Mein Schlesierland (Kehr' ich einst zur Heimat wieder) - Filmaufnahmen [Untertitel]

“Mein Schlesierland” (My Silesian Land) is an important Silesian folk song, whose composer unfortunately remains unknown. The version used here was recorded in the mid-1950s by the Berlin Police Band under the conducting of Heinz Winkel. Silesia, a historic heartland of Central Europe, was dominated for centuries by a predominantly German-speaking population. From the 13th century onwards, colonization by German settlers promoted the development of the region, which gave rise to a flourishing industrial and mining landscape, particularly in Lower Silesia. This German population contributed significantly to the cultural, social, and economic character of the region. After the Silesian Wars in 1742, Silesia finally fell to Prussia, further strengthening its German character. In the 19th century, the region was a center of German culture and economy, especially with the metropolis of Breslau (today Wrocław). But after World War II, particularly in the wake of the decisions made at the Potsdam Conference in 1945, Silesia experienced a dramatic turnaround. The German population was almost completely expelled or fled from the advancing Red Army. The area was transferred to Polish administration, which resulted in the loss of their homeland and forced resettlement for many Silesians. The song recalls a time when Silesia still existed as an important German cultural and economic center. Lyrics: When I return to my homeland one day, early in the morning, when the sun rises, I will look down into the valley, where a maiden stands at every door. There, she sighs softly, yes softly, and whispers gently: "My Silesian land, my homeland! So, by nature, nature in its old way. We shall meet again, my Silesian land, we shall meet again by the Oder's shore!" Further stanzas: In the shade of an oak tree, yes, there I gave her a farewell kiss. "Darling, I can't stay any longer, because, yes, because I must part from you!" There, she sighs softly, yes softly, and whispers gently: "My Silesian land, my homeland! So, by nature, nature in its old way. We shall meet again, my Silesian land, we shall meet again by the Oder's shore!" "Dear girl, stop crying, dear girl, stop crying. When the roses bloom again, yes, then I will return to you!" There, she sighs softly, yes softly, and whispers gently: "My Silesian land, my homeland! So, by nature, nature in its old way. We shall meet again, my Silesian land, we shall meet again by the Oder's shore!"