France National Anthem Lyrics In French

Alright, here's a comprehensive article about the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, including its lyrics in French, their translation, historical context, and cultural significance.

La Marseillaise: A Deep Dive into France's National Anthem

La Marseillaise is more than just a song; it's a powerful symbol of French national identity, revolution, and the spirit of liberty. Its stirring melody and evocative lyrics have resonated through history, inspiring generations and becoming a cornerstone of French culture. Understanding La Marseillaise requires delving into its historical origins, analyzing its potent words, and appreciating its enduring significance in the French Republic.

The Genesis of a Revolutionary Anthem

The story of La Marseillaise begins not in Paris, but in Strasbourg in 1792. France was on the brink of war with Austria and Prussia, and revolutionary fervor was sweeping the nation. Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a captain in the French army stationed in Strasbourg, was tasked with composing a war song to inspire the troops. On the night of April 25, 1792, Rouget de Lisle penned Chant de Guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin (War Song for the Army of the Rhine).

The song quickly gained popularity among revolutionary soldiers. It was adopted by volunteer soldiers from Marseille as they marched to Paris to defend the revolution, hence the name La Marseillaise. Its powerful message of defiance against tyranny and its call to arms resonated deeply with the revolutionary spirit of the time. In 1795, La Marseillaise was officially adopted as the national anthem of France.

Lyrics of La Marseillaise in French

Here are the complete lyrics of La Marseillaise in French:

Verse 1:

Allons enfants de la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé ! Contre nous de la tyrannie, L'étendard sanglant est levé, (bis) Entendez-vous dans les campagnes Mugir ces féroces soldats ? Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes !

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

Verse 2:

Que veut cette horde d'esclaves, De traîtres, de rois conjurés ? Pour qui ces ignobles entraves, Ces fers dès longtemps préparés ? (bis) Français, pour nous, ah ! quel outrage Quels transports il doit exciter ! C'est nous qu'on ose méditer De rendre à l'antique esclavage !

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

Verse 3:

Quoi ! des cohortes étrangères Feraient la loi dans nos foyers ! Quoi ! ces phalanges mercenaires Terrasseraient nos fiers guerriers ! (bis) Grand Dieu ! par des mains enchaînées Nos fronts sous le joug se ploieraient ! De vils despotes deviendraient Les maîtres de nos destinées !

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

Verse 4:

Tremblez, tyrans et vous perfides L'opprobre de tous les partis, Tremblez ! vos projets parricides Vont enfin recevoir leur prix ! (bis) Tout est soldat pour vous combattre, S'ils tombent, nos jeunes héros, La France en produit de nouveaux, Contre vous tout prêts à se battre !

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

Verse 5:

Français, en guerriers magnanimes, Portez ou retenez vos coups ! Épargnez ces tristes victimes, À regret s'armant contre nous. (bis) Mais ces despotes sanguinaires, Ces complices de Pitt et Cobourg, Voulant comme des tigres en rage, Déchirer le sein de nos mères !

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

Verse 6:

Amour sacré de la Patrie, Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs Liberté, Liberté chérie, Combats avec tes défenseurs ! (bis) Sous nos drapeaux que la victoire Accoure à tes mâles accents, Que tes ennemis expirants Voient ton triomphe et notre gloire !

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

Verse 7 (often omitted):

Nous entrerons dans la carrière Quand nos aînés n'y seront plus, Nous y trouverons leur poussière Et la trace de leurs vertus (bis) Bien moins jaloux de leur survivre Que de partager leur cercueil, Nous aurons le sublime orgueil De venger ou suivre.

Chorus:

Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons !

English Translation of the Lyrics

Here is an English translation of the lyrics, aiming to capture the spirit and meaning of the original French:

Verse 1:

Arise, children of the Fatherland, The day of glory has arrived! Against us, tyranny's Bloody banner is raised; (repeat) 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 women!

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Verse 2:

What does this horde of slaves want, Of traitors, of conspiring kings? For whom are these vile chains, These irons, long prepared? (repeat) Frenchmen, for us, ah! What outrage What transports it must excite! It is we they dare to plan To return to ancient slavery!

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Verse 3:

What! Foreign cohorts Would make the law in our homes! What! These mercenary phalanxes Would strike down our proud warriors! (repeat) Great God! By chained hands Our brows would bend under the yoke! Vile despots would become The masters of our destinies!

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Verse 4:

Tremble, tyrants and you perfidious, The shame of all parties, Tremble! Your parricidal schemes Will finally receive their reward! (repeat) Everyone is a soldier to fight you, If they fall, our young heroes, France will produce new ones, Ready to fight against you all!

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Verse 5:

Frenchmen, as magnanimous warriors, Bear or withhold your blows! Spare these sad victims, Reluctantly arming themselves against us. (repeat) But these bloodthirsty despots, These accomplices of Pitt and Coburg, Wanting, like raging tigers, To tear the bosom of our mothers!

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Verse 6:

Sacred love of the Fatherland, Lead, support our avenging arms Liberty, cherished Liberty, Fight with your defenders! (repeat) Under our flags may victory Hurry to your manly accents, May your expiring enemies See your triumph and our glory!

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Verse 7 (often omitted):

We shall enter the (military) career When our elders are no longer there, There we shall find their dust And the trace of their virtues (repeat) Less jealous of surviving them Than of sharing their coffin, We shall have the sublime pride Of avenging or following them.

Chorus:

To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, Let's march, let's march! That impure blood Should water our fields!

Analyzing the Lyrics: Themes and Interpretations

The lyrics of La Marseillaise are a powerful call to arms, filled with vivid imagery and revolutionary fervor. Several key themes emerge:

• Patriotism and National Identity: The anthem invokes a strong sense of love for the Patrie (Fatherland) and calls upon all citizens to defend it. The phrase "Allons enfants de la Patrie" emphasizes the collective responsibility of the French people.
• Liberty and Freedom: La Marseillaise is a hymn to liberty, celebrating freedom from tyranny and oppression. The repeated invocation of "Liberté" underscores the central importance of freedom in the French revolutionary ideals.
• Defiance Against Tyranny: The anthem paints a stark picture of tyranny and oppression, urging citizens to rise up against "despotes sanguinaires" (bloodthirsty despots) and "traîtres" (traitors).
• Sacrifice and Courage: The lyrics call for courage and sacrifice in the defense of the nation. The phrase "Tout est soldat pour vous combattre" suggests that every citizen must be willing to fight for freedom.
• Controversial Imagery: The line "Qu'un sang impur abreuve nos sillons!" ("That impure blood should water our fields!") is perhaps the most controversial line in the anthem. Interpretations vary, but it's generally understood as referring to the blood of enemies of the revolution fertilizing the land of France, ensuring a future of freedom and prosperity. However, the violent imagery has been criticized for its potential to promote xenophobia and intolerance.

The Enduring Significance of La Marseillaise

La Marseillaise has played a significant role in French history and culture. It has been sung during times of revolution, war, and national celebration. Its powerful message of liberty and defiance has inspired people around the world.

• Symbol of the French Revolution: La Marseillaise is inextricably linked to the French Revolution and its ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. It embodies the spirit of rebellion against tyranny and the pursuit of a more just society.
• National Unity: Despite its controversial aspects, La Marseillaise serves as a symbol of national unity, bringing together French citizens from all backgrounds in a shared expression of patriotism.
• Inspiration for Other Anthems: The popularity and impact of La Marseillaise have inspired other national anthems around the world, particularly those that emphasize themes of revolution, freedom, and national pride.
• Cultural Icon: La Marseillaise is a recognizable cultural icon, appearing in films, literature, and popular culture. Its melody and lyrics are instantly recognizable to people around the world.

Controversies and Criticisms

Despite its revered status, La Marseillaise has faced criticism and controversy throughout its history.

• Violence and Xenophobia: The violent imagery in the lyrics, particularly the line about "impure blood," has been criticized for its potential to promote xenophobia and intolerance. Some argue that the anthem is too aggressive and militaristic for a modern society.
• Omission of Verses: Some verses, particularly the one that speaks of vengeance, are often omitted in official performances due to their controversial nature.
• Historical Context: Some argue that the anthem's focus on revolution and warfare is outdated and no longer relevant in a peaceful and democratic society.

La Marseillaise in Modern France

Despite the controversies, La Marseillaise remains the national anthem of France and a powerful symbol of French identity. It is sung at official ceremonies, sporting events, and other national occasions. French schoolchildren learn the words and history of the anthem as part of their education.

While some have called for the anthem to be revised or replaced, the majority of French citizens continue to embrace La Marseillaise as a cherished symbol of their nation's history, values, and aspirations.

FAQ about La Marseillaise

• Q: Who wrote La Marseillaise?

  • A: Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, a captain in the French army, wrote La Marseillaise in 1792.

• Q: Why is it called La Marseillaise?

  • A: It was adopted by volunteer soldiers from Marseille as they marched to Paris to defend the revolution.

• Q: When did it become the national anthem of France?

  • A: La Marseillaise was officially adopted as the national anthem of France in 1795.

• Q: What is the meaning of the lyrics?

  • A: The lyrics are a call to arms, urging French citizens to defend their nation and liberty against tyranny.

• Q: What are some of the controversies surrounding La Marseillaise?

  • A: The violent imagery in the lyrics, particularly the line about "impure blood," has been criticized for its potential to promote xenophobia and intolerance.

Conclusion

La Marseillaise is a complex and multifaceted symbol of French national identity. Its powerful melody and evocative lyrics have resonated through history, inspiring generations and becoming a cornerstone of French culture. While the anthem has faced criticism and controversy, it remains a cherished symbol of France's revolutionary past, its commitment to liberty, and its aspirations for a better future. It is a song that encapsulates the spirit of a nation, a call to arms, and a reminder of the enduring values that define the French Republic. How do you feel about the role of national anthems in modern society?