Netherlands
Het Wilhelmus
The William
1572
1932
Unknown (attributed to Philips of Marnix)
Unknown
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Key Facts
- 1. The full anthem has 15 stanzas, but only the first and sixth are typically performed, making the complete version one of the longest anthems ever written.
- 2. The melody of Het Wilhelmus was likely adapted from a French Huguenot soldier's song called 'Chartres,' giving the Dutch anthem ironic French musical roots.
- 3. Despite being the world's oldest anthem text, it was only officially adopted by royal decree in 1932; for over 350 years it existed purely by tradition.
Lyrics
Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
Ben ik, van Duitsen bloed,
Den vaderland getrouwe
Blijf ik tot in den dood.
Een Prinse van Oranje
Ben ik, vrij, onverveerd,
Den Koning van Hispanje
Heb ik altijd geëerd.
Mijn schild ende betrouwen
Zijt Gij, o God mijn Heer,
Op U zo wil ik bouwen,
Verlaat mij nimmermeer.
Dat ik doch vroom mag blijven,
Uw dienaar t'aller stond,
De tirannie verdrijven
Die mij mijn hart doorwondt.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Analysis
EditorialWritten around 1572 during the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, Het Wilhelmus is the oldest national anthem in the world still in use. It is written in the first person from the perspective of William of Orange (William the Silent), leader of the Dutch revolt.
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