| The first text of the Danube Waltz (written in 1867) ridicules the almost bankrupt state and its politicians. Owing to the preceding war and Austrias military defeat at Königgrätz many balls were cancelled in the carnival season of 1867 and replaced by concerts. Thus the Männergesangsverein announced a "carnival choral recital" for February 15th, 1867 at the Dianabad-Saal, on which occasion the Blue Danube Waltz was performed for the first time. The poet of the choral society Josef Weyl had written a burlesque text for this concert waltz, alluding to the lost battle of Königgrätz and the economic disaster.
"Viennese, rejoice!"
Text by Josef Weyl, poet of the Vienna Männergesangverein
Viennese, rejoice! – Oho, why so?
Just look around! – I ask you why?
A glimmer of light – We cant see it right.
Hey, carnival is here – well, well, o.k.
So brave the times – oh Lord, the times of gloom.
Ah, that would be smart!
Why grumble and moan,
Be glad and make merry!
(Excerpt)
"Danube so blue"
23 years later Franz von Gerneth (member of the Supreme Court) composed the following text for the melodies of the waltz:
Danube, so blue, through valley and wood,
gently you glide, Vienna greets you.
Your silver ribbon ties land to land,
and happy hearts beat on your shore.
From the Black Forest you hurry to the Black Sea,
blessing everywhere, flowing to the east.
Many brothers join you, sign of unity for ever.
Ancient castles look at you from high,
greet you from afar, and the wreaths of mountains,
glittering in the morning sun, dance on the crests of the waves.
(Excerpt)
The Blue Danube Waltz - a part of world politics 
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