French National Anthem
The national anthem of France is called “La Mareseillaise.” The song was originally written in 1792 and was adopted just a few years later. The song was written by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle following the declaration of war against Austria by France. The original title of the song was “War Song for the Rhine Army.”
The theme of France’s national anthem is simple – it’s a revolutionary song that calls out for its citizens to fight back against tyranny and invasion and to fight for their freedom. The song was adopted by the French National Convention in 1795. Under the rule of Napoleon I, however, the anthem retained its official status. It was later banned by Louis XVII and Charles X. However, in 1879, it was once again restored and used as the country’s national anthem.
France’s national anthem features six verses. However, generally just the first verse and chorus are sung today, although sometimes the fifth and sixth verses are also sung. The song has been adapted for use in many works, from a quote used by Ludwig van Beethoven in the Wellington’s Victory overture to a use by the hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest as the outro to the song “Push It Along.”