Das Lila Lied (The Lavender Song) was written by the cabaret composer Mischa Spoliansky (under the pseudonym of Arno Billing) and songwriter Kurt Schwabach in 1920.
(image mischaspoliansky.com)
(image uwosh.edu)
It was dedicated to the German physician and ‘sexologist’ Magnus Hirschfeld, an early homosexual rights activist.
(image glbtq.com)
It is now considered to be the first ever Gay Rights anthem.
This first version is from the Marek Weber Orchestra from 1921
And in English, by contemporary cabaret star Ute Lemper.
(lyrics are by Jeremy Lawrence and are copyrighted)
The lyrics Ute is singing are by me, Jeremy Lawrence, and are copywritten and should not be used on a website without my permission or at least without giving me credit. Please correct this.
Thanks so much.
Jeremy Lawrence
Thank you and apologies. Correct accreditation has now been made.
Das lila Lied
Wir lieben nur die lila Nacht, die schwül ist,
weil wir ja anders als die andern sind!