Older members might remember a 1960s hit record called "I Was Kaiser Bill's Batman". It was an instrumental with whistling by Whistling Jack Smith, and was said to have been a novelty tune written in the 60s by a British musician.
However, some lyrics have been found at a car boot sale in the German town of Beinziehen. They were amongst the effects of the late Thomas Blechdose, a WWI veteran and member of the Panzerabteilung. His grandchildren say they remember him singing it to them and telling them that it was the regimental march of the Panzertruppen, and was called Der Possenreißer.
If you're not familiar with the tune, it can be heard here:
The lyrics are below. I hope this is of special interest to our German-speaking members.
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 (Pfeifen) 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. (Pfeifen) Nur ich war der Putzer vom Kaiser.
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!" (Pfeifen) Ich war der Putzer des Kaisers.
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Very interesting. That's the great German tenor whistler, Till Eulenspiegel. Well spotted.
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"Sometimes things that are not true are included in Wikipedia. While at first glance that may appear like a very great problem for Wikipedia, in reality is it not. In fact, it's a good thing." - Wikipedia.