the
lyrics, for your listening
pleasure:
verse 1
Allons enfants de la Patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé.
Arise, children of the Fatherland, the day of glory is at hand.
Contre nous de la tyrannie, l'étendard sanglant est levé,
Against us the blood-stained banner of tyranny is raised,
l'étendard sanglant est levé.
the blood-stained banner is raised.
Entendez vous, dans les campagnes, mugir ces farouches soldats.
Hear, in the fields, the roar of her fierce soldiers.
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras, égorger vos fils, vos compagnes.
They come right in to our arms, to slaughter our sons and companions.
Aux armes citoyens!
Patriots, to arms!
Formez vos batailons,
Form your battalions,
Marchons, marchons!
Let's march, let's march!
Qu'un sang impur abreuve nos sillons.
May the tyrant's foul blood water our furrows!
verse 2
Amour sacré de la Patrie,
Sacred love of our country,
Conduis, soutiens nos bras vengeurs.
May you guide and sustain our avenging hands.
Liberté, liberté chérie,
Freedom, cherished freedom,
Combats avec tes défenseurs,
Fight along with those who defend you,
Combats avec tes défenseurs,
Fight along with those who defend you.
Sous nos drapeaux, que la victoire
Under our flags, may victory
Accoure à tes mâles accents;
Follow your manly accents;
Que tes ennemis expirants
May your dying enemies
Voient ton triomphe et notre gloire!
See your triumph and our glory!
Aux armes citoyens!
Patriots, to arms!
Formez vos batailons,
Form your battalions,
Marchons, marchons!
Let's march, let's march!
Qu'un sang impur abreuve nos sillons.
May the tyrant's foul blood water our furrows!
Translation (adapted and slightly modified by yours truly) by T.M. Cartledge.