack” Aye!
Battalion “Fist” Aye!
Battalion “Broom Stick” Aye!
“Watch 49”, “Umbrella Group”!‘And so my dear son you left with black weapons at night,
And you felt the uprising when – evil – times called.
Before you fell, you said your goodbye’s to the dirt with your hand,
Was it a bullet my son, or did your heart burst?’Burst? Burst?
‘It’s for the beard – It’s fantastic.’
‘We the Poles have the Romantic opinion.’
‘We have one charge – (to charge) up into heaven,
And we have one order – (to have a) cross over our graves.’‘One charge – (to charge) up into heaven,
One order – (to have a) cross over our graves.’‘And so my dear son you left with black weapons at night,
And you felt the uprising when – evil – times called.
Before you fell, you said your goodbye’s to the dirt with your hand,
Was it a bullet my son, or did your heart burst?’Burst? Burst?…
“Barykada” (Barricade) (https://youtu.be/q_d7DtcmhVE?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk) The following was in the YouTube comment section. I assume they are the English lyrics. Goliath was a remote-controlled miniature tank used by the Germans during the Uprising.
Raiders, Bang bang bang, Fellows beware! Goliath! The people must be free, Free people I have been burning Alsatian snout for three days, Hundreds of blond pigs wearing Totenkopf, Bit the dust, bit the dust, bit the dust, Pot of shit and flick on the nose for them, Rebounded bullet smashed my coffee thermos, I’m smoking a cigarette, a cigarette, a cigarette, a cigarette, a cigarette, Los, los, los
“Zrzuty” (Airdrops) (https://youtu.be/nGLMnmcSWdo?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
“Stare Miasto” (Old Town) (https://youtu.be/q0zWp0bNtMQ?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
[“Poles, wherever you may be…”]
Old Town, Old Town
Loyally we shall guard you,
We were ordered to hold you,
Or fall in your rubble:Welcome to the land,
Where Fryco dies!Old Town, Old Town
Loyally we shall guard you,
We were ordered to hold you,
Or fall in your rubble:Halinka – paramedic
Such a fine galOld Town, Old Town
Loyally we shall guard you,
We were ordered to hold you,
Or fall in your rubble:Coffin – luxury here
Nail soup – also luxuryOld Town,Old Town,
nanana-nanana…
We were oredered to hold you,
or nanana-nanana…Faith is softening
Wolf dog went mad and sets the hell on fireOld Town,Old Town,
We won’t guard you anymore,
We’d have to pounch Fritz in the face,
But both my withies are burned:Is it here where the heads are chopped off?
Yes, here the heads are chopped off!Old Town,Old Town,
We won’t guard you anymore,
We’d have to pounch Fritz in the face,
But both my withies are burned:Do you sleep well at night?
Are you afraid of death?It’s boldly singing here for us, this
bunch of granades dashed in darkness! x2There’s 100 thousand souls,
And only one pipe,
Soldiers get out,
Civilians and wounded won’t make it.There’s one camel,
For one needle’s eye,
Few redeemed,
God doesn’t listean to the numerous!!!!
[WON”T LISTEAN! WON”T LISTEAN NO!!!!!!]
WE DEMAND ACCESS TO THE HATCH!!! x7
“Przebicie do Śródmieścia” (Breakout to the City Center) (https://youtu.be/S0gPrkK-vJA?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
May the God, Honour and Fatherland lead you…
Home Army!!!(Rudy, Rudy…)**
First team – ready to jump!
Second team – ready to jump!
Third team – Ready to jump!
Personnel with God…(Our Lord God, our Father, take care of us
You know the tremble of the Scouts’*** hearts, always be willing to help us,
After all, we want to live, loving you and our fatherland)Where are you? – Here’s Wilczur**** calling
Where are you? – I’m coming for you!Shoo wa wa
(We take off the bands, walking through as a German division – it’s Morro’s***** order)
So where are you? Here’s Wilczur calling.
Can you hear me? I’m coming for you!
(On the Brühl Palace
Team! Team!
Come back)
Shoo wa wa“Zośka”** – don’t shoot, it’s Zośka, don’t shoot!
“Radosław”** – don’t shoot, it’s “Radosław” – don’t shoot!
The Poles – don’t shoot, for God’s sake, they’re Poles!
The Old Town – don’t shoot. Long live Poland!
“Czerniaków”, (https://youtu.be/4cA2r4iqdQk?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
“Hitlerowcy” (Hitlerites) (https://youtu.be/DIzUSKKyxm8?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
“Kanały” (Sewers) (https://youtu.be/E317p9MbAtw?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
“Koniec” (The End) (https://youtu.be/g9SJgEReAQI?list=PLdKPpck0fhsFjVoDQ6A-3tx0vNjikMbnk)
Several other European bands addressed the Warsaw Uprising in their music. The Swedish band Marduk wrote about the Warsaw Uprising in their song “Warschau” (Warsaw in German), which was featured on the album “Plague Angel”. The song focused on the harsh Nazi reprisals and the devastation of the city after the suppression of the insurgency. (https://youtu.be/3-cYg23VBls )
Crushing resistance, inflicting pain
Fierce devotion, reign of terror
Draconian measures, sealing their fates
Proudly displaying monuments in blood
Warschau
Warschau
Warschau
Overkill supreme, bloodletting
Sacrifice, blood is the price of victory
Iron claws descend, ruling with supremacy
Declaration of death, damnations pride
Eye for an eye, death for death
Panzerclaw retaliate, blood and dust
Annihilation, obliteration, cremation
Declaration of death, genocide triumphant
Crushing resistance, inflicting pain
Fierce devotion, reign of terror
Proudly displaying moments in blood
Warschau
Warschau
Warschau
Overkill supreme, bloodletting
Sacrifice, blood is the price of victory
Iron claws descend, ruling with supremacy
Declaration of death, damnations pride
Warschau
Warschau
Warschau
The German band Heaven Shall Burn paid a tribute to the Warsaw Uprising fighters in the song “Armia” from their album “Deaf to Our Prayers.” (https://youtu.be/w1dZCUVqj-s)
An insurrection of the lost
With courage born from despair
An end for the years of anguish;
A battle in the heart of this nationUprising of the lost;
In the abyss between the worlds
They all averted their eyes
A home behind the enemies linesThey raped and burned our fatherland
We know that nothing shall remain; there’s no tomorrow,
We’ll bring it to an end; there’s no tomorrow.Uprising of the lost; the world averted it’s eyes
Our souls scorched with our homes
But fitful we hold our groundRagged figures but brothers and sisters we are;
Through fields of debris we crawlRed vultures awaiting our end
A home behind the enemies lines