Lyrics of 40:1 by Sabaton

Baptized in fire, forty to one

So silent before the storm, awaiting command
A few have been chosen to stand, as one outnumbered by far
The orders from high command – fight back, hold your ground!
In early September it came, a war unknown to the world

No army may enter that land
That is protected by Polish hand
Unless you are forty to one
Your force will soon be undone, undone

Baptized in fire, forty to one
Spirit of Spartans – death and glory
Soldiers of Poland, second to none
Wrath of the Wehrmacht brought to a halt

The eighth of September it starts, the rage of the Reich
A barrage of mortars and guns, stand fast, the bunkers will hold
The captain has pledged his life, I’ll face my fate here
The sound of artillery strike, so fierce the thunder of guns

So come, bring on all that you’ve got
Come Hell, come high water, never stop
Unless you are forty to one
Your lives will soon be undone… undone

Baptized in fire, forty to one
Spirit of Spartans – death and glory
Soldiers of Poland, second to none
Wrath of the Wehrmacht brought to a halt

Always remember, a fallen soldier!
Always remember, fathers and sons at war!
Always remember, a fallen soldier!
Always remember, fathers and sons at war!
Always remember, a fallen soldier!
Always remember, buried in history…

No army may enter that land
That is protected by Polish hand
Unless you are forty to one
Your force will soon be undone, undone

Baptized in fire, forty to one
Spirit of Spartans – death and glory
Soldiers of Poland, second to none
Wrath of the Wehrmacht brought to a halt

No, no, nooo!

Historical Background

40:1 by Sabaton – A Story of Defiance Against All Odds

Some songs entertain. Others inspire. 40:1 by Sabaton? It punches you in the face with history.

This isn’t just a war anthem. It’s a tribute to one of the most badass last stands in modern warfare—where a handful of Polish soldiers held back a tidal wave of Nazi forces.

Let’s break it down.

The Battle Behind 40:1

The song tells the story of the Battle of Wizna (September 7-10, 1939). Poland had just been invaded by Nazi Germany. The Wehrmacht was rolling through Europe like a steamroller. And yet, in one tiny village, a small Polish force made history.

720 Polish soldiers. Fortified bunkers, trenches, and anti-tank weapons. Facing off against over 40,000 German troops, tanks, and artillery

That’s actually a 57-to-1 ratio. But “40:1” sounds cooler.

The Polish commander, Władysław Raginis, knew the odds. But he swore an oath—he and his men would hold their ground to the last bullet.

And they did.

How They Fought – And Why It Matters

For three days, these 720 men held off Heinz Guderian’s tank divisions—the very same guy who helped perfect Blitzkrieg. The Poles had almost no reinforcements. No air support. Just sheer grit.

They destroyed German tanks with outdated guns. They used every bullet before falling back to the last bunker. When all was lost, Raginis chose death over surrender, pulling a grenade to take himself out.

Did they win? No. But they delayed an entire Nazi division—buying time for Polish forces elsewhere. Their sacrifice became legend.

Why 40:1 Hits Hard

Sabaton isn’t just making a metal banger—they’re reviving forgotten heroism. The lyrics don’t glorify war. They glorify the spirit of defiance.

“Spirit of Spartans – death and glory”

This is Thermopylae in 1939. The Polish soldiers knew they were doomed. But they fought anyway.

“Soldiers of Poland, second to none”

Because courage isn’t about winning. It’s about refusing to give up—no matter what.

The Lesson?

History remembers conquerors. But it also remembers those who stood against impossible odds and said, “Not today.”

Wizna wasn’t just a battle. It was a message—that even when the world is against you, even when defeat is certain, you fight like hell anyway.

Because sometimes, it’s not about surviving.

It’s about making sure the enemy never forgets you.

And thanks to 40:1, they never will.

About Niels

Niels believes every historical event has its own rhythm, every era its unique melody, and every story its untold song. He brings history to life, capturing the essence of pivotal moments, fascinating figures, and the cultural transformations that shaped our world. His work makes history not only informative but deeply emotional and memorable.

On this website, you’ll discover his latest songs, insights into his creative process, and curated playlists of his favorite historical tunes. Join Niels on this melodic adventure where every note tells a story, and every story inspires a song.


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