French National Anthem Lyrics in English & French – History & FAQ
Contents
France is the country.
The National Anthem
La Marseillaise is the title.
Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle is the composer.
Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle wrote the lyrics.
1795 saw the adoption of the national anthem.
Composition Location: Strasbourg, France
Historical Remark:
The anthem was first played by Rouget de Lisle at the Strasbourg mayor’s residence.
(Seen in an 1849 painting by Isidore Pils at the Musée Historique de Strasbourg)
Written in: 1792
History of the French National Anthem
French National Anthem Lyrics in English
Arise, children of the Fatherland,
The day of glory has arrived!
Against us, tyranny’s
Bloody banner is raised!
Do you hear, in the countryside,
The roar of those ferocious soldiers?
They come right into your arms
To cut the throats of your sons, your comrades!
To arms, citizens!
Form your battalions!
March, march!
Let impure blood
Water our furrows!
French National Anthem Lyrics in French
Voici le premier couplet officiel de La Marseillaise
Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !
Contre nous de la tyrannie,
L’étendard sanglant est levé !
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras
Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes !
Aux armes, citoyens!
Formez vos bataillons !
Marchons, marchons!
Qu’un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons!
Interpretation and Significance
La Marseillaise is a symbol of resistance as well as a patriotic rallying cry. The anthem, which was composed during a period of revolution, captures the fervor and urgency of the French people in their struggle against oppression. In the historical context of 1792, phrases like “to arms, citizens!” and “let impure blood water our furrows” may seem harsh today, but they were a call to defense and unity.
The anthem has also evolved into a symbol of liberty, patriotism, and defiance of oppression. It still stands for liberty, equality, and fraternity—the fundamental principles of the French Republic—despite its revolutionary and occasionally violent imagery (Chemins de Mémoire, 2024).
FAQ – Regularly Inquired Questions
Q1: Who composed the French national song of devotion?
A: It was composed and composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in 1792.
Q2: Why is it called “La Marseillaise”?
A: It got to be related with volunteers from Marseille who sang it whereas walking to Paris.
Q3: What does “Let tainted blood water our furrows” cruel?
A: It’s a progressive allegory communicating the people’s preparation to guard the country against trespassers.
Q4: How numerous verses are there in La Marseillaise?
A: There are 7 unique verses, but as a rule as it were the primary verse and refrain are performed.
Q5: Is La Marseillaise disputable nowadays?
A: A few individuals criticize its savage symbolism, but it remains an official and adored national image in France.
sources used
- Chemins de Mémoire – Service of the Outfitted Strengths of France.
- La Marseillaise Dedication. Recovered from:
- https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/memorial-la-marseillaise
- Elysée – Administration of the French Republic.
- La Marseillaise by Rouget de Lisle. Recovered from:
- https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/la-marseillaise-by-rouget-de-lisle
- France Diplomatie – Service for Europe and Outside Undertakings.
- The Marseillaise – Images of the Republic. Recovered from:
- https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/coming-to-france/france-facts/symbols-of-the-republic/article/the-marseillaise
- Histoires d’Universités (Scholarly Web journal).
- 1792 – Rouget de Lisle and La Marseillaise. Recovered from:
- https://histoiresduniversites.wordpress.com/2021/11/07/1792-rouget-de-lisle-la-marseillaise/
- Elysee.fr. (2024). La Marseillaise by Rouget de Lisle. Recovered June 2025, from https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/la-marseillaise-by-rouget-de-lisle
