Het Wilhelmus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wilhelmus is the title and first word of the Dutch national anthem. It became the anthem in 1932. The melody is taken from a French soldier's song. It is the oldest melody of a national anthem of the world.[1] The song has 15 verses, and the first letters of each verse form the name "Willem van Nassov", the subject of the song.
Lyrics (translation):
- "William of Nassau,
- am I of German descent.
- True to the fatherland,
- I'll be until death.
- A prince of Orange,
- am I free and brave.
- The king of Spain,
- I have always honoured."
Original version:
- "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe
- ben ik, van Duitschen 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."
