National Anthems come about, not because of the suitability of the particular words or notes, but because they are adopted generally by the nation. That is exactly how the “Soldiers’ Song” became a National Anthem in this country. It happened to be the Anthem on the lips of the people when they came into their own and when the outsiders evacuated the country and left the insiders here to make the best or the worst of the country. It was adopted by the people here before ever it was adopted by the Executive Council.
Did you know there are 3 whole other verses to ‘Amhrán na bhFiann‘, which has been the national anthem of the Republic of Ireland since 1926 (officially)? What we generally hear is just the chorus – which is the only part of the song that’s the official Irish anthem, mind you – but many of my generation don’t even know the words to that much.
When I was growing up, you’d hear it on the telly when the stations were shutting down for the night. Yeah, they used to do that, genuine downtime – weird isn’t it? You’d hear it after the show in cinemas and theatres, and at the end of every disco or dance.
It was written in 1907 by Peadar Kearney and Patrick Heaney, called “A Soldier’s Song”, and first published by ‘Irish Freedom’ – a monthly publication by the Irish Republican Brotherhood – in 1912. The Irish Volunteers sang it on the march, in the internment camps, and the rebels sang it in the GPO during the Easter Rising.
Most of the versions you’ll see online will be just the chorus, but you can Click Here to Get the Full Vocals. If anybody wants to link to a more, shall we say, pleasant sounding or better quality version, please do in the comments below. Or y’all who can sing could sing it out for us, and upload or send it over to me. Ideal!
Most of us though, should learn the words as best we can. It’s not just a political formality – this is the song your ancestors sung for their freedom. The lyrics to the national anthem of Ireland are as follows, in Irish and English… but nobody sings it in English.
As Gaeilge1.
Seo dhibh a cháirde duan oglaidh Caithréimeach, br’oghmhar, ceolmhar. ár dteinte cnámh go buacach táid, `S an spéir go min réaltógach. Is fionmhar faobhrach sinn chun gleo ‘S go tiúnmhar glé roimh tigheacht do’n ló, Fa ciúnas chaoimh na h-oidhche ar seol, Seo libh, cana’dh amhrán na bhFiann.Curfa Sinne Fianna Fáil atá fé gheall ag Éirinn Buion dár slua thar toinn do ráinig chugainn Fémhóid bheith saor. Seantír ár sinsir feasta Ní fhagfar fé’n tiorán ná fé’n tráil Anocht a théam sa bhearna bhaoil, Le gean ar Ghaeil chun báis nó saoil Le guna screach fé lámhach na bpiléar, Seo libh, canaídh Amhrán na bhFiann.2. Cois banta réidhe, ar árdaibh sléibhe. Ba bhuadhach ár rinnsear romhainn, Ag lámhach go tréan fá’n sár- bhrat séin Tá thuas sa ghaoith go seolta; Ba dhúthchas riamh d’ár gcine cháidh Gan iompáil riar ó imirt áir, ‘Siubhal mar iad i gcoinnibh rámhaid Seo libh, canaidh amhrán na bhFiann.Curfa 3. Curfa
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In English(seriously, NOBODY sings it in English)
We’ll sing a song, a soldier’s song With cheering, rousing chorus As round our blazing fires we throng, The starry heavens o’er us; Impatient for the coming fight, And as we wait the mornings light here in the silence of the night We’ll chant a soldier’s song.Chorus Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland Some have come from a land beyond the wave, Sworn to be free, no more our ancient Ireland Shall shelter the despot or the slave; tonight we man the Bearna Baoghal In Erin’s cause. Come woe or weal; ‘Mid cannon’s roar and rifle’s peal We’ll chant a soldier’s song.2. In valley green or towering crag Our fathers fought before us, And conquered ‘neath the same old flag That’s floating o’er us, We’re children of a fighting race That never yet has known disgrace, And as we march the foe to face, We’ll chant a soldier’s song.Chorus 3. Chorus (repeat as if life depends on it) |