(laughs) Good point. Well, that may seem that way from today’s point of view, but I would see it strictly according to the mythological and historical interpretation. Mars maybe was the god of war, but also an agricultural guardian and father (pater) of the Roman people too. In contrast to his Greek personification Ares, who was viewed primarily as a destructive and destabilizing force, Mars represented military power as a way to secure peace (of the state). ;-)
In the harbor city (of Hamburg) on hangman place there were seventy-three men; And the executioner shouted, “All on your knees, I’ll start with the captain”; They are accused of piracy, and for the greater good of righteousness; Will all be condemned by the court, to death by the axe!
Chorus: He was the Liekedeeler, Liekedeeler; From the booty each one got (something); Friends of the Lord, Enemies of each and everyone; Liekedeeler, Liekedeeler; Everyone fled from his ship, but the red devil (still) gets your gold!
When his neck was already on the executioner’s block, he raised his head again; He looked around and said, “If there is one thing I can wish for right now”; All the men here I’m still passing through’, will be saved from death”; And then his head fell, but he still carried him to the eleventh comrade.
[Chorus]
To get the cargo he once stole, from all the cogs up to the sea; A hundred men searched for his proud boat, but he was never seen again; The pardon that comes with angelic pardon, on his death was promised; Were lies only, because they beheaded stubbornly, all seventy-two men.
[Chorus]
Klaus Störtebeker (1360 – 20 October 1401) was reputed to be the legandary leader of a group of privateers known as the Victual Brothers. They were originally hired during a war between Denmark and Sweden. After the end of the war, the Victual Brothers continued to capture merchant vessels named themselves “Likedeelers” (literally: equal sharers).
Who says you can’t learn something from music? ;-)