La Marseillaise
La Marseillaise|The Song of Marseille
Also known as: Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin · War Song for the Army of the Rhine
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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 campagnesMugir ces féroces soldats ?Ils viennent jusque dans vos brasÉgorger vos fils, vos compagnes !
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
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 méditerDe rendre à l'antique esclavage !
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
Quoi ! des cohortes étrangèresFeraient la loi dans nos foyers !Quoi ! ces phalanges mercenairesTerrasseraient nos fiers guerriers ! (bis)Grand Dieu ! par des mains enchaînéesNos fronts sous le joug se ploieraientDe vils despotes deviendraientLes maîtres de nos destinées !
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
Tremblez, tyrans et vous perfidesL'opprobre de tous les partis,Tremblez ! vos projets parricidesVont enfin recevoir leurs 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 !
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
Français, en guerriers magnanimes,Portez ou retenez vos coups !Épargnez ces tristes victimes,À regret s'armant contre nous. (bis)Mais ces despotes sanguinaires,Mais ces complices de Bouillé,Tous ces tigres qui, sans pitié,Déchirent le sein de leur mère !
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
Amour sacré de la Patrie,Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs !Liberté, Liberté chérie,Combats avec tes défenseurs ! (bis)Sous nos drapeaux que la victoireAccoure à tes mâles accents,Que tes ennemis expirantsVoient ton triomphe et notre gloire !
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
Nous entrerons dans la carrièreQuand nos aînés n'y seront plus,Nous y trouverons leur poussièreEt la trace de leurs vertus. (bis)Bien moins jaloux de leur survivreQue de partager leur cercueil,Nous aurons le sublime orgueilDe les venger ou de les suivre.
Aux armes, citoyens,Formez vos bataillons,Marchons, marchons !Qu'un sang impurAbreuve nos sillons !
Arise, children of the Fatherland, The day of glory has arrived! Against us, tyranny's Bloody banner is raised, (repeated) Do you hear, in the countryside, The roar of those ferocious soldiers? They are coming right into your arms To slit the throats of your sons, your companions! To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows! What does this horde of slaves want, Of traitors, of conspiring kings? For whom these ignoble shackles, These irons long prepared? (repeated) Frenchmen, for us, ah! what an outrage! What emotions it must arouse! It is us they dare to consider Returning to ancient slavery! To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows! What! foreign cohorts Would make laws in our homes! What! these mercenary phalanxes Would strike down our proud warriors! (repeated) Great God! by chained hands Our brows would bend under the yoke Vile despots would become The masters of our destinies! To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows! Tremble, tyrants and you traitors, The disgrace of all parties, Tremble! your parricidal schemes Will finally receive their just reward! (repeated) Everyone is a soldier to fight you, If they fall, our young heroes, France produces new ones, Ready to fight against you! To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows! Frenchmen, as magnanimous warriors, Deal or hold back your blows! Spare these sad victims, Who regretfully arm themselves against us. (repeated) But these bloodthirsty despots, But these accomplices of Bouillé, All these tigers who, without pity, Tear apart their mother's breast! To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows! Sacred love of the Fatherland, Lead, support our avenging arms! Liberty, cherished Liberty, Fight with your defenders! (repeated) Under our flags, may victory Hurry to your manly calls, May your dying enemies See your triumph and our glory! To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows! We shall enter the career When our elders are no more, There we shall find their dust And the trace of their virtues. (repeated) Much less jealous of surviving them Than of sharing their coffin, We shall have the sublime pride Of avenging them or following them. To arms, citizens, Form your battalions, March, march! Let impure blood Water our furrows!
The translation aims for faithfulness to the original French, preserving the powerful, evocative, and sometimes violent imagery. It maintains stanza breaks to reflect the original structure and rhythm.
La Marseillaise, originally titled 'Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin' (War Song for the Army of the Rhine), was composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg on the night of April 25-26, 1792. It was written in response to France's declaration of war against Austria and Prussia, embodying the revolutionary fervor and patriotic spirit of the time. The song quickly gained popularity among French revolutionary forces, particularly after it was sung by volunteers from Marseille as they marched to Paris in July 1792, earning it the enduring name 'La Marseillaise'. Its powerful lyrics and stirring melody resonated deeply with the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity that defined the French Revolution. Culturally, La Marseillaise is far more than just a national anthem; it is a potent symbol of French identity, republican values, and the revolutionary spirit. It is used on all official occasions, including national holidays like Bastille Day (July 14th), state ceremonies, sporting events, and military parades. Its usage extends beyond formal events, often appearing in popular culture, films, and even protests, signifying resistance and national unity. The anthem's themes of defending the homeland against tyranny and the call to arms have made it an enduring emblem of French resolve and the nation's commitment to its foundational principles. Performance-wise, La Marseillaise is typically performed by large choirs, military bands, or full orchestras. It is a marching song, designed to inspire and unify, and its robust melody is well-suited for grand public performances. While it can be sung by individuals, its full impact is realized when performed by a collective, with citizens joining in the chorus. The instruments typically include brass, woodwinds, percussion, and strings, creating a powerful and majestic sound. Its structure, with a recurring chorus, encourages widespread participation. Today, La Marseillaise continues to be a cornerstone of French heritage. Despite some controversies surrounding its more violent verses, it remains a universally recognized symbol of France. It has influenced numerous other national anthems and revolutionary songs worldwide, testifying to its global impact. Efforts to preserve its historical context and ensure its continued relevance involve educational initiatives, public performances, and its constant presence in national discourse, ensuring that future generations understand its origins and its profound significance to the French nation.
Historical Background
Composed in 1792 during the French Revolutionary Wars, shortly after France declared war on Austria. It quickly became the rallying cry for the French Revolutionaries and was adopted as the national anthem in 1795. It was briefly banned under the Empire and Restoration, but reinstated permanently in 1879.
Cultural Significance
The national anthem of France, a powerful symbol of French identity, republican values, and the revolutionary spirit. It represents the nation's struggle for liberty and has inspired revolutionary movements globally. It embodies the core principles of the French Republic: liberty, equality, fraternity.
Usage & Performance Context
Performed on all official state occasions, national holidays (e.g., Bastille Day), military ceremonies, sporting events, and public gatherings. It is sung by citizens, military personnel, and choirs, often accompanied by orchestras or military bands.
Who composed La Marseillaise and when?
La Marseillaise was composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in Strasbourg on the night of April 25-26, 1792. It was originally titled 'Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin' (War Song for the Army of the Rhine).
Why is it called 'La Marseillaise'?
The song gained its popular name 'La Marseillaise' because it was enthusiastically sung by volunteer soldiers from Marseille as they marched to Paris in July 1792, during the French Revolution.
When did La Marseillaise become the official national anthem of France?
La Marseillaise was first adopted as the national anthem of France on July 14, 1795. After periods of being banned, it was definitively reinstated as the national anthem in 1879.
What are the main themes of La Marseillaise?
The main themes of La Marseillaise are patriotism, liberty, resistance against tyranny, national unity, and the call to arms to defend the homeland. It embodies the revolutionary ideals of freedom and sacrifice.
Is La Marseillaise in the public domain?
Yes, La Marseillaise is in the public domain. Its composer, Rouget de Lisle, died in 1836, and the work's copyright expired long ago under international copyright laws.
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