Experiencing the Mexican National Anthem sung by a massive crowd in Mexico City’s Zócalo on the eve of Independence Day is unforgettable. Known officially as El Himno Nacional Mexicano, this powerful song resonates with national pride and historical significance. Penned in 1853 by poet Francisco González Bocanegra, the anthem wasn’t officially adopted until nearly a century later, becoming a cornerstone of Mexican patriotism. Originally composed of ten verses and a chorus, only four verses are commonly sung today, creating a stirring and impactful musical experience.
The structure of El Himno Nacional Mexicano typically begins with the chorus, followed by the selected stanzas, with the chorus repeated after each stanza and concluding the performance. The lyrics, originally in Spanish, evoke strong imagery of warfare, patriotism, and the defense of the homeland. Understanding the Lyrics Mexican National Anthem in English provides deeper insight into the heart of Mexican national identity.
| Estribillo: Mexicanos, al grito de guerraEl acero aprestad y el bridón,Y retiemble en sus centros la tierraAl sonoro rugir del cañón. | Chorus Lyrics: 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 destino,Por 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 Lyrics: May the divine archangel crown your brow,Oh Fatherland, with an olive branch of peace,For your eternal destiny has been writtenIn heaven by the finger of God.But should a foreign enemyDare to profane your soil with his tread,Know, beloved Fatherland, that heaven gave youA soldier in each of your sons. |
| Estrofa 2: ¡Guerra, guerra sin tregua al que intente¡De 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 truenenY los ecos sonoros resuenenCon las voces de ¡Unión! ¡Libertad! | Stanza 2 Lyrics: War, war without truce against he who attemptsTo stain the escutcheons of the Fatherland!War, war! The patriotic bannersSoak in waves of blood.War, war! On the mount, in the valleyMay the terrifying cannons thunderAnd the sonorous echoes resoundWith voices 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 hórido estruendo,Y sus ruinas existan diciendo:De mil héroes la patria aquí fue. | Stanza 3 Lyrics: Fatherland, before your defenseless childrenUnder the yoke their necks may bend,May your fields be watered with blood,And on blood may their feet be imprinted.And may your temples, palaces, and towersCollapse with horrid crashing,And may their ruins continue to say:Here was the Fatherland of a thousand heroes. |
| Estrofa 4: ¡Patria! ¡Patria! tus hijos te juranExhalar en tus aras su aliento,Si el clarín con su bélico acento,Los 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 Lyrics: Fatherland! Fatherland! your children swear to youTo breathe their last upon your altars,If the bugle with its warlike tone,Calls them to fight with valor.For you, garlands of olive!A memory of glory for them!A laurel of victory for you!A tomb of honor for them! |
The lyrics to the Mexican National Anthem reflect a powerful call to defend the nation and celebrate its heroic past. The chorus immediately sets a tone of readiness for war, should it be necessary, emphasizing strength and resilience. The stanzas further elaborate on themes of divine destiny, unwavering patriotism, and the ultimate sacrifice for the homeland. The imagery is vivid and militaristic, intended to inspire a sense of unity and courage among Mexicans.
In conclusion, the Mexican National Anthem is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of national identity and spirit. Understanding the lyrics of the Mexican National Anthem provides a window into the historical and cultural values deeply embedded within Mexico. It speaks to the nation’s enduring strength and the unwavering commitment of its people to their Patria.
