The original lyrics, beginningOberst am jungen Rhein, were written in the 1850s. The song may be grouped with the German "Rhine songs", i.e. songs that celebrate theRiver Rhine as part of the German national patrimony,opposing the French territorial claims on the left river bank.
The text is attributed toJakob Josef Jauch (1802–1859).[1] Born inSaratov, Russia to Swiss Catholic family fromUri, Jauch studied theology inLucerne andChur during 1828–1832, and was consecrated as priest in 1833. He served as priest in London during 1837/8–1850. During 1852–1856, he lived inBalzers, Liechtenstein, and befriendedPrincess Franziska, with whom he planned a model educational institution in Balzers. Due to his progressive stance, Jauch came into conflict with the church hierarchy, and the bishop of Chur ordered him to leave Liechtenstein in 1856. If the attribution of the lyrics to Jauch is correct, the composition would likely date to Jauch's time in Balzers (1852–1856).
The lyrics were not published during Jauch's lifetime. They appeared in print, as the national anthem of Liechtenstein (Die Liechtenstein'sche National-Hymne) only after a period of oral transmission, in 1875, so that the tradition of Jauch's authorship, or the original form of his lyrics, cannot be verified.[2] The song served as Liechtenstein's unofficial,de facto national anthem from the 1870s until its official adoption in 1920.
In 1963, the text was shortened, and reference to the "German Rhine", which had been introduced in the 1920 version, was removed.[3]Oben am jungen Rhein is the only remaining national anthem sharing the same melody with the British "God Save the King" (since the replacement of the SwissRufst du, mein Vaterland in 1961).[4][5]
Oben am jungen Rhein[c] Lehnet sich Liechtenstein An Alpenhöh'n. 𝄆 Dies liebe Heimatland, Das teure Vaterland[d] Hat Gottes weise Hand Für uns erseh'n. 𝄇
Wo einst St. Lucien Frieden nach Rhätien Hineingebracht 𝄆 Dort an dem Grenzestein Und längs des jungen Rhein Steht furchtlos Liechtenstein Auf Deutschlands Wacht. 𝄇
Lieblich zur Sommerzeit Auf hoher Alpenweid Schwebt Himmelsruh: 𝄆 Wo frei die Gemse springt, Kühn sich der Adler schwingt, Der Senn das Ave singt Der Heimat zu. 𝄇
Von grünen Felsenhöh'n Freundlich es ist zu seh'n Mit einem Blick: 𝄆 Wie des Rhein's Silberband Säumet das schöne Land, Ein kleines Vaterland Von stillem Glück. 𝄇
Treu und fest, wenn schon klein Im deutschen Reichsverein Ruht Liechtenstein. 𝄆 Lichtvoll auf ew'gem Grund Einig und kerngesund In Sturm und Nacht dem Bund Leuchtstern zu sein. 𝄇
Theilt nicht des Fürsten Herz Väterlich Freud' und Schmerz Mit Kindern hier? 𝄆 Nicht ihn erhält das Land — So reichet ihm die Hand, In unserm Vaterland Vater und Zier! 𝄇
Hoch lebe Liechtenstein, Blühend am jungen Rhein,[e] Glücklich und treu.[f] 𝄆 Hoch leb' der Fürst vom Land, Hoch unser Vaterland, Durch Bruderliebe Band Vereint und frei. 𝄇
High on the young Rhine Lies Liechtenstein, resting On Alpine heights. 𝄆 This beloved homeland The dear fatherland God's wise hand has Chosen for us. 𝄇
Where onceSt. Lucius Peace toRaetia Brought, 𝄆 There by the border stone And along the young Rhine Liechtenstein stands fearless On guard for Germany. 𝄇
Lovely in the summer On the high Alps' meadows Floats heavenly quietude. 𝄆 Where the chamois leaps freely, The eagle soars boldly, The herdsman sings the Ave For the native land. 𝄇
From green rocky heights It is lovely to look at With one gaze: 𝄆 How the Rhine's silver band Hems the beautiful land A small fatherland Of silent bliss. 𝄇
Loyal and firm, even if small In the German Empire association Rests Liechtenstein. 𝄆 Full of light on eternal ground United and healthy In storm and night the union to be a shining star. 𝄇
Does the prince's heart not share Fatherly joy and pain With children here? 𝄆 The country is not receiving him — So give him your hand In our fatherland father and ornament! 𝄇
Long live Liechtenstein, Blossoming on the young Rhine,— Fortunate and faithful! 𝄆 Long live the Prince of the Land, Long live our fatherland, Through bonds of brotherly love United and free! 𝄇
^abcdeThe full seven verses were printed in "Die Lichtenstein's he Nationalhymne",Süddeutsche Presse, 21 March 1875p. 2. Reprinted from theSüddeutsche Presse report, but shortened to five verses:Das Echo, 16 May 1875,p. 78, Neue Freie Presse Wien, 23 March 1875,p. 2; mentioned as "composed in the 1850s by a Catholic pastor" (in den Fünfziger-Jahren von einem katholischen Pfarrer gedichtet).
^"Liechtenstein". nationalanthems.info.Archived from the original on 18 February 2015. Retrieved26 January 2015.
