Why National Anthems Have a Greater Impact with Lyrics
by Oscar Bernal
What makes national anthems so impactful? Despite ideological differences within a country, these compositions have the power to unite citizens, instilling a sense of pride by giving countries a unique identity. Furthermore, the addition of words amplifies their potency tenfold by evoking sentiments of patriotism, valor, and devotion. The reason why such verses elicit intense emotional reactions can be traced back to their historical importance for countries. National anthem lyrics often depict the struggles and sacrifices made by previous generations to secure the freedoms that modern-day citizens enjoy today. These inspiring words serve as torches guiding future generations in upholding those same values. Consider “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which recounts Francis Scott Key’s experience during one of America’s most dangerous times – The Battle at Fort McHenry. This tune is unique because it showcases resilience through adversity as America seeks to defend their freedoms from British attack in the war of 1812. Its inspiring melody paired with powerful lyrics has made it an indispensable part not only of sporting events but also of political rallies or celebrations where Americans gather to honor their shared heritage. To understand why national anthems with lyrical content hold more weight than purely instrumental versions we will examine different key factors.
An intrinsic aspect of a country’s identity is its national anthem – a vital tool for promoting unification in diverse societies. National anthems’ lyrics have the potential to instill shared values, history, and aspirations that unify people under one common purpose. According to Barradas (2022), national anthems can elicit strong emotional responses among citizens, evoking patriotism and pride in one’s country. Using a melody by the composer Joseph Haydn written as a hymn to the Austrian Emperor, The Deutschlandlied holds a critical place as Germany’s national anthem since its adoption in 1922, playing an important role in shaping German nationalism. The power of words should never be underestimated because they hold a significant impact on history and society. For instance, during World War II, German soldiers sang their national anthem while charging against the enemy; this employment of music and rhetoric served as propaganda that aimed at boosting morale during wartime. The original text had three stanzas, of which the first praised the country “above all” and imagined a country so big that it could serve as an incentive for imperialist expansion. After the Third Reich had been defeated, the lyrics of the Deutschlandlied were changed to only include the third stanza of the original, invoking “unity, justice, and freedom” in the first verse, thus playing an instrumental role in signaling the need for reunification for Germany after years of post-World War II division and dictatorship under fascism. In addition, it was a way for Germany to move away from the terrible fascist beliefs of Nazi Germany. The contemporary and altered verses embody Germany’s unwavering dedication towards democracy and unity both within their borders and globally. The use of language in a national anthem plays a crucial role when it comes to effective symbolism of national identity; it is intertwined with historical references that serve as reminders of past struggles and victories alike. Meaningful lyrics within national anthems play an integral part in forging collective identities by invoking emotions such as pride or nostalgia – sentiments capable of overriding individual differences among citizens. The evolution of the Deutschlandlied provides us with just one instance from history where music was employed towards this end as it remains a potent symbol today.
The significance of lyrics in national anthems is often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in representing the cultural and historical identity of a nation. A comparison between Spain and Paraguay anthems highlights this importance. While both countries’ anthems share similarities in their musical structure, the content carries vastly different messages. According to Moreno-Luzón (2017), the Spanish anthem emphasizes loyalty to the king and country while expressing militaristic ideals without including lyrics, he said: “Rather than a national anthem conceived to draw citizens together and mobilize them in a participatory system, the Marcha Real was a piece of music that indicated respect for authority.” In contrast, Paraguay’s anthem focuses on its heroic past battles for independence against foreign powers using lyrics but without showing any hatred towards these foreign powers. Anderson (1991) stated “Even in the case of colonized peoples, who have every reason to feel hatred for their imperialist rulers, it is astonishing how insignificant the element of hatred is in these expressions of national feeling.”
This has been of focus of debate in Spain, in which certain citizens argue that the lack of lyrics could contribute to a lack of emotional connection or attachment. As Winston (2017) stated “Lyrics matter, and without them you may not understand the meaning of the song. Music allows the artist to connect with the listener, affecting their mood, vibe, or spiritual energy.” This notion emphasizes the importance that words have in fostering community and shared identity. Without them, it becomes difficult for individuals to forge meaningful connections with their nation’s history and culture. In Spain, this issue is especially pertinent as music plays such an integral role in its culture. It is worth noting though that many Spaniards take pride in their instrumental-only anthem. They argue that this allows everyone to interpret its meaning freely without being constrained by specific words or phrases. However, there are still troubles surrounding the national anthem as there are people who do not feel represented by the anthem. Lack of words can lead to lack of unity, an example of this can be found in Spanish soccer. Bairner said “football fans of Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona CF drowned out the music to assert their Basque and Catalan identities.” Some people may find comfort in interpreting music purely instrumentally; however, others might struggle emotionally when there isn’t any text available, which is evident with Spain’s national anthem which lacks a narrative or message to rally around.
The national hymn of Paraguay is a clear instance of how anthems can yield compelling symbols that embody the values and history of a country. The lyrics convey potent messages about freedom and sacrifice, encapsulating Paraguayans’ most treasured ideals. The hymn commences with an alluring verse that evokes past struggles: “A los pueblos de América, infausto tres centurias un cetro oprimió” (The peoples of the Americas, unfortunately, were oppressed for three centuries by a scepter.) This phrase captures the very essence of Paraguay’s battles against foreign invaders who endangered their independence. Subsequent verses eloquently express bravery in combat and affection for one’s homeland – notions that resound deeply within many modern-day Paraguayans. The sheer poetic beauty blended with emotional depth sets this anthem apart by stirring emotions not only as an expression of love for one’s nation but also as motivation to aspire towards greater things. Galeano (2009) once noted: “The Paraguayan anthem invites us to choose between the republic and death.” While listening to this moving hymn, I cannot help but feel profoundly connected to my collective heritage and shared past as Paraguay’s National Anthem serves as an exceptional illustration of how impactful a song with profound significance can truly be: “Paraguayans! Republic or Death!” This line reverberates throughout this emotionally moving masterpiece reminding the listeners about freedom and sacrifice – something every person cherishes wholeheartedly.