The Internationale
L'Internationale|L'Internationale|The Internationale
Also known as: Internationale · The International
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Debout, les damnés de la terre Debout, les forçats de la faim La raison tonne en son cratère C'est l'éruption de la fin. Du passé faisons table rase Foules, esclaves, debout, debout Le monde va changer de base Nous ne sommes rien, soyons tout. C'est la lutte finale Groupons-nous, et demain L'Internationale Sera le genre humain. Il n'est pas de sauveurs suprêmes Ni Dieu, ni César, ni tribun Producteurs, sauvons-nous nous-mêmes Décrétons le salut commun. Pour que le voleur rende gorge Pour tirer l'esprit du cachot Soufflons nous-mêmes notre forge Battons le fer tant qu'il est chaud. C'est la lutte finale Groupons-nous, et demain L'Internationale Sera le genre humain. L'État comprime et la loi triche L'impôt saigne le malheureux Nul devoir ne s'impose au riche Le droit du pauvre est un mot creux. C'est assez, languir en tutelle L'égalité veut d'autres lois « Pas de droits sans devoirs », dit-elle « Égaux, pas de devoirs sans droits. » C'est la lutte finale Groupons-nous, et demain L'Internationale Sera le genre humain. Les rois nous saoulaient de fumée Paix entre nous, guerre aux tyrans Appliquons la grève aux armées Crosse en l'air, et rompons les rangs. S'ils s'obstinent, ces cannibales À faire de nous des héros Ils sauront bientôt que nos balles Sont pour nos propres généraux. C'est la lutte finale Groupons-nous, et demain L'Internationale Sera le genre humain. Ouvriers, paysans, nous sommes Le grand parti des travailleurs La terre n'appartient qu'aux hommes L'oisif ira loger ailleurs. Combien de nos chairs se repaissent Mais si les corbeaux, les vautours Un de ces matins disparaissent Le soleil brillera toujours. C'est la lutte finale Groupons-nous, et demain L'Internationale Sera le genre humain. C'est la lutte finale Groupons-nous, et demain L'Internationale Sera le genre humain.
Arise, you prisoners of starvation! Arise, you wretched of the earth! For justice thunders condemnation A better world's in birth. No more tradition's chains shall bind us Arise, you slaves, no more in thrall! The earth will rise on new foundations We have been naught, we shall be all. 'Tis the final conflict Let each stand in their place The International Union shall be the human race. No saviour from on high delivers No faith have we in prince or peer Our own right hand the power ever gives us No master high or low to fear. Let us claim what is rightfully ours To free the spirit from its cell Let us fan the forge's embers And strike while the iron is hot. 'Tis the final conflict Let each stand in their place The International Union shall be the human race. The State oppresses and the laws cheat The tax bleeds the unfortunate No duty is imposed on the rich The right of the poor is an empty word. Enough of languishing in tutelage Equality demands other laws "No rights without duties," it says "Equals, no duties without rights." 'Tis the final conflict Let each stand in their place The International Union shall be the human race. The kings have gorged us with their smoke Peace among us, war on tyrants Let us apply the strike to the armies Butt in the air, and break ranks. If they persist, these cannibals In making heroes of us They will soon know that our bullets Are for our own generals. 'Tis the final conflict Let each stand in their place The International Union shall be the human race. Workers, peasants, we are The great party of laborers The earth belongs only to humans The idle will go lodge elsewhere. How many of our flesh feed But if the ravens, the vultures One of these mornings disappear The sun will always shine. 'Tis the final conflict Let each stand in their place The International Union shall be the human race. 'Tis the final conflict Let each stand in their place The International Union shall be the human race.
This translation aims for fidelity to the original French meaning and maintains the stanza structure. Slight variations exist in English translations due to poetic license and historical context.
“The Internationale” stands as one of the most globally recognized and historically significant anthems of the socialist, communist, and anarchist movements. Its origins trace back to the tumultuous period of the Paris Commune in 1871, a revolutionary socialist government that briefly ruled Paris. The lyrics were penned by Eugène Pottier, a French revolutionary, poet, and member of the Commune, shortly after its brutal suppression. Pottier's words, a powerful call to action for the working class, initially circulated as a poem. It wasn't until 1888 that Pierre De Geyter, a Belgian factory worker and musician living in Lille, France, composed the iconic melody that would forever be associated with Pottier's text. The song quickly gained traction within labor and socialist circles, spreading rapidly across Europe and beyond. Culturally, “The Internationale” became a potent symbol of international solidarity and the struggle for workers' rights and social justice. It was sung at countless political rallies, protests, and labor meetings, embodying the aspirations of millions for a world free from exploitation and oppression. Its influence was so profound that it served as the national anthem of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1944, before being replaced by a new anthem more focused on the Soviet state. Despite this, it continued to be widely used by communist parties and socialist organizations worldwide, often performed on May Day (International Workers' Day) and other significant dates for the labor movement. Its usage transcended mere performance, becoming an integral part of the identity and collective consciousness of these movements. Performance style for “The Internationale” is typically characterized by mass singing, often with great fervor and unity. While it can be performed with various instruments, including brass bands, orchestras, or even folk instruments, its most iconic rendition is often a cappella, sung by a large chorus of participants. The song's simple yet powerful melody and direct lyrics make it accessible for collective singing, fostering a sense of shared purpose among those who perform it. It is sung by workers, activists, revolutionaries, and anyone aligned with the ideals of social equality and economic justice, often with fists raised in a gesture of solidarity. Today, “The Internationale” continues to resonate as a historical artifact and a living anthem. While its direct association with state communism has waned, its core message of challenging injustice and advocating for the downtrodden remains relevant. It is still sung at protests, labor union gatherings, and by various leftist groups globally, serving as a reminder of past struggles and an inspiration for ongoing movements for social change. Its preservation in archives like Swariti is crucial, not only for its historical significance as a document of revolutionary thought but also for understanding the cultural and political landscapes that shaped the modern world. It offers a unique window into the aspirations and struggles of the working class across generations.
Historical Background
Composed in the aftermath of the 1871 Paris Commune, its lyrics by Eugène Pottier became a foundational text for the international socialist movement. The music by Pierre De Geyter in 1888 solidified its status as a global anthem, widely adopted by socialist, communist, and anarchist organizations throughout the 20th century.
Cultural Significance
A powerful symbol of international solidarity and the struggle for workers' rights. It has inspired countless movements for social justice and remains a potent emblem of revolutionary ideals, influencing political thought and popular culture globally.
Usage & Performance Context
Sung at political rallies, labor union meetings, protests, May Day celebrations, and as an anthem for socialist and communist parties worldwide. Historically, it was the national anthem of the Soviet Union.
What is 'The Internationale'?
'The Internationale' is a widely recognized anthem of the socialist, communist, and anarchist movements. It calls for workers' solidarity and social justice, advocating for a world free from exploitation and oppression.
Who wrote 'The Internationale'?
The lyrics of 'The Internationale' were written by Eugène Pottier, a French revolutionary and poet, in 1871. The iconic melody was composed by Pierre De Geyter, a Belgian factory worker and musician, in 1888.
What is the historical significance of 'The Internationale'?
Born from the Paris Commune, 'The Internationale' became a powerful symbol of international workers' movements. It served as the national anthem of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1944 and continues to be sung at protests and labor gatherings worldwide.
Is 'The Internationale' in the public domain?
Yes, 'The Internationale' is in the public domain. Both the lyricist, Eugène Pottier, and the composer, Pierre De Geyter, died over 70 years ago, placing their work in the public domain in most jurisdictions.
What are the main themes of 'The Internationale'?
The main themes of 'The Internationale' include revolution, workers' rights, class struggle, international solidarity, justice, and the pursuit of equality. It expresses a strong anti-capitalist and anti-imperialist sentiment.
Region
Île-de-France, France
Language
French (Latin)
Themes
Contributor
Anonymous
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