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Written By: Jordan Pearson (December 2013)
Edited by: Hector Morales (February 2015)
Colombia
| Himno Nacional de la República de Colombia ¡Oh gloria inmarcesible! ¡Oh júbilo inmortal! ¡En surcos de dolores El bien germina ya El bien germina ya. ¡Oh gloria inmarcesible! ¡Oh júbilo inmortal! ¡En surcos de dolores El bien germina ya.Cesó la horrible noche La libertad sublime Derrama las auroras De su invencible luz. La humanidad entera, Que entre cadenas gime, Comprende las palabras Del que murió en la cruz. |
National Anthem of the Republic of Colombia O unfading glory! O immortal joy! In furrows of pain goodness germinates now goodness germinates now. O unfading glory! O immortal joy! In furrows of pain goodness germinates now.The horrible night has ceased, the sublime liberty spills the auroras of its invincible light. All humanity, moans within its chains, understands the words of He who died on the Cross. |
Analysis
Colombia’s National Anthem can be categorized as one of the “Latin America epic anthems.” In line with this category, this anthem is longer than most and contains sections of both upbeat, patriotic music, and slower, more elegant music that often resembles Italian operas. The text also tells much of the country’s history. For the World Cup, an abridged version is used, comprised of the chorus, first verse, and chorus again.[1]
Keep an eye on Colombia’s Radamel Falcao!
Greece
| Ύμνος εις την Ελευθερίαν Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψη του σπαθιού την τρομερή, σε γνωρίζω από την όψη που με βιά μετράει την γη.Απ’ τα κόκκαλα βγαλμένη των Ελλήνων τα ιερά, και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά! και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά! και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη, χαίρε, ω χαίρε, Ελευθεριά! |
Hymn to Freedom I shall always recognise you By the dreadful sword you hold, As the earth, with searching vision, You survey, with spirit bold.‘Twas the Greeks of old whose dying Brought to birth our spirit free. Now, with ancient valour rising, Let us hail you, oh Liberty! Now, with ancient valour rising, Let us hail you, oh Liberty! Now, with ancient valour rising, Let us hail you, oh Liberty! |
Analysis
This anthem is based on a 158 verse poem written by Dionysios Solomos, inspired by the Greek Revolution of 1821. It was set to music in 1828 by Nikolaos Mantzaros, who wrote a version for the first 2 stanzas and another for the entire poem. The Greek king at the time did not accept the work, but when he was overthrown in 1864, the new king took the ready song and made it the country’s national anthem.[2]
Greece’s player to watch is Giorgos Karaguonis. Learn more here!
Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
| L’Abidjanaise
Salut ô terre d’espérance;
Pays de l’hospitalité. Tes légions remplies de vaillance Ont relevé ta dignité. Tes fils chère Côte d’Ivoire
Fiers artisans de ta grandeur, Tous rasemblés et pour ta gloire Te bâtiront dans le bonheur. Fiers Ivoiriens, le pays nous appelle.
Si nous avons dans la paix ramené la liberté,
Notre devoir sera d’être un modèle
De l’espérance promise à l’humanité, En forgeant, unie dans la foi nouvelle, La patrie de la vraie fraternité. |
Song of Abidjan We salute you, O land of hope, Country of hospitality; Thy gallant legions Have restored thy dignity.Beloved Ivory Coast, thy sons, Proud builders of thy greatness, All mustered together for thy glory, In joy will construct thee.Proud citizens of the Ivory Coast, the country calls us. If we have brought back liberty peacefully, It will be our duty to be an example Of the hope promised to humanity, Forging unitedly in new faith The Fatherland of true brotherhood. |
Analysis
Ivory Coast’s national anthem is a simultaneous salute to the dignity of the country and the greatness of those who built the nation. It also calls its current citizens to continue that undying legacy of excellence. The title is a reference to Abidjan, which is the largest city in Ivory Coast and was the capital at the time of independence. The national anthem was adoption in 1960.[3]
Keep an eye on Didier Drogba, a key player on this team!
Japan
| 君が代君が代は 千代に八千代に さざれ石の いわおとなりて こけのむすまで |
His Majesty’s Reign May thy peaceful reign last long! May it last for thousands of years, Until this tiny stone Will grow into a massive rock And the moss will cover it all deep and thick. |
Analysis
Though officially adopted in 1999, the words to “Kimigayo,” (as the Japanese is Romanized to) date back to the tenth century or earlier, making it the oldest national anthem, as far as dating the lyrics goes. Under the current official interpretation of the text, the lyrics refer to the Emperor, who represents the Japanese people and Japan as a whole. The call for the Emperor’s prosperity is a plea for the prosperity of the Japan.[4]
Japan’s central midfielder Endo Yasuhito will be one to keep an eye on!
References
[1] “Colombia » nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[2] “Greece » nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[3] “Côte d’Ivoire» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[4] “Japan» 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 Hector Morales (2015)World Cup 2014, Soccer Politics Blog, Duke University, http://sites.duke.edu/wcwp (accessed on (date)).
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