The English translation is appalling; who on earth perpetrated that?
The German one is much more convincing, though it's still not great poetry, it does have a certain force and dignity. The English, on the other hand, is just risible - I'd be tempted to say it's no wonder parts of Germany had a Communist government and Britain never did if I didn't know it had more to do with the Soviet tanks and Uncle Joe. But I don't think the English words would have helped the cause, and I'm not surprised that Billy Bragg heavily altered the words.
The 'Freedom come all ye' is still the best left wing song in English (well, OK, it's in Scots) I can think of, though.
( Peasants, artisans and others! Spurn the dust to win the prize! )