Portugal's national anthem lyrics: what are the words to 'A Portuguesa'?

Did you know Anti-British sentiments inspired Portugal's national anthem? Here are its stirring lyrics in both English and Portuguese

Published: July 8, 2022 at 11:03 am

When was Portugal's national anthem, 'A Portuguesa', written and composed?

When the British gave the Portuguese an ultimatum in 1890 about its African colonies it ignited the Portuguese nationalist movement, and when the news came out that Portugal's monarch and government had agreed to Britain's terms composer Alfredo Keil furiously put pen to paper. A patriotic protest march was the result, which, once the lyrics had been added by Henrique Lopes de Mendonça, became known as 'A Portuguesa'.

'A Portuguesa' soon became popular and was adopted as a republican hymn, which led it to being, rather predictably, banned. However the song wasn't forgotten and when the monarchy was overthrown in 1910 'A Portuguesa' became recognised as the new Republic's national anthem

What are the English lyrics to Portugal's national anthem?

Heroes of the sea, noble people, Brave, immortal nation, Raise once again today The splendor of Portugal! Among the mist of memory, Oh Fatherland, one feels the voice Of your distinguished forefathers, That shall lead you on to victory!

Chorus: To arms, to arms! Over land, over sea, To arms, to arms! For the Fatherland, fight! Against the cannons, march on, march on!

II Hoist the undefeated flag, In the lively light of your sky! May Europe cry out to the whole Earth: Portugal has not perished Kiss your merry ground The ocean, roaring with love, And your victorious arm Gave new worlds to the world!

Chorus

III Salute the Sun that rises Over a gleeful future; Let the echo of an offense Be the sign for a comeback. Rays of this strong dawn Are like a mother's kisses, That keep us, sustain us, Against the injuries of fate.

What are the Portuguese lyrics to 'A Portuguesa'?

Heróis do mar, nobre povo, Nação valente, imortal, Levantai hoje de novo O esplendor de Portugal! Entre as brumas da memória, Ó Pátria, sente-se a voz Dos teus egrégios avós, Que há-de guiar-te à vitória!

Coro: Às armas, às armas! Sobre a terra, sobre o mar, Às armas, às armas! Pela Pátria lutar! Contra os canhões marchar, marchar!

II Desfralda a invicta Bandeira, À luz viva do teu céu! Brade a Europa à terra inteira: Portugal não pereceu Beija o solo teu jucundo O Oceano, a rugir d'amor, E teu braço vencedor Deu mundos novos ao Mundo!

Coro

III Saudai o Sol que desponta Sobre um ridente porvir; Seja o eco de uma afronta O sinal do ressurgir. Raios dessa aurora forte São como beijos de mãe, Que nos guardam, nos sustêm, Contra as injúrias da sorte.

Coro

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