Hitler Has Only Got One Ball

Hitler Has Only Got One Ball

Adolf Hitler

"Hitler Has Only Got One Ball" is a British song that satirizes the Nazi leaders of World War II, particularly Adolf Hitler. The song is set to the tune of the "Colonel Bogey March" and became popular among British soldiers and civilians during the war. The lyrics humorously suggest that Hitler had monorchism, a condition where one testicle is absent.

Origins and Popularity

The song's origins are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been created by British soldiers during the early years of World War II. The tune of the "Colonel Bogey March," composed by Kenneth J. Alford in 1914, provided a familiar and catchy melody that made the song easy to remember and sing.

The song gained widespread popularity as a form of psychological warfare, mocking the Nazi leadership and boosting the morale of Allied troops. It was often sung in a variety of versions, with lyrics that were adapted to include other Nazi figures.

Lyrics and Variations

The most well-known version of the song includes verses about Hitler, Hermann Göring, Heinrich Himmler, and Joseph Goebbels. Each verse humorously describes the supposed anatomical deficiencies of these leaders.

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Hermann Göring

Heinrich Himmler

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Joseph Goebbels

The lyrics typically begin with:

"Hitler has only got one ball, Göring has two but very small, Himmler is somewhat similar, But poor old Goebbels has no balls at all."

Cultural Impact

The song's humorous and irreverent nature made it a memorable part of wartime culture. It was emblematic of the British spirit of resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. The song was also featured in various media, including films and television shows, further cementing its place in popular culture.

The Bridge on the River Kwai

One notable appearance of the "Colonel Bogey March" is in the 1957 film "The Bridge on the River Kwai", where it is whistled by British prisoners of war.

Related Figures

The song mentions several key figures of the Nazi regime:

• Adolf Hitler - The leader of Nazi Germany.
• Hermann Göring - A leading member of the Nazi Party and founder of the Gestapo.
• Heinrich Himmler - Head of the SS and one of the main architects of the Holocaust.
• Joseph Goebbels - Minister of Propaganda for Nazi Germany.

Related Pages

• World War II
• Nazi Germany
• Colonel Bogey March
• British Humour