Songs of the Cologne Catholic Workers' Clubs (1896-1899) The theories of Marx and the Social Democrats were less attractive to working-class Catholics than other population groups. This difference resulted in part from the ability of Catholic doctrine to address working-class concerns. Additionally, communal solidarity and a shared framework of values and beliefs bound Catholics of all classes together. In the following songs, class consciousness and Church doctrine are fused together in a meaningful synthesis.
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page 1 of 2 I. "The Worker's Hymn" (c. 1896) What roars so terribly through the lands? It is the heathen song of labor: Tear apart the bonds of society, Destroy what separates you from the beast! Yes, "forward" sounds in every language, But forward in the storm against God! And even in the very mouth of Hell, God builds for spite on the tower of Babel! What sounds so mildly down from Rome? A great word from the Labor Pope: Work will again be Christian, St. Joseph is your protecting refuge! See there the Master of all worlds, See the Savior in working clothes, This example, this alone is of worth, It is the fall of slave labor! As a carpenter he builds the bridge, Where poverty and wealth divide And if you want to go "forward," turn back To Christ, who knows the meaning of labor! Therefore, raise a cheer for work! Let us sing, In Christ resides your reward and happiness; Let it ring throughout the land! Yes, "forward", but first turn back. II. "The Song of Labor“ (c. 1899) The wheels rattle, the anvil rings, The tongues of fire hiss, The heavy hammer falls in rhythm, Swung by the sinewy arm. The disc turns, the saw rips and tears The flywheel circles, violently, in an arc.
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