Written by: Jordan Pearson (2013)
Edited and updated by: Jesús Hidalgo (February 2015)
Brazil
Hino Nacional Brasileiro
Ouviram do Ipiranga às margens plácidas Se o penhor dessa igualdade Ó Pátria amada, Idolatrada, Salve! Salve! Brasil, um sonho intenso, um raio vívido, Gigante pela própria natureza, .CHORUS: |
Brazilian National Anthem
The Ypiranga’s placid banks heard As the promise of this equality O beloved, idolized homeland, hail, hail! Brazil, a vivid dream, a lively ray A giant by nature, you are beautiful, CHORUS: |
Analysis
Since the Brazilians reached the semifinals in the World Cup they hosted, we heard their national anthem several times. Upbeat from the beginning, this hymn is a tribute to the free spirit and beauty that characterize the five-time World Cup champions. Francisco Manoel da Silva wrote the lyrics in 1822, and the anthem was made public at the very beginning of the Imperial Period (1831-1889.) When Brazil became a republic in 1889, the imperial hymn was disbanded in favor of a new republican version. However, the population disapproved it and the original was reinstated in January 1890. The anthem was merely instrumental until the current lyrics were officially adopted in 1922.[1]
Click here for an analysis of Neymar, considered the star of this year’s Brazilian team.
Croatia
Lijepa Naša Domovino
Lijepa naša domovino, Mila, kano si nam slavna, |
Our Beautiful Homeland
Our beautiful homeland, Dear, as much as you are glorious, |
Analysis
“Our Beautiful Homeland,” pretty much sums up the gist of this anthem. It is a tribute to the geographic beauty and elegance of the country, specifically highlighting the Croatian flat and mountainous areas. Though unofficially used since the 1840s, Croatia officially adopted this as its national anthem in 1972, when the country was technically still part of Yugoslavia. The lyrics were slightly changed in 1990, when Croatia gained independence.[2]
Darijo Srna is the player to watch on the Croatian team. Find out more about him here.
Mexico
Himno Nacional Mexicano
Ciña ¡oh Patria! tus sienes de oliva Mas si osare un extraño enemigo CHORUS: |
National Anthem of Mexico
O Homeland! may your brow be wreathed with the olive But if a foreign enemy should dare CHORUS: |
Analysis
Though an unofficial name, this anthem is often referred to as “Mexicanos, al grito de guerra,” or “Mexicans, to the War Cry.” Unlike most of the anthems in this World Cup, the lyrics for the Mexican one were written first and the music composed later, both as part of a national competition. The ten-verse poem highlight epic scenes from Mexican history. For the World Cup, a shortened version is played, consisting of the chorus, first verse, and then the chorus again.[3]
“Chicharito” will be the Mexican player to watch. Click here to find out more.
Cameroon
Ô Cameroun, Berceau de nos Ancêtres
Ô Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres, CHORUS: |
O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers
O Cameroon, thou cradle of our fathers, CHORUS: |
Analysis
Cameroon, a French-English bilingual nation, boasts a set of official lyrics for “O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers,” in each of the two languages. Interestingly enough, the English and French lyrics are strikingly different in content: a translation of the French lyrics does not match up with the English lyrics at all.[4] However, the general message of both versions is the same. Both underline filial piety and the duty that Cameroonians proudly have: to be loyal to and serve their country.
Be sure to watch Samuel Eto’o, the forward on Cameroon’s team. Here is a little more about him.
References
[1] “Brazil » nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[2] “Croatia » nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[3] “Mexico» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[4] “Cameroon» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
How to cite this article: “National Anthems: The Music of the World Cup,” Written by Jordan Pearson (2013.) Edited by Jesús Hidalgo (2015.) World Cup 2014, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp (accessed on (date)).
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