As France gears up for its first Rugby World Cup match against New Zealand, it’s an opportune moment to familiarize yourself with their national anthem, La Marseillaise. While France has never clinched the World Cup, a deeper understanding of their anthem’s lyrics and history might be in order.
“The French National Anthem: La Marseillaise – Lyrics, English Translation, and Controversial Meaning”
La Marseillaise, as the anthem is known, tells a tale of France’s defense against Prussian and Austrian invaders. To truly appreciate its significance, let’s delve into its origins.
The genesis of this anthem can be traced back to the fervor of the French Revolution when France declared war on Russia. One fateful night, Claude-Joseph Rouget, a French army officer, composed the song in a matter of hours, titling it “Chant de guerre pour l’Armée du Rhin” (War Song for the Rhine Army).
Its moniker, “La Marseillaise,” was bestowed upon it when it was sung on the streets of Paris by volunteers from Marseille who had marched to the capital. In 1795, it was officially designated as the French national anthem, marking a pivotal moment in its history as it became a rallying cry for the French Revolution.
What do the lyrics convey? The complete anthem comprises seven verses, but at sporting events like the Rugby World Cup, teams typically sing only the first verse and chorus:
Arise, children of the Fatherland Our day of glory has arrived Against us, the bloody flag of tyranny Is raised; the bloody flag is raised Do you hear, in the countryside, The roar of those ferocious soldiers? They’re coming right into your arms To cut the throats of your sons, your comrades!
To arms, citizens! Form your battalions Let’s march, let’s march That their impure blood Should water our fields.
English translation: Arise, children of the Fatherland Our day of glory has arrived Against us, the bloody flag of tyranny Is raised; the bloody flag is raised Do you hear, in the countryside, The roar of those ferocious soldiers? They’re coming right into your arms To cut the throats of your sons, your comrades!
To arms, citizens! Form your battalions Let’s march, let’s march That their impure blood Should water our fields.
Mixed feelings surround La Marseillaise, and it has evoked both criticism and admiration. Notably, the anthem faced a ban during the reigns of Napoleon Bonaparte, Louis XVIII, and Charles X from 1804 to 1830 due to its revolutionary associations. It was not reinstated as the national anthem until 1879.
However, composers like Giuseppe Verdi were captivated by it and incorporated phrases from La Marseillaise into his patriotic anthem, the “Hymn of the Nations.”
The anthem’s tumultuous history reflects the enduring impact of the French Revolution on the nation’s identity, making La Marseillaise a symbol of resilience and the struggle for liberty.