The national anthem of Poland is called "Mazurek Dąbrowskiego", often translated as "Dąbrowski's Mazurka" in English.
The music and lyrics were written by Józef Wybicki in 1797, making it one of the oldest national anthems in continuous use.
The song was officially adopted as the national anthem of Poland in 1926.
The anthem is named after General Jan Henryk Dąbrowski, a military leader who fought for Poland's independence during the time of the partitions.
The lyrics tell the story of the Polish Legions, units in Napoleon Bonaparte’s French Revolutionary Army, who were fighting to restore Poland's independence. They reflect the long-standing Polish yearning for independence.
The anthem is traditionally played at official state functions, during national holidays, and at international events where Poland is represented.
Despite the political changes Poland has undergone throughout its history, the anthem has remained the same since its adoption, signifying the unchanging spirit of the Polish people.
The lyrics translated into English:
Poland has not yet died,
So long as we still live.
What the foreign power has seized from us,
We shall recapture with a sabre.
(Chorus:)
March, march, Dąbrowski,
To Poland from the Italian land.
Under your command
We shall rejoin the nation.
We'll cross the Vistula, we'll cross the Warta,
We shall be Polish.
Bonaparte has given us the example
Of how we should prevail.
Chorus
Like Czarniecki to Poznań
Returned across the sea
To save his homeland
After the Swedish partition.
Chorus
When, with a backsword in hand,
"Concord" will be everybody's watchword
And so will be our fatherland.
Chorus
A father, in tears,
Says to his Basia
Listen, our boys are said
To be beating the tarabans.
Chorus
All exclaim in unison,
"Enough of this captivity!"
Kościuszko, if God wills.
Chorus
Original lyrics:
Jeszcze Polska nie umarła,
Kiedy my żyjemy
Co nam obca moc wydarła,
Szablą odbijemy.
(Chorus:)
Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski
Do Polski z ziemi włoski
Za twoim przewodem
Złączym się z narodem.
Przejdziem Wisłę, przejdziem Wartę
Będziem Polakami
Dał nam przykład Bonaparte
Jak zwyciężać mamy.
Jak Czarniecki do Poznania
Wracał się przez morze
Dla ojczyzny ratowania
Po szwedzkim rozbiorze.
Niemiec, Moskal nie osiędzie,
Gdy jąwszy pałasza,
Hasłem wszystkich zgoda będzie
I ojczyzna nasza.
Już tam ojciec do swej Basi
Mówi zapłakany
Słuchaj jeno, pono nasi
Biją w tarabany.
Na to wszystkich jedne głosy
Dosyć tej niewoli
Mamy racławickie kosy
Kościuszkę Bóg pozwoli.
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