National Anthem Comparison
Marshall Islands vs Palau
1
Shared themes
✓
Same mood
11
11 years apart
✓
Same continent
Marshall Islands
Forever Marshall Islands
Comparison Analysis
Marshall Islands and Palau, both Oceania nations, take distinct approaches to their national anthems. Marshall Islands's "Forever Marshall Islands" was written in 1991, while Palau's "Our Palau" dates to 1980.
Both anthems share themes of love of homeland. Marshall Islands additionally explores god / faith, nature and hope, while Palau also touches on ancestors / heritage and identity.
Both anthems carry a hopeful tone, creating a similar emotional register despite their geographic distance.
Shared themes
Marshall Islands
✝ God / Faith ❤ Love of homeland 🌿 Nature 🌅 Hope
Palau
❤ Love of homeland 🏺 Ancestors / Heritage 🏛 Identity
Shared themes:
❤ Love of homeland
Metadata
| Marshall Islands | Palau | |
|---|---|---|
| Written | 1991 | 1980 |
| Adopted | 1991 | 1980 |
| Lyricist | Amata Kabua | Ymesei O. Ezekiel |
| Composer | Amata Kabua | Ymesei O. Ezekiel |
| Language | mh | pau |
| Region | Micronesia | Micronesia |
Lyrics Side by Side
Marshall Islands
Forever Marshall Islands
Original
Aelōn̄ eo ao ion lometo;
Einwot wut ko lōti ion dren elae;
Kin meram in Mekar jen ijo ilan̄;
Erreo an romak ioir kin meram in mour;
Eltan pein Anij eweleo im wōj;
Kejolit kij kin ijin jikir emol;
Ijjamin Ilok jen in aō lemoran;
Anij an ro jemem wonakke im kejrammon Aelin̄ kein ad.
Translation
My island lies o'er the ocean;
Like a wreath of flowers upon the sea;
With the light of the Maker from far above;
Shining with the brilliance of rays of life;
Our Father's wondrous creation;
Bequeathed to us, our motherland;
I'll never leave my dear home sweet home;
God of our forefathers protect and bless forever Marshall Islands.
Palau
Belau rekid
Original
BELAU LOBA KLISIICH, ER A KELULUL EL DI MLA NGARNGII RA, RECHUODEL MEI ME NG MENGELUOLU ER A, CHIMOL BELUU EL NGAR EUNGEL A RIRCH LOMEKESANG.
BO DOLEKETEK A KERRUUL, ERA BELUAD LOLAB A BLAK EL RENG, MA DUCH EL RENG BELAU A CHOTIL A, KLENGAR REKID ME BO DORRURT A BEDUL MSA KLISICHEL.
BO DEKAIUEREKED CHIM, LOKIU A RENG E DONGEDMOKL RA, DI MLA KOTED LOMECHELIU A RENGEDEL, MA KLEBKELLE LOKIU A BUDECH MA BELTIK EL RENG.
DIOS MOMEKNGELTENGAT, RA BELULAM EL DI MLA DIKESAM RA, RECHUODEL MEI BESKEMAM A KLISICHAM, MA LLEMELTAM LORRURT A KLUNGIOLAM EL MO CHERECHAR.
Translation
Palau is coming forth with strength and power.
By her old ways abides still every hour.
One country, safe, secure, one government.
Under the glowing floating soft light stands.
Lets build our economy protecting fence.
With courage, faithfulness and diligence.
Our life is anchored in Palau, our land.
We with our might through life and death defend.
In spirit lets join hands, united, one.
Care for our homeland from forefathers on.
Look after its concord, its glory keep.
Through peace and love and hearts devotion deep.
God bless our country, our island home always.
Our sweet inheritance from ancient days.
Give us the strength and power and all the rights.
To govern with to all eternity.
Interesting facts
Marshall Islands
- 1. The anthem is sung in Marshallese, an Austronesian language spoken by fewer than 50,000 people worldwide, making it one of the rarest languages featured in a national anthem.
- 2. Amata Kabua was also a accomplished poet and songwriter beyond the anthem; several of his compositions remain popular in Marshallese culture as love songs and folk ballads.
- 3. The anthem's imagery of flowers and ocean wreaths reflects the Marshallese tradition of navigation by wave patterns and stars, skills for which the islanders were renowned across the Pacific.
Palau
- 1. Palau was one of the last territories in the Pacific to gain independence, becoming sovereign in 1994
- 2. The country has one of the world's most pristine marine environments and was the first to create a large-scale marine sanctuary
- 3. Palau has a unique relationship with the United States through a Compact of Free Association, which allows Palauans to live and work in the U.S.
Listen
Marshall Islands
Palau
