On The Day The Nazi Died
Chumbawamba · Other Songs - Chumbawamba
We're told that after the war
The Nazis vanished without a trace
But the Italians are facist
Still dream of a master race
The history books they tell
Of their defeat at '45
But they all came out of the woodwork
On the day the Nazi died
They say the prisoner at Spandau
Was a symbol of defeat
Whilst Hess remained imprisoned
And the facists; they were beat
So the promise of an Aryan world
Would never materialize
So why did they all come out of the woodwork
On the day the Nazi died
The world is riddled with maggots
The maggots are getting fat
They're making a tasty meal of all
The bosses and bureaucrats
They're taking over the boardrooms
And they're fat and full of pride
And they all came out of the woodwork
On the day the Nazi died
So if you meet with these historians
I'll tell you what to say
Tell them that the Nazis
Never really went away
They're out there burning houses down
And peddling racist lies
And we'll never rest again...
Until every Nazi dies...
The Nazis vanished without a trace
But the Italians are facist
Still dream of a master race
The history books they tell
Of their defeat at '45
But they all came out of the woodwork
On the day the Nazi died
They say the prisoner at Spandau
Was a symbol of defeat
Whilst Hess remained imprisoned
And the facists; they were beat
So the promise of an Aryan world
Would never materialize
So why did they all come out of the woodwork
On the day the Nazi died
The world is riddled with maggots
The maggots are getting fat
They're making a tasty meal of all
The bosses and bureaucrats
They're taking over the boardrooms
And they're fat and full of pride
And they all came out of the woodwork
On the day the Nazi died
So if you meet with these historians
I'll tell you what to say
Tell them that the Nazis
Never really went away
They're out there burning houses down
And peddling racist lies
And we'll never rest again...
Until every Nazi dies...
On The Day The Nazi Died
Chumbawamba's 'On The Day The Nazi Died' stands as a potent example of the group's commitment to political activism and punk-infused pop. Released in 1999, the track blends the band's signature upbeat rhythm with a sharp, satirical message targeting the resurgence of far-right ideologies in Europe. The song reflects the band's history of addressing social and political issues, utilizing catchy melodies to deliver critical commentary on contemporary events. It exemplifies their ability to merge mainstream appeal with underground political engagement, creating a recording that remains relevant for its direct challenge to authoritarian nostalgia.