The Chile national anthem was composed by Ramón Carnicer and Eusebio Lillo. In its native tongue it is calleHimno Nacional de Chile in Spanish (the National Anthem of Chile). It is also referred to as the National Song (La Canción Nacional).
The Chile National Anthem was actually requested by its government, with its origins dating back to 1819. The original composer of the Anthem's original version was composed by Manuel Robles and poet Bernando de Vera y Pintado. This first version of the anthem was unveiled publicly in 1820.
That version of the song was short-lived and was replaced in 1828 by the anthem still used today. Here is the full version of the Chile National Anthem.
Pure, Chile, is your blue sky;
Pure breezes flow across you as well.
And your flower-embroidered field
Is a happy copy of Eden.
Majestic is the (white) snow-capped mountain
That was given as a bastion by the Lord
That was given as a bastion by the Lord,
And the sea that quietly washes your shores
Promises you future splendor
And the sea that quietly washes your shores
Promises you future splendor.
Sweet fatherland, accept the vows
That were given by Chile at your altars:
Either you be the tomb of the free
Or the refuge against oppression
Either you be the tomb of the free
Or the refuge against oppression
Either you be the tomb of the free
Or the refuge against oppression
Or the refuge against oppression
Or the refuge against oppression.
Anyone attending a football game in Chile today (known to Americans as soccer), won't hear this full version, however, as only the 5th verse and chorus are traditionally sung now.
Not surprisingly, the song pays homage and touts the paradise-like landscape and scenery Chile is known for, while also having strong spiritual chords throughout. There is also a continuing and repeated message of freedom and refuge for the oppressed that helps to distinguish the Chilean National Anthem as well.
Chile is also a proud country in addition to being one of the most scenic places on the planet. Those who visit this beautiful country may be interested to know that Chile also boasts having the tallest building in South America, being the largest wine-producing country on the continent, and also touts having the world's largest swimming pool.
The small country of Chile is big on its culture and its beauty, as the National Anthem reminds us that its "...flower-embroidered field - Is a happy copy of Eden." Welcome to Chile, a land unlike any other.