England v France: French national anthem La Marseillaise lyrics and translation
'We need to show that the terrorists will not win and we will defeat them'
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Louise Thomas
Editor
Home fans are being encouraged to sing the French national anthem at the France-England football match at Wembley on Tuesday.
La Marseillaise is expected to be heard as an apparent act of defiance and show of unity following Friday's devastating terror attacks in Paris which killed 129 people.
Lyrics to the anthem will be shown on big screens at the stadium.
The decision to proceed with the football match was announced by the Home Secretary Theresa May following a Cobra emergency committee meeting.
“We are in absolute solidarity with the people of France and together we need to show that the terrorists will not win and we will defeat them,” she said.
England manager Roy Hodgson said: “I’m sure the England team and our fans will play their part and show solidarity with our French friends on Tuesday evening and provide support for both teams during this difficult time.”
It is understood that security will be increased for the game.
Lyrics to La Marseillaise:
Allons enfants de la Patrie,
Le jour de gloire est arrive!
Contre nous de la tyrannie,
L'etendard sanglant est leve,
Entendez-vous dans les campagnes
Mugir ces feroces soldats?
Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras
Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes!
Aux armes, citoyens,
Formez vos bataillons,
Marchons, marchons!
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons!
And this is what they mean in English:
Arise children of the fatherland
The day of glory has arrived
Against us tyranny's
Bloody standard is raised
Listen to the sound in the fields
The howling of these fearsome soldiers
They are coming into our midst
To cut the throats of your sons and consorts
To arms citizens
Form your battalions
March, march
Let impure blood
Water our furrows
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