Suddenly our eyes opened, suddenly we heard all the sounds.
Suddenly we were part of the world, suddenly our youth ended.
We saw a burning child in the room, we saw an ice-cold riot police,
we saw a youth who, with a tank, took the life of another youth.
And we tumbled into the light, and we gasped for air,
and we sharpened our minds som to battle.
Now the hour of truth had arrived; we would change the course of history;
We were the bells in a decisive time.
Old friends, come forward! Let me shake your hand!
Let me thank you for everything we did!
We were the future then, and our victories last
as they do when you have done what you should.
It is one truth, among many others, that in every form of struggle
there are some who, when successful, always manage to go further .
But if the fortunes of battle suddenly turn, and when the will is all you have,
and you seek the hands of the foremost, they are no longer there.
But the difference is, my friends, that the one who always runs away
also carries the defeats with him to his grave.
But he who fights for it then falls, and thus is heckled by the smiters,
wears the hood of victory all his days.
Opportunists go home! You were never my friend!
And who needs life-weary poses?
What you support for then you will soon leave behind,
before you drift where the winds blow!
But now new winds are blowing, and from much closer quarters;
Yes, now the loud cries from the people of the rich world are rising.
Now the missiles are in Europe, and they are pointing at my children;
Now the old culture must be sacrificed until only the rats remain.
So I turn around in the night, and I clench my skinny hand,
and I curse that you exist, Mr. President!
But I will call from the highest tower, and I will ring the bells;
Because I am stronger than I have ever known before!
Old friends, come forward! Let me feel your hand!
Let's do exactly as we promised!
We will see that time, but we are still contemporary,
so let's do the only thing we should!
New friends, come along! Now we need you!
It is your visions they threaten!
You are the future now; It is your decisions
that shape the new Europe!