In the previous instalment of this series we explored the rather interesting beginnings of the Mexican National Anthem. We found out that it took no less than three presidentially commissioned contests to achieve the perfect lyrics and music. The story of the creation of lyrics is wrapped up with a romantic poet, his fiance and a locked bedroom adorned with patriotic depictions of Mexican historical events. Now, let's take a brief look at the prose and what it means to the people of Mexico.
Only four stanzas out of the ten that make up the National Anthem of Mexico, are sung regularly. The chorus is as follows: Mexicans, at the cry of war / make ready the steel and the bridle / and may the Earth tremble at its centers / at the resounding roar of the cannon / and may the Earth tremble at its centers / at the resounding roar of the cannon!
It would be easy to assume that Gozalez was a military person, who had decided to write poetry at the end of a great conflict, if it were not for the knowledge of where he wrote the lyrics. They bring to mind the Mexican War of Independence and the Texas Revolution, and instill fierceness and pride into the hearts of those who sing them.
As follows are the lyrics of the first section, as written by Gonzalez: Let gird, oh Fatherland!, your brow with olive / by the divine archangel of peace / for in heaven your eternal destiny / was written by the finger of God / But if some enemy outlander should dare / to profane your ground with his sole / think, oh beloved Fatherland!, that heaven / has given you a soldier in every son.
These are the words of empowerment, pride and perhaps a smattering of defence, against outlander enemies. Mexico is a country with a long history of invasion, occupation and colonization; raising up against foreign invasion is therefore not a surprising addition to the lyrics.
The theme is carried on throughout the rest of the stanzas, in the manner that made Gonzalez a very popular figure in his time, with lovely heartfelt rhythms. They speak of war, toiling at the hands of occupiers, and dying for the Fatherland. A chorus, of course, accompanies every stanza as the song progresses; even the most revolutionary of the country will be brought to their feet in song, upon the beginning of the chorus.
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