La Bayamesa
"La Bayamesa" or "El Himno de Bayamo" ("The Bayamo Song") is a Cuban pre-revolutionary song which has been the national anthem of Cuba since 1902. First performed in 1868 during the Battle of Bayamo, author and freedom fighter Perucho Figueredo who battled in Bayamo, wrote the lyrics to this song and composed the music before being executed by the Spaniards. In 1898, Cuban conductor Antonio Rodriguez-Ferrer was the anthem's musical introductory note conductor.
Lyrics
Spanish original
Only the first verse (in bold) is officially part of the anthem.
English translation
To arms, quickly, ye Bayamesans!
As the homeland looks proudly to you;
don't fear a glorious death,
for to die for the homeland is to live.
To live in shackles is to live
mired in shame and disgrace,
now hear the sound of the bugle;
Quickly, ye brave, to arms!
Fear not the vicious Iberians.
They're cowards as is every tyrant.
They cannot oppose spirited Cubans.
Their empire has forever fallen.
Free Cuba! Spain has already died,
their power and pride, where did it go?
Hear the sound of the bugle.
Run, brave ones, to battle!
Behold our triumphant troops
Behold they that have fallen.
As cowards they flee defeated:
We triumphed because of our bravery.
Free Cuba! we can shout
from the cannon's terrible boom.
Hear the sound of the bugle,
Run, brave ones, to battle!
References
1860s songs
Cuba
North American anthems