With God, roses and punk, German military honours Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel makes a speech at the defence ministry, during the Grand Tattoo (Grosser Zapfenstreich), a ceremonial send-off for her in Berlin, Germany December 2, 2021. Odd Andersen/Pool via REUTERS

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's military on Thursday honoured outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel with their highest ceremony for a civilian, playing an eclectic mix of music of her own choosing that has intrigued the nation.

In the "Großer Zapfenstreich" ceremony, pared back due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Bundeswehr staff music corps played a hymn, a 1960s song that includes the words "I can't acquiesce, can't make do, I still want to win", and a 1970s punk rock hit.