Image

Das Lila Lied

The Lavender Song

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.

It was dedicated to the German physician and ‘sexologist’ Magnus Hirschfeld, an early homosexual rights activist.

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)