The Polish Anthem was originally a patriotic song written in 1797. It did not receive its present status until February 26, 1927. Although it is known that the author of the text is Józef Wybicki, there is no official version of who composed the music. Originally it was believed that it came from the hand of Michał Kleofas Ogiński, but historical sources contradict this. That is why it is customary to define it as a "folk melody", although some researchers put a safety-related question mark on this statement.
Polish Anthem - history
Originally, this piece was written as "The Song of the Polish Legions in Italy". The author of the words is Józef Wybicki and they were written in the city of Reggio nell 'Emilia in the north of today's Italy. The exact date of its creation and the circumstances of its execution are still the source of historical disputes. However, everyone agrees that the Song was most likely performed by Wybicki between July 10 and 19, 1797.
Instant popularity
It is certain, however, that the current Polish anthem immediately gained great popularity among legionnaires. On August 29, 1797, General Dąbrowski wrote to Józef Wybicki that his song was more and more willingly sung by soldiers. It is also known that a year later it was already known in all Polish partitions.
The Polish Anthem had a huge impact on other songs
Today's Polish anthem had a huge impact also on other Slavic songs. He became the progenitor of, among others Slovak "Hej, Slováci, ešte naša slovenská reč žije", later the Czechs changed the title to "Hej, Slovane". This song became the official hymn at the 1848 All-Slavic Congress in Prague.
Read also: Highlanders in Norway for the 100th anniversary of Poland's independence >>>
The text of the hymn
Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła,
Kiedy my żyjemy.
Co nam obca przemoc wzięła,
Szablą odbierzemy.
March, march, Dąbrowski,
From Italy to Poland.
Behind your cord
Joining the nation.
I will cross the Vistula, I will cross the Warta,
I will be Poles.
He set the example of Bonaparte,
How to win.
Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski ...
Like Czarniecki to Poznań
After the Swedish partition,
For the motherland of rescue
I'll be back by the sea.
Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski ...
Father to his Basia is already there
Mówi zapłakany -
Listen only, supposedly ours
They hit tarabans.
Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski ...
Beautiful story
It is worth knowing the history of our anthem. It expresses the will and hope of people who fought for the independence of Poland. It is known that the author of the text was Józef Wybicki, but there is no agreement as to who composed the music. It is also unclear as to the exact date of the uprising, although it was most likely between July 10 and 19, 1797. The great energy flowing from the then "Songs of the Polish Legions in Italy" radiated to our neighbors. This is evidenced by other Slavic songs inspired by the present Polish national anthem.
