The Mexican National Anthem, officially known as El Himno Nacional Mexicano, stands as a powerful symbol of national pride and unity. For many, hearing the stirring melody and passionate lyrics evokes a deep sense of patriotism and connection to Mexican heritage. Understanding the mexican national anthem lyrics is key to appreciating the historical and cultural significance of this iconic song.
Composed of rich verses that echo the nation’s struggles and triumphs, the anthem is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of identity and resilience. Written in 1853 by the poet Francisco González Bocanegra, the lyrics were later set to music by Jaime Nunó. Interestingly, despite being written in the mid-19th century, the anthem wasn’t officially adopted until much later, highlighting the evolving national identity of Mexico.
The original composition included ten verses, but today, only a selection are typically performed. The structure commonly heard begins with the chorus (Estribillo), followed by select stanzas (Estrofas), with the chorus repeated between each stanza and again at the conclusion. This repetition emphasizes the core message and reinforces the national spirit.
Below are the chorus and the most frequently sung stanzas of the mexican national anthem lyrics, presented in both Spanish and English for a deeper understanding:
| Estribillo: Mexicanos, al grito de guerraEl acero aprestad y el bridón,Y retiemble en sus centros la tierraAl sonoro rugir del cañón. | Chorus: Mexicans, when the war cry is heard,Prepare the steel and the bridle,And may the earth tremble to its coreAt the resounding roar of the cannon. |
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| Estrofa 1: ¡Ciña oh Patria! tus sienes de olivaDe la paz el arcángel divino,Que en el cielo tu eterno destinoPor el dedo de Dios se escribió;Mas si osare un extraño enemigo,Profanar con su planta tu suelo,Piensa ¡oh Patria querida! que el cieloUn soldado en cada hijo te dio. | Stanza 1: May the divine Archangel of peace adorn your brow,Oh Fatherland! For in heaven your eternal destiny Was written by the finger of God. But if a foreign enemy should dare To profane your soil with his step, Think, oh beloved Fatherland, that heaven Has granted you a soldier in every son. |
| Estrofa 2: ¡Guerra, guerra sin tregua al que intenteDe la patria manchar los blasones!¡Guerra, guerra! Los patrios pendonesEn las olas de sangre empapad.¡Guerra, guerra! En el monte, en el valleLos cañones horrisonos truenen,Y los ecos sonoros resuenenCon las voces de ¡Unión! ¡Libertad! | Stanza 2: War, war without truce to he who dares To stain the homeland’s escutcheon! War, war! Let the patriotic banners Be drenched in waves of blood. War, war! In the mountains, in the valleys, Let the booming cannons thunder, And may the resounding echoes reverberate With cries of Union! Liberty! |
| Estrofa 3: Antes, patria, que inermes tus hijosBajo el yugo su cuello dobleguen,Tus campiñas con sangre se rieguen,Sobre sangre se estampe su pie.Y tus templos, palacios y torresSe derrumben con hórrido estruendo,Y sus ruinas existan diciendo:De mil héroes la patria aquí fue. | Stanza 3: Fatherland, ere your defenseless children Should bend their necks beneath the yoke, May your fields be watered with blood, May their footprints be imprinted on blood. And may your temples, palaces, and towers Crumble with a horrific crash, And may their ruins continue to proclaim: The homeland here was forged by a thousand heroes. |
| Estrofa 4: ¡Patria! ¡Patria! tus hijos te juranExhalar en tus aras su aliento,Si el clarín con su bélico acentoLos convoca a lidiar con valor:¡Para ti las guirnaldas de oliva!¡Un recuerdo para ellos de gloria!¡Un laurel para ti de victoria!¡Un sepulcro para ellos de honor! | Stanza 4: Fatherland! Fatherland! Your children swear to you To breathe their last upon your altars, If the bugle with its warlike call Summons them to battle with courage. For you, garlands of olive! A memory of glory for them! For you, laurels of victory! For them, a tomb of honor! |
The mexican national anthem lyrics are a powerful expression of patriotism, courage, and the willingness to defend the nation’s sovereignty. Understanding these lyrics provides invaluable insight into the heart of Mexican national identity and the historical events that shaped the country. Whether heard during national celebrations like Independence Day in the Zócalo of Mexico City or at international sporting events, the anthem resonates deeply with Mexicans worldwide, encapsulating their shared history and aspirations.
