Bella ciao
Wader Wecker Mey Lyrics

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Eines Morgens in aller Frühe
Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Eines Morgens in aller Frühe
Trafen wir auf unseren Feind
Eines Morgens in aller Frühe
Trafen wir auf unseren Feind

Una mattina mi sono alzato

Oh, bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Una mattina mi sono alzato
Ed ho trovato l'invasor
Mi sono alzato e ho trovato, e ho trovato l'invasor

Und wenn ich sterbe, oh ihr Genossen
Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Wenn ich sterbe, oh ihr Genossen
Bringt mich dann zur letzten Ruh
Wenn ich sterbe, oh ihr Genossen
Bringt mich dann zur letzten Ruh

E se io muoio da partigiano
Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Se io muoio da partigiano
Tu mi devi seppelir
E se io muoio da partigiano
Tu mi devi seppelir

In den Schatten der kleinen Blume
Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
In den Schatten der kleinen Blume
In die Berge bringt mich dann
In den Schatten der kleinen Blume
In die Berge bringt mich dann

E tutti quelli che passeranno
Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
E tutti quelli che passeranno
Mi diranno che bel fior
E tutti quelli che passeranno
Mi diranno che bel fior

Und die Leute, die gehen vorüber
Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Und die Leute, die gehen vorüber
Sehen die kleine Blume stehen
Und die Leute, die gehen vorüber
Sehen die kleine Blume stehen

È questo il fiore del partigiano
Oh, bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
È questo fiore del partigiano
Morto per la libertà

È questo fiore del partigiano
Morto per la libertà

Overall Meaning

The song "Bella Ciao" is an Italian folk song that has been adapted and changed throughout the years. It has become an anthem of resistance and protest, symbolizing the struggles of the oppressed and those fighting for freedom. The song's lyrics tell the story of a group of fighters who came across their enemy early one morning. They vow to fight to the end and if they die, to be buried as partisans, honored for their sacrifice. The lyrics describe the beautiful flower that will grow in the shadow of their graves, a symbol of their legacy and the strength of their convictions.

Throughout the song, there is a call and response between the lead singer and a chorus. This structure reinforces the sense of unity and shared purpose among the fighters. The repetition of the words "Bella ciao" creates an almost hypnotic effect, drawing the listener in and creating a feeling of solidarity. The simple melody has a haunting quality that adds to the song's emotional impact.

Overall, "Bella Ciao" is a powerful piece of music that speaks to the human desire for freedom and justice. It reminds us that even in the bleakest of circumstances, there is always hope and the possibility of change. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its relevance and importance in our world today.

Line by Line Meaning

Eines Morgens in aller Frühe
One morning very early

Bella ciao, bella ciao, bella ciao ciao ciao
Goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, goodbye beautiful, bye bye bye

Trafen wir auf unseren Feind
We met our enemy

Una mattina mi sono alzato
One morning I woke up

Ed ho trovato l'invasor
And I found the invader

Und wenn ich sterbe, oh ihr Genossen
And when I die, oh comrades

Bringt mich dann zur letzten Ruh
Lay me to rest in my final resting place

Se io muoio da partigiano
If I die as a partisan

Tu mi devi seppelir
You must bury me

In den Schatten der kleinen Blume
In the shade of the small flower

In die Berge bringt mich dann
Take me to the mountains