France's National Anthem

Here is an English translation of the French national anthem, La Marseillaise. There's been some controversy lately about a new civil law meant to inforce the public schools to teach the lyrics to the school children. As you read the lyrics you can see why. Lots of people are questioning the good in teaching their children such a violent song. But it was written in a violent time, the French revolution. Maybe they could soften some of the lyrics up a bit?!

Click on the link to hear the anthem...maybe you can try singing along.... http://streamer.burlee.com:8080/ramgen/~ambafrance-us.org/mars.ra

Arise children of the motherland,
Our day of glory has arrived!
Over us, the bloodstained banner
Of tyranny holds sway!
Oh, do you hear there in our fields
The roar of these ferocious soldiers?
Who came right here in our midst
To slaughter our sons and wives.
To arms, oh citizens!
Form up in serried ranks!
March on, march on,
May their impure blood
Flow in our fields!
Supreme devotion to our
Motherland,Guides and sustains avenging hands!
Liberty, oh dearest Liberty,
Come fight with your shielding bands!
Beneath our banner come, oh victory,
Answer your soul-stirring cry!
Oh come, come see your foes now die,
Witness your pride and our glory!(chorus)
Into the fight we too shall enter,
When our fathers are dead and gone;
We shall find their bones laid down to rest,
With the fame of their glories won,
Oh, to survive them care we not,
Glad are we to share their grave,
Great honor is to be our lot
To follow or to venge our brave.(chorus)