Top 20 Greatest National Anthems of All Time
#20: “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego”
Poland To say the martial jauntiness driving the national anthem of Poland has the power to rouse any crowd would be a vast understatement. There’s a sentiment of pride, naturally, but also of struggle, with lyrics that help thoughtfully spotlight the peoples’ resilience. In English, the anthem is titled “Poland Is Not Yet Lost,” which is fitting considering it speaks to the country’s desire for sovereignty. “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego” perfectly fits the mental image many have of national anthems. It’s practically designed to be sung by a large crowd, with full hearts and loud voices, and radiates patriotism.
#19: "Advance Australia Fair"
Australia What makes a good national anthem? Well, many things, but power always helps. “Advance Australia Fair” isn’t a particularly lengthy number, but it resonates deeply, packing one heck of a wallop in under two minutes. It should be said that the song has undergone some changes over time, with the lyrics notably being modified or modernized to reflect the culture. One thing that hasn’t changed though is the fact that hearing a rendition of “Advance Australia Fair,” is guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings. It’s a sweeping and positive piece that’s impossible to forget.
#18: "Marcha Real"
Spain It’s common for national anthems to share inspiring lyrical content, words designed to evoke pride in kin and country. But does an anthem absolutely need words to have this effect? Well, no, at least not if you’re talking about “Marcha Real.” Though the song hasn’t always been wordless, its past lyrics are largely obsolete. Instead, the rousing melody is performed loud and proud for Spain’s people to revel in. Interestingly, a Royal Decree back in 1997 actually streamlined “Marcha Real” with a specific key, beats-per-minute, and duration. In other words, it may just be among the most uniform national anthems out there.
#17: "Jana Gana Mana"
India There isn’t a lot of chest-beating within India’s national anthem. But there is a strong focus on melody, with an almost spiritual feeling that stands in stark contrast to many other anthems worldwide shining through. And the choice pays off. The lyrics also hold just as much importance as the music, espousing India’s diversity as a country and as a people. It makes the whole song rather beautiful and poetic. This difference in pace and sensitivity is what earns “Jana Gana Mana” its rightful place as one of the most unique national anthems in the world.
#16: “National Anthem of Uruguay”
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Uruguay The “National Anthem of Uruguay” possesses the distinction of being among the longest songs on this list. But that’s just one of the aspects that makes it unique. There’s a boisterous spirit underlying this number that stands in slight contrast to its incipit, “Orientales, la Patria o la Tumba.” This translates to “Easterners: the Country or the Tomb.” It feels like the lyrics are telling us a story, almost as if they were part of a classic opera. There are multiple movements and emotional beats, while the theme of freedom, at any cost, feels central. It all works together to make the Uruguay’s anthem feel vitally important and visceral to the lifeblood of the country.
#15: "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe"
Kingdom of the Netherlands We’re not exaggerating when we say that the Netherlands’ anthem feels sacred, like a church hymn. The pace is slow and measured, with a somber atmosphere and tone that speaks of the Dutch struggle for independence against Spain. This is another anthem that feels more contemplative than braggadocious or martial, a song that speaks to the nation’s history and its people. In a way, “Wilhelmus'' feels like something that one should sing with as much feeling as possible. Anything less wouldn’t be doing it – or the Netherlands’ rich cultural landscape which it echoes with poetic beauty – justice.
#14: "Hymn to Liberty"
Greece and Cyprus Greece and Cyprus both share a national anthem, a song whose title translates as “Hymn to Liberty,” or “Hymn to Freedom,” in English. It’s a poem set to music and feels very traditional, like the sort of anthem you’d see sung and performed by a marching band in a parade. That sort of tradition feels good here, and “Hymn to Liberty” acts as an ode to independence and sovereignty. Specifically, it describes the difficult fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire, with the music accompanying the text in a simple, but very effective, manner.
#13: "Himno Nacional Mexicano"
Mexico There’s no questioning the message behind “Himno Nacional Mexicano,” a national anthem whose incipit can be translated to “Mexicans, at the cry of war.” This song is all about revolution, defense-of-country and the fight for freedom. Patriotism is at the forefront of the song, with its lyrics mincing no words against those who might stand against the nation. Indeed, the fifth stanza even claims “no mercy” against those who might try. This helps in making this national anthem perhaps one of the most overtly aggressive, yet simultaneously intense and satisfying ones out there.
#12: "A Portuguesa"
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Portugal The Portuguese national anthem is another song where the lyrics call for its citizenry to take up arms, if necessary, to defend the land. Yet “A Portuguesa” doesn’t feel like a one-note anthem, despite its relatively short duration. The song says a lot in a little over a minute, thanks to a strong melody and lyrics that speak directly to Portuguese nationalism. Indeed, it was written in response to the United Kingdom’s ultimatum that Portugal cease claim to the land separating colonies in Angola and Mozambique. As a result, the anthem represents the desire for expansion and defense in the proud Portuguese people, worldwide.
#11: "Du Gamla, Du Fria"
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Sweden The constitution of Sweden, surprisingly enough, doesn’t specify any particular song as the country’s official national anthem. However, “Du gamla, du fria” has largely been accepted as the “de facto” anthem, largely thanks to the nation’s public radio. The song, which translates to “thou ancient, thou free,” is among the shorter ones on this list, but that doesn’t make it any less effective. Expressing love for everything from Sweden’s natural beauty to Nordic culture, the anthem packs a lot into its small window, making the most of each moment. That, combined with its folkloric roots and somber, contemplative tone make it an absolute winner.
#10: “National Anthem of South Africa”
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South Africa The National Anthem of South Africa wastes no time in grabbing the listener’s attention, gripping us right from the get-go. It actually mixes elements of two different songs, one from the 1800s featuring the Xhosa language, and another from the Apartheid era of South Africa. Lyrically, the song — which incorporates five languages — calls out for peace and understanding, and beckons a higher power to keep and protect South Africa and its people. It’s a beautiful and melodic national anthem that almost feels like it could be sung around the holiday season. There’s just a palpable joy and deep emotion that’s hard to resist.
#9: "Kimigayo"
Japan The English translation of “Kimigayo” can be read as “His Imperial Majesty’s Reign.” But the song continued to be utilized after the Empire of Japan’s end, and became modern-day Japan’s anthem by law in 1999. This has proven to be a controversial talking point for many Japanese citizens, yet there’s something to be said about the song’s compositional beauty. It transports us with its melancholic melody and measured mood. Meanwhile, the lyrics speak of endurance and of watching small things grow big and tall. There’s a fragility here that never feels weak, and it’s this willingness to be emotional that makes “Kimigayo” stand out from the crowd.
#8: “Brazilian National Anthem”
Brazil The poetic lyrics to Brazil’s national anthem are powerful, inspiring and full of immense pride. A real sentimentality comes across, with it describing the country as a symbol of “eternal love” while admiring its beauty, recalling its history, and praising its strength. Musically, the orchestral instrumentation blends wonderfully with the voice or voices bringing the words to life, elevating the already energetic song. Now, we’re not saying you can dance to it or anything, but the “Brazilian National Anthem” is exciting, powerful, and exudes grace from start to finish. That certainly counts for more than we can say.
#7: "The Star-Spangled Banner"
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The United States of America As far as national anthems go, few paint as vivid and imposing a picture as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Indeed, the United States’ anthem is a bold piece, and its complex compositional style makes singing it a rather lofty challenge. It starts out like a slow burn, getting listeners’ attention with a patriotic, measured message. Eventually, it bursts into this triumphant crescendo that can easily derail any performer for good. Many have tried to master the notes, but only some succeed. However, when “The Star-Spangled Banner” is done right? Well, there’s nothing else quite like it.
#6: "Il Canto Degli Italiani"
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Italy “Il Canto Degli Italiani” has played an important part in many Italian people’s lives for centuries. But it actually took until 2017 for it to be officially installed as the national anthem, although it had enjoyed de facto status as such for many decades prior. And it’s very easy to see why. The song itself works, feeling as impactful today as it did back in the 19th and 20th centuries! The marching anthem evokes pride in the heart and chest, giving rise to a swelling of emotion that gets caught in the throat and never lets go.
#5: "Deutschlandlied"
Germany You only need to hear the German national anthem once to be hooked. The song is captivating, possessing a hummable melody that can easily be replicated on basically any instrument, without losing an ounce of power. Lyrically, it’s been the subject of some controversy in the past. Though it was written with the intention of uniting a divided people and State during the 1800s, the first two stanzas took on problematic meanings following World War II. They are therefore no longer used or really considered to be part of the anthem as a result. Today, the tune is celebrated for being an absolute banger!
#4: “State Anthem of the Russian Federation”
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Russia It makes sense that a national anthem would bring tears to the eyes of its country’s citizens. But what about if you’re a visitor, or tourist? Well, The “State Anthem of the Russian Federation” could still make you well-up, that’s the power and beauty of the incredible song. The anthem with its lyrics as it stands today has only been in use since 2000, but it feels timeless, and the love for Russia shines through each word. Meanwhile, the melodic musical theme is somewhat similar to Germany’s, in that it encourages everyone to sing or play along.
#3: "O Canada"
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Canada All national anthems are unique, and possess their own memorable characteristics. However, “O Canada” certainly belongs to the group of better-known ones around the world. The song almost possesses a pop quality, at least when comparing it to traditional marching band anthems. On top of that, it instantly draws you in, despite its relatively short running time. “O Canada” could also be compared to “The Star-Spangled Banner” in that its final verse really goes hard. Any singer attempting to sing it must be ready to hit that last note with gusto.
#2: "God Save the King"
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The United Kingdom It isn’t often that a country’s national anthem receives a change in modern times. But the United Kingdom has indeed updated their national anthem, “God Save the Queen,” to reflect the ascension of King Charles III to the throne. This doesn’t change the anthem’s ultra mesmerizing melody, which it actually shares with the U.S. song, “America (My Country, 'Tis of Thee).” [1] “God Save the King” is one of those classic anthems that’s known around the world, and for good reason. The simple yet inspired arrangement never fails to make it stand out from the crowd.
#1: "La Marseillaise"
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France This anthem by any other name would still be as sweet. The song originally featured the comparatively more aggressive title, “Chant de guerre pour l'Armée du Rhin,” a.k.a. “War Song for the Army of the Rhine.” And it’s true that “La Marseillaise” is a confrontational song, full of threats against tyrannical enemies and lyrics that speak of violence, among other things. However, the main melody is absolutely beautiful, able to evoke tears within the first few bars. And ultimately, it’s this dichotomy between lyrical aggression and cultured beauty that helps make “La Marseillaise” so well known throughout the world. It’s truly one of a kind.
