Download the French National Anthem: La Marseillaise

Diane — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:23:23 +0000

July 14 is France’s Independence Day. Celebrate Bastille Day with a download of the French National Anthem–la Marseillaise!

Use your own judgement when teaching children the words to France’s anthem. A wee bit violent, in my humble opinion. Here’s the first verse and chorus:

Allons enfants de la Patrie,	Arise, children of the Fatherland,
Le jour de gloire est arrivé !	The day of glory has arrived!
Contre nous de la tyrannie,	Against us tyranny’s
L’étendard sanglant est levé, (bis)	bloodied banner is raised, (repeat)
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes	Do you hear in the countryside
Mugir ces féroces soldats ?	The roar of those ferocious soldiers?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras	They come right here into your midst
Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes !	To slit the throats of your sons and wives!

Aux armes, citoyens,	To arms, citizens,
Formez vos bataillons,	Form your battalions,
Marchons, marchons !	Let’s march, let’s march!
Qu’un sang impur	May a tainted blood
Abreuve nos sillons !	Drench our furrows!

As an alternative for young beginners, you can download a simplified version of the anthem from the Sing, Dance, Laugh, and Eat Quiche CD. Click this link and look for “le drapeau français.” The melody is la Marseillaise, but the lyrics are simply about the colors on the French flag. No bloody flags or slit throats! My choice for early elementary.

Learn more about the French National Anthem at LaMarseillaise.com

Foreign Language Fun » French Flag

Download the French National Anthem: La Marseillaise