Whatever the historic meaning, all Poles associate the word "Krzyżak" with "Germany." But in the context of the poem it doesn't (technically) make sense. Now, as the news broke out, it only gives more fire to the cause; most likely the opposite to what the Tusk government hoped for.
aaaah...."Krusak" = Crusader.....yes, that sounds like it!
Krzyżak is from the Polish word for Cross (which is krzyż) - they were called so because they wore white clothes (tunics?) with a black cross on their chests
and no krzyżak doesne't mean crusader knight - crusader knight is called krzyżowiec in Poland
Polish rock groups also create patriotic music when they sing about their life issues.
This song by IRA from 1990s could be my autobiography in 1990s except a few things like long hair, elder ladies or smoking pot:
I could be in the USA right now Earning big bucks by the sweat of my brow Entertaining old ladies and having a credit card But no, no, no, I'm not running away From here! I like wearing shoes with a big toe My long hair is something I like I like drinking beer and smoking joints But no, I'm not running away from here
My home is these grey streets My home is the line for work My home is those sad people My home is you and me
by Horytnica, a great group which deals with historical topics. They also committed a song about their love for Poland.
Here is another one: We don`t have to die anymore but......
Excellent heavy metal rock. Combined with the scenes from 1920 Battle of Warsaw film. We don't have to die anymore And yet there's a scar in my heart. Instead of looking at my country, You mock the slogan "motherland"
Although so much blood has flowed And tears have flowed from the eyes Today the enemy still mocks Polish pride Will its end ever come The past days in pools of blood And the sight of tears from mothers' hearts When the son died for his country This sight is foreign to you today
And the enemy treacherously bares its fangs And rivers of Polish blood flow You lose honor, language, speech Saying that it is progressive Patriotism is at the bottom But the army of faith still stands Fighting proudly face to face Believing in the white Eagle sign
This scene in the Oscar winning Pianist always brings tears to my eyes. On New Year`s Eve, a group of Jewish workers are ordered by drunk German guards to sing a joyful song. They choose the Polish insurgent song from 19th century which Polish patriots sang during 1863 January Uprising and later on too. The trick is they sing it in Polish so Germans don`t understand a word (in the film it is in English).
Comment: the combination of wit, fatalism, bravery, foolishness and luck of those Jews picking that song (19th century song about the Uprising against the occupying Russians) to sing in those circumstances.
That`s what they sing:
Hey, ranks unite! And follow the White Eagle Stand up and fight! Our mortal enemies Rise on the day, Lets give them fire and brimstone, We'll do away the Yoke of Slavery, Punish and rout the rapists of our nation, We'll slash them out to save our dignity..
That`s what they sing: Hey, ranks unite! And follow the White Eagle
That`s how the film makers translated the lyrics.
Here is the original song with Eng subs. One of my fave songs in the Polish patriotic song book. . I heard it first time in a historical series in late 1970s.