A song of the people against tyranny. Celebrate Bastille Day! Discover the origins of France's national anthem, "La Marseillaise," and the French Revolution's fight for freedom and fairness.
Thank you for a quick lesson about the French Revolution. The song, La Marseillaise, was not a total stranger to me, but I never knew the lyrics and meaning of the song until I read your explanation. Next time I hear it, I know what it says. Thank you.
I'm a bit surprised and impressed with the fact that the song recognized the existence of enemy soldiers who fight with regret and viewed them as "sorry victims."
If only more had had that same frame of mind. What happened in the years after the fall of the Bastille was truly horrible on all sides. Ultimately, societal changes in the perception of the rights of the people won out. I hope that period of history is never repeated.
This is my favorite thing about Louise's Substack. She pulls out historical or cultural songs for you to discover or rediscover. How many times have I heard this French anthem and never felt its full power. The version with Mireille Mathieu sets the tone for the revolution. It also adds a new perspective for me.
Oh Louise, from my learnings in history lessons (the few I attend) It really was Tyranny before the Revolution, a horrific time to be a commoner in France!
Did you know, although La Marseillaise was adopted as the national anthem in 1795, it was written 100 years before and Napoleon later banned it. Under Napoleon III, the anthem was "Partant pour la Syrie," or "Leaving for Syria."?
Have a lovely week, I am trying to catch up after my wonderful holiday which is quite a task, please excuse any lack of comment until I have at least made it, probably breathless, to this weekends publications... xx
Good morning, Louise
Thank you for a quick lesson about the French Revolution. The song, La Marseillaise, was not a total stranger to me, but I never knew the lyrics and meaning of the song until I read your explanation. Next time I hear it, I know what it says. Thank you.
I'm a bit surprised and impressed with the fact that the song recognized the existence of enemy soldiers who fight with regret and viewed them as "sorry victims."
Mitsuru Hiki
If only more had had that same frame of mind. What happened in the years after the fall of the Bastille was truly horrible on all sides. Ultimately, societal changes in the perception of the rights of the people won out. I hope that period of history is never repeated.
This is my favorite thing about Louise's Substack. She pulls out historical or cultural songs for you to discover or rediscover. How many times have I heard this French anthem and never felt its full power. The version with Mireille Mathieu sets the tone for the revolution. It also adds a new perspective for me.
Thank you Louise. A timely story🇺🇸
Oh Louise, from my learnings in history lessons (the few I attend) It really was Tyranny before the Revolution, a horrific time to be a commoner in France!
Did you know, although La Marseillaise was adopted as the national anthem in 1795, it was written 100 years before and Napoleon later banned it. Under Napoleon III, the anthem was "Partant pour la Syrie," or "Leaving for Syria."?
Have a lovely week, I am trying to catch up after my wonderful holiday which is quite a task, please excuse any lack of comment until I have at least made it, probably breathless, to this weekends publications... xx