Netherlands
Het Wilhelmus
The William
1572
1932
Unknown (attributed to Philips of Marnix)
Unknown
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Context
Written 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.
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.
Translations are non-official and intended to convey meaning, not replace originals
Interesting facts
- • The oldest national anthem melody in the world, dating to approximately 1572
- • Written as an acrostic: the first letters of each stanza spell WILLEM VAN NASSOV (William of Nassau)
- • Paradoxically, the opening verse pledges honor to the King of Spain, against whom the Dutch were revolting