posted February 24, 2002 08:41 PM              

If tomorrow all the things were gone
I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife
I thank my lucky stars to be living here today
Cause the flag still stands for freedom
and they can't take that away

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the USA

From the lakes of Minnesota
to the hills of Tennessee
Cross the plains of Texas
from sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston
and New York to LA
Well there's pride in every American heart
And it's time that we stand and say that

I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up next to you
and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the USA

And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I gladly stand up...
next to you...
and defend her still today
Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the USA

posted February 24, 2002 10:29 PM              

Hi Little Tiger!!!! I like your name!

It IS a beautiful song isn't it?

It's one of those songs... that we should all know by heart.

Thanks!!!!

posted February 25, 2002 09:35 AM              

Without love, the world itself would not survive.
~Lope de Vega

posted February 25, 2002 06:44 PM              

I like this song so much because I was born on an Army post when my daddy was in the military. All 3 of my grandpas were in the military. The one who lives in the big, big mansion was a general and had 2 stars on his uniform! My great grandpa was a very special person in Army history and I'm proud to be his great grandaughter. He died, but Josh, Kassiana, and I are given recognition and honor at every event for him because we are his only great grandchildren.

I guess Mommy's quote is right.

We see things not as they are, but as we are: Love brings understanding. ~Anais Nin

You see it your way. I see it mine. We need to let Love bring us together.

Sadly,
Little Tiger

posted February 26, 2002 06:33 AM              

I like a lot of things about America and Americans, but not the chauvinism! As if America had invented everything in the world, was the most 'civilised' country, best at everything etc. It's just the 'attitude' I don't like.

posted February 27, 2002 08:47 PM              

------------------
"Sometimes ya gotta get knocked down to get on up. " - Mystikal

posted February 28, 2002 06:42 PM              

Yum, yum, yum, yum----, yum, yum, yum, yum----

Sittin' by the roadside on a summer's day,
Chattin' with my messmates, passing time away,
Lying in the shadows, underneath the trees --
Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas!

Peas! Peas! Peas! Peas! Eating goober peas!
Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas!

Yum, yum, yum, yum----, yum, yum, yum, yum----

When a horseman passes, the soldiers have a rule
To cry out at their loudest "Mister, here's your mule!"
But still another pleasure enchantinger than these
Is wearing out your grinders, eating goober peas!

Peas! Peas! Peas! Peas! Eating goober peas!
Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas!

Yum, yum, yum, yum----, yum, yum, yum, yum----

Just before the battle, the General hears a row;
He says "The Yanks are coming, I hear their rifles now"!
He turns around in wonder, and what do you think he sees?
The Georgia Militia, eating goober peas!

Peas! Peas! Peas! Peas! Eating goober peas!
Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas!

Yum, yum, yum, yum----, yum, yum, yum, yum----

I think my song had lasted almost long enough!
The subject's interesting, but rhymes are mighty rough!
I wish this war was over, when free from rags and fleas,
We'd kiss our wives and sweethearts and gobble goober peas!

Peas! Peas! Peas! Peas! Eating goober peas!
Goodness, how delicious, eating goober peas!

posted March 02, 2002 01:09 PM              

Jamaican National Anthem
1

Eternal Father bless our Land
Guide us with Thy mighty hand.

Keep us free from evil powers

Be our light through countless hours

To our leaders, Great Defender,

Grant true wisdom from above

Justice, truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, land we love.

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love.

2

Teach us true respect for all

Stir response to duty's call.

Strengthen us the weak to cherish

Give us vision lest we perish

Knowledge send us Heavenly Father

Grant true wisdom from above

Justice, truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, land we love.

Jamaica, Jamaica, Jamaica, land we love.

posted March 02, 2002 01:11 PM              

Lyrics and Music: Timothy Gibson (1903-1976). Adopted: 1973.

Historical Background
This anthem, written and composed by Timothy Gibson in 1972, was selected as the winning entry in a national competition, and adopted 10 July 1973 upon independence.

March On, Bahamaland
Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;

March on to glory, your bright banners waving high.

See how the world marks the manner of your bearing!

Pledge to excel through love and unity.

Pressing onward, march together to a common loftier goal;

Steady sunward, though the weather hide

The wide and treach'rous shoal.

Lift up your head to the rising sun, Bahamaland;

'Til the road you've trod

Lead unto your God,

March on, Bahamaland!

posted March 02, 2002 01:15 PM              

Marcha Real
Royal March

Adopted: 1942


Historical Background
Spain's national anthem is one of the oldest in Europe. Its origins are unknown. The music was found in a document dated in the year 1761, the "Libro de Ordenanza de los toques militares de la Infantería Española"--the Spanish Infantry's book of regulation bugle calls--by Manuel de Espinosa. The anthem appears there with the title "March of the Grenadiers," already then with the mention "unknown author." A long time before, the King's Grenadiers engaged in battle and marched past the Royal Family in tune with their "March." Some historians stress the similarities of the March with military airs from the time of Emperor Charles I of Spain and V of Germany, or his son's Felipe--Philip--II (XVI century).

King Carlos III declared on 3 September 1770 the "Marcha Granadera" as the "Honour March," making official the traditional custom of playing it at public and ceremonial events. In a short time, and without any specific law declaring it so, Spaniards regarded "La Marcha Granadera" as their national anthem and called it "La Marcha Real," or "The Royal March," because it was always played at public events in presence of the King, the Queen, or the Prince of Asturias, the official title of Spain's Crown Prince.

"La Marcha Real" has always been the Spanish national anthem except for the period of the Second Republic (1931-1939), when the "Himno de Riego" was adopted. This was a march of the National Militia Batallions from the early XIX century. After the Civil War, Franco declared "La Marcha Real" again as the anthem, but retained its old title "La Marcha Granadera." In October 1997 a Royal Decree was promulgated regulating the official use of the "Marcha Real," both for its long or complete version and for its short one. A partition was officially promulgated after its adoption by the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, in which the musical tones from the XVIII century are recovered and brought out.

"La Marcha Real" is one of the few national anthems which has only a tune, but no lyrics. During the reign of Alfonso XIII a poem was written to be used as lyrics of the anthem, but this was neither officialy recognized, nor did it catch on in people's traditions. During Franco' dictature (1939-1975), the anthem was sometimes sung with the lyrics written by poet José María Pemán. These lyrics were never officialy recognized, however.

No Words.

posted March 02, 2002 01:18 PM              

La Marseillaise
The Song of Marseille

Lyrics and Music: Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle (1760-1836). Adopted: 1795.



Historical Background
The French national anthem was not written in Marseille, but in Strasbourg, in the fever of the Revolution, on 24 April 1792, by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle. At a banquet in honour of the officers who were to take part in France's campaign against Austria, Captain Rouget de Lisle was commissioned to write a marching song for the soldiers leaving for the front. It was originally known as the "War Song of the Army of the Rhine." The tune quickly spread throughout France, thanks mainly to a student from Montpellier, François Mireur, who obtained a score of the anthem. He sang it at the end of a banquet that the city of Marseille was giving in honour of the 500 volunteers about to depart for Paris. The volunteers also sang it as they entered Paris in July 1792. The song aroused great enthusiasm in the capital and became known as the "Marseillaise."
Declared the national anthem on 14 July 1795, then banned under the Empire and the Restoration, "La Marseillaise" was reinstated by the July Revolution of 1830. Hector Berlioz orchestrated the music, dedicating his composition to Rouget de Lisle. The Third Republic (1879) established it as the French national anthem, and in 1887 an "official version" was adopted by the Ministry of War following the recommendation of a specially-appointed commission. Its status was reaffirmed in the 1946 and 1958 Constitutions. In 1974, the newly-elected President Giscard d'Estaing wanted the performance of the work to reflect its origins more closely and ordered it to be played at a slower tempo. The version played at official ceremonies today, however, is still adapted from the 1887 version.

French Republic National Anthem
Original French Words
1

Allons enfants de la Patrie,

Le jour de gloire est arrivé!

Contre nous de la tyrannie!

L'étendard sanglant est levé

(repeat)

Entendez-vous dans nos campagnes

Mugir ces féroces soldats?

Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras.

Egorger vos fils et vos compagnes!

CHORUS

Aux armes citoyens!

Formez vos bataillons!

Marchons! marchons!

Qu'un sang impur

Abreuve nos sillons!

2

Que veut cette horde d'esclaves,

De traîtres, de rois conjurés?

Pour qui ces ignobles entraves

Ces fers dès longtemps préparés?

(repeat)

Français, pour nous, ah! quel outrage

Quels transports il doit exciter?

C'est nous qu'on ose méditer

De rendre à l'antique esclavage!

CHORUS

3

Quoi ces cohortes étrangères!

Feraient la loi dans nos foyers!

Quoi! ces phalanges mercenaires

Terrasseraient nos fils guerriers!

(repeat)

Grand Dieu! par des mains enchaînées

Nos fronts sous le joug se ploieraient

De vils despotes deviendraient

Les maîtres des destinées.

CHORUS

4

Tremblez, tyrans et vous perfides

L'opprobre de tous les partis,

Tremblez! vos projets parricides

Vont enfin recevoir leurs prix!

(repeat)

Tout est soldat pour vous combattre,

S'ils tombent, nos jeunes héros,

La France en produit de nouveaux,

Contre vous tout prêts à se battre!

CHORUS

5

Français, en guerriers magnanimes

Portez ou retenez vos coups!

Epargnez ces tristes victimes,

A regret s'armant contre nous

(repeat)

Mais ces despotes sanguinaires,

Mais ces complices de Bouillé,

Tous ces tigres qui, sans pitié,

Déchirent le sein de leur mère!

CHORUS

6

Amour sacré de la Patrie,

Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs

Liberté, Liberté chérie

Combats avec tes défenseurs!

(repeat)

Sous nos drapeaux, que la victoire

Accoure à tes mâles accents

Que tes ennemis expirants

Voient ton triomphe et notre gloire!

CHORUS

7

Nous entrerons dans la carrière

Quand nos aînés n'y seront plus,

Nous y trouverons leur poussière

Et la trace de leurs vertus

(repeat)

Bien moins jaloux de leur survivre

Que de partager leur cercueil,

Nous aurons le sublime orgueil

De les venger ou de les suivre!

CHORUS

English Translation
1

Arise children of the motherland,

Our day of glory has arrived!

Over us, the bloodstained banner

Of tyranny holds sway!

(repeat)

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.

CHORUS

To arms, oh citizens!

Form up in serried ranks!

March on, march on!

May their impure blood

Flow in our fields!

2

What does this horde of slaves,

Of traitors, of conspirating kings want?

For whom these ignoble shackles

These irons since long prepared?

(repeat)

Frenchmen, for us, ah! what an outrage

What anger must it arouse?

It's us that they dare to try

To render unto antique slavery!

CHORUS

3

What these foreign legions!

Would make the law in our homes!

What! these mercenary phalanx

Would defeat our warrior sons!

(repeat)

Good God! By chained hands

Our heads would bend themselves under the yoke!

Vile despots would become

The masters of destiny.

CHORUS

4

Tremble, tyrants and you treacherous,

The disgrace of all parties,

Tremble! Your parricide projects

Are going to at last receive their rewards!

(repeat)

All are soldiers to fight you,

If they fall, our young heros,

France will produce more anew,

All ready to fight against you.

CHORUS

5

Frenchmen, in war magnanimous

Hit or restrain yourselves!

Spare those sad victims,

To regret arming themselves against us

(repeat)

But those bloodthirsty despots,

But those accomplices of Bouill?

All those tigers who, without pity,

Tear apart their mother!

CHORUS

6

Sacred love of country, Freedom, dear freedom,

Fight along with those who defend you.

(repeat)

Under our flags, may victory

Follow your manly accents;

May your dying enemies

See your triumph and our glory!

CHORUS

7

We shall take up the cause

When our elders wont be there any more,

We shall find their dust there

And the trace of their virtues

(repeat)

Much less desirous of surviving them

Than of sharing their coffins,

We shall have the sublime pride

Of avenging them or following them!

CHORUS

posted March 02, 2002 01:21 PM              

Lyrics: Josef Kajetán Tyl (1808-1856). Music: František Jan Škroup (1801-1862). Adopted: 1919.

Historical Background
The music to the anthem was composed by F. Škroup, a main Revivalist composer of Czech music and especially Czech opera. From 1827 to 1860 he worked as a conductor in the Stavovské theatre. His biggest successes were the singspiel "Dráteník" ("Tinker") and the operas "Oldrich," "Bozena" and "Libušin snatek" ("Marriage of Libuše"). This song was taken from the first stanza of the opera Fidlovaèka, which was written by Tyl and performed in 1834. It became the first part of the Czechoslovak state anthem after the country's liberation in 1918. Upon dissolution of Czechoslovakia on 1 January 1993, the song became the anthem of the new Czech Republic.


Where Is My Home?
Original Czech Words
Kde domov mùj?

(repeat)

Voda huèí po luèinách,

bory šumí po skalinách,

v sadì skví se jara kvìt,

zemský ráj to na pohled;

a to je ta krásná zemì,

zemì èeská, domov mùj.

(repeat)

English Translation
Where is my home, where is my home?

Water bubbles across the meadows,

Pinewoods rustle among crags,

The garden is glorious with spring blossom,

Paradise on earth it is to see.

And this is that beautiful land,

The Czech land, my home.

posted March 02, 2002 01:25 PM              

Ìèëà Ðîäèíî
Mila Rodino
Dear Native Land

Lyrics: Tsevetan Tsvetkov Radoslavov (1863-1931) and Various Writers. Music: Tsevetan Tsvetkov Radoslavov (1863-1931). Adopted: 1964.


Historical Background
This song was originally written and composed by a Bulgarian student in 1885, as he went off to fight in the Serbo-Bulgarian war. Through the years, it has underwent modifications from various writers. The Bulgarian kingdom started using this anthem, until the successor Socialist government replaced it with their own song. "Mila Rodino" was restored in 1964. After the collapse of the Communist bloc, the third verse, which contained references to the Soviet Union, was dropped.

Republic of Bulgaria National Anthem
Original Bulgarian Words
1

Ãîðäà Ñòàðà ïëàíèíà,

äî íåé Äóíàâà ñèíåé,

ñëúíöå Òðàêèÿ îãðÿâà,

íàä Ïèðèíà ïëàìåíåé.

CHORUS

Ìèëà Ðîäèíî,

òè ñè çåìåí ðàé,

òâîéòà õóáîñò, òâîéòà ïðåëåñò,

àõ, òå íÿìàò êðàé.

(repeat)

2

Ïàäíàõà áîðöè áåç÷åò

çà íàðîäà íàø ëþáèì,

ìàéêî, äàé íè ìúæêà ñèëà

ïúòÿ èì äà ïðîäúëæèì.

Transliteration
1

Gorda Stara planina,
do ney Dunava siney,

sluntse Trakiya ogryava,

nad Pirina plameney.

CHORUS

Mila Rodino,

ti si zemen ray,

tvoyta hubost, tvoyta prelest,

ah, te nyamat kray!

(repeat chorus)

2

Padnaha bortsi bezchet

za naroda nash lyubim,

mayko, day ni muzhka sila

putya im da produlzhim.

CHORUS

English Translation
1

Proud Balkan mountains,
next to them the Danube flows,

the sun sheds its light over Thrace,

shining over Pirin.

CHORUS

Dear native land,

you are paradise on earth,

your beauty and your charm,

ah, they never end.

(repeat chorus)

2

Many fighters gave their life

for our dear nation,

Mother, give us strength

to follow in their steps.

posted March 02, 2002 01:30 PM              

Land of the Free

Lyrics: Samuel Alfred Haynes (1898-1971). Music: Selwyn Walford Young (1899 - 1987). Adopted: 1981



Historical Background
Samuel Haynes, who wrote the words to this anthem in 1963, was a black nationalist and an important leader of the 1919 riot against British colonial rule. Hayne's song, originally entitled "Land of the Gods," was put into music in the same year by Selwyn Walford Young. The anthem was adopted when Belize achieved full independence in 1981.

Land of the Free
1

O, Land of the Free by the Carib Sea,

Our manhood we pledge to thy liberty!

No tyrants here linger, despots must flee

This tranquil haven of democracy

The blood of our sires which hallows the sod,

Brought freedom from slavery oppression's rod,

By the might of truth and the grace of God,

No longer shall we be hewers of wood.

CHORUS

Arise! ye sons of the Baymen's clan,

Put on your armour, clear the land!

Drive back the tyrants, let despots flee

Land of the Free by the Carib Sea!

2

Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,

O'er mountains and valleys where prairies roll;

Our fathers, the Baymen, valiant and bold

Drove back the invader; this heritage hold

From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon,

Through coral isle, over blue lagoon;

Keep watch with the angels, the stars and moon;

For freedom comes tomorrow's noon.

posted March 02, 2002 01:33 PM              

Lyrics and Music: Patrick Stanislaus Castagne (b.1916). Adopted: 1962.

Historical Background
Patrick S. Castagne composed the words and music of the national anthem in 1962.

Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
National Anthem
Forged from the love of liberty, in the fires of hope and prayer,

With boundless faith in our destiny, we solemnly declare:

Side by side we stand, Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea.

This our native land, we pledge our lives to thee.

Here ev'ry creed and race find an equal place,

And may God bless our nation.

(repeat previous two lines)