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Written By: Jordan Pearson (December 2013)
Edited by: Hector Morales (February 2015)
Argentina
Himno Nacional Argentino Oíd, mortales, el grito sagrado: “¡Libertad, libertad, libertad!” Oíd el ruido de rotas cadenas, ved en trono a la noble igualdad. Ya su trono dignísimo abrieron las Provincias Unidas del Sud y los libres del mundo responden: “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!” “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!” Y los libres del mundo responden: “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!” Y los libres del mundo responden: “Al gran pueblo argentino, ¡Salud!” CHORUS: |
Argentine National Anthem Hear, mortals, the sacred cry: “Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!” Hear the noise of broken chains, see the noble Equality enthroned. Their most honorable throne have opened the United Provinces of the South. And the free ones of the world reply: “To the Argentine people, cheers!” “To the Argentine people, cheers!” And the free ones of the world reply: “To the Argentine people, cheers!” And the free ones of the world reply: “To the Argentine people, cheers!” CHORUS: |
Analysis
A long anthem with operatic characteristics and both slow,stately and fast, patriotic music, the Argentine National Anthem falls in nicely with other Latin American anthems. It was originally adopted in 1813 and has also been known as the “Anthem of May,” the “Marcha Patriótica” (Patriotic March), and “Canción Patriótica Nacional” (National Patriotic Song).[1] The present, much shorter, anthem comprises only the first and last verses and the chorus of the 1813 Patriotic March, omitting much emotional text about the struggle for independence from Spain. Due to the excessive length of the official version, in international events such as the World Cup only the instrumental introduction (which lasts 1 minute 6 seconds) is played.
Be sure to keep an eye on Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi.
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Državna himna Bosne i HercegovineZemljo tisucljetna Na vjernost ti se kunem Od mora do Save Od Drine do Une.CHORUS:Jedna si jedina Moja domovina Jedna si jedina Bosna i HercegovinaBog nek’ te sacuva Za pokoljenja nova Zemljo mojih snova Mojih pradjedova.CHORUS |
The National Anthem of Bosnia and HerzegovinaI Pledge my loyalty to you My thousand-year old land From the Száva to the sea From the Drina to the UnaCHORUS:You are unique The only homeland I have You are unique Bosnia and HerzegovinaMay God save you For the generations to come You are the land of my dreams The land of my forefathersCHORUS |
Analysis
“The National Anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” is one of two national anthems in this World Cup to have no official lyrics (along with Spain). Lyrics have been proposed and are in the process of being approved.[2] The anthem doesn’t seem to be all that popular in Bosnia, the various nationalities tending to use their own anthems. One of the most popular versions among the people is the one I provided above, along with the translation. Here is the video of the Bosnia fans singing along to their lyric-less anthem.[3]
Keep an eye on Miralem Pjanic, Bosnia-Herzegovina’s key attacking midfielder.
Iran
سرود ملی جمهوری اسلامی ایران سَر زَد از اُفُق |
National Anthem of the Islamic Republic of Iran Upwards on the horizon rises the Eastern Sun, The sight of the true Religion. Bahman – the brilliance of our Faith. Your message, O Imam, of independence and freedom is imprinted on our souls. O Martyrs! The time of your cries of pain rings in our ears. Enduring, continuing, eternal, The Islamic Republic of Iran. |
Analysis
Iran’s national anthem is a tribute to Ayatollah Khomeini.[4] Khomeini was a religious and political leader, leading the 1979 Iranian Revolution, establishing a government, and acting as the country’s political and religious leader until his death in 1990. [5]
Click here to find out more about Javad Nekounam, Iran’s captain.
Nigeria
Arise Oh Compatriots, Nigeria’s Call Obey Arise, O compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey To serve our Fatherland With love and strength and faith. The labour of our heroes past Shall never be in vain, To serve with heart and might One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. |
Analysis
Nigeria’s national anthem was adopted in 1978. The country held a national lyrics competition after choosing five winners, pieces of each were put together to get the final lyrics.[6] This anthem seems focus on both the duty of Nigerians to serve their country as well as memory of those who have sacrificed to progress the country to where it is. The music was by the Director of Music of the Nigerian Police Band.
References
[1] “Argentina » nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[3] “Bosnia and Herzegovina National Anthem.” Link On Learning. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.
[4] “Iran» nationalanthems.info.” nationalanthems.info. Ed. David Kendall. Web. 9 Dec 2013.
[5] “Ayatollah Khomeini.” Iran Chamber Society. Web. 9 Dec. 2013.
[6] “Nigeria» 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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