I've known the tune of La Marseillaise for as long as I can remember, along with the first two lines.
Not till two days ago did I pay attention to the rest of the French national anthem. Here's the first, most commonly sung verse (from Wikipedia).
| French lyrics | English translation |
|---|---|
| Allons enfants de la Patrie, | Arise, children of the Fatherland, |
| Le jour de gloire est arrivé! | The day of glory has arrived! |
| Contre nous de la tyrannie, | Against us tyranny's |
| L'étendard sanglant est levé, (bis) | Bloody banner is raised, (repeat) |
| Entendez-vous dans les campagnes | Do you hear, in the countryside, |
| Mugir ces féroces soldats? | The roar of those ferocious soldiers? |
| Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras | They're coming right into your arms |
| Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes! | To cut the throats of your sons, your women! |
| Aux armes, citoyens, | To arms, citizens, |
| Formez vos bataillons, | Form your battalions, |
| Marchons, marchons! | Let's march, let's march! |
| Qu'un sang impur | Let an impure blood |
| Abreuve nos sillons! (bis) | Water our furrows! (repeat) |
I'm sure the French don't usually ponder the meaning of the words any more than we think of war instead of fireworks when we sing about "the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air." But two days ago, ferocious men—I'd rather not dignify a terrorist with the honorable title of soldier—did come right into their arms to cut the throats of their innocent loved ones.
Comments
Add comment
