Calls to change the anthem were led this week by French actor Lambert Wilson, who is due to host the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday. He calls the Marseillaise racist and xenophobic. (Read more in the Local)
Val says again, when I worked in libraries the authors and literature we stocked where often changed to suit changing ideas and the same thing applies with the Marseillaise. At one time it fitted the times and the mood. Now it reads as a call to war against people of " impure blood" and one can see where the ultra right nationalists can take this. Time for a change, do I have the right to this opinion or is it only for a French person to say.? On a question of race hatred to which this could lead I think I have the right.
Now I can see why the debate about Justice Minister Christiane Taubira, not singing the Marseillaise was picked up by the extreme right.
Val says again, when I worked in libraries the authors and literature we stocked where often changed to suit changing ideas and the same thing applies with the Marseillaise. At one time it fitted the times and the mood. Now it reads as a call to war against people of " impure blood" and one can see where the ultra right nationalists can take this. Time for a change, do I have the right to this opinion or is it only for a French person to say.? On a question of race hatred to which this could lead I think I have the right.
Now I can see why the debate about Justice Minister Christiane Taubira, not singing the Marseillaise was picked up by the extreme right.
Malc says For Gods sake Val do not suggest the change to the Maire.
Val says as if I would... but I might write to the President !
Lyrics of the first verse and chorus of Marseillaise
| French lyrics | English translation |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| L'étendard sanglant est levé, (bis) | Raises its bloody banner (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're coming right into your arms |
| Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes ! | To cut the throats of your sons and women! |
| Aux armes, citoyens, | To arms, citizens, |
| Formez vos bataillons, | Form your battalions, |
| Marchons, marchons ! | Let's march, let's march! |
| Qu'un sang impur | Let an impure blood |
| Abreuve nos sillons ! | Water our furrows! (repeat) |
