The words of Mazurek Dąbrowskiego are closely connected with Polish history. Its author, as is commonly known, is Józef Wybicki. He was born in Będomin in Kashubia. Currently, the National Anthem Museum is located there. However, one does not need to go to the museum itself to learn something about the history of our anthem’s creation. We reveal a bit of the mystery for you in the article below.
How Did Our National Anthem Come to Be?
Our national anthem was initially a song of the Polish Legions in Italy. It probably originated in the Cisalpine Republic. July 1797 is given as the date of the song’s creation. Józef Wybicki was reportedly inspired to write the words by the sight of marching Polish soldiers.
It was on this occasion that the first verses of our anthem were created. The Legion Song was probably sung for the first time during a parade. The words along with the melody were received very positively by the soldiers, and were even eagerly repeated by them. The anthem was first published as a song in 1799 in „Dekada Legionów” (Legion Decade).
The song was translated into over a dozen languages by many foreign poets who showed solidarity with the Polish Legions during their military struggles. General Jan Henryk Dąbrowski himself sang it during his trip to Poznań in 1806. It was also performed during the November and January Uprisings. Mazurek Dąbrowskiego officially became the anthem only on February 26, 1927.
Words of Mazurek Dąbrowskiego – Historical Context
Each component of Poland’s national anthem is substantively connected to specific events from our history. The first part of the song recalls the partitions of Poland. Through this stanza, Wybicki wanted to show his faith that our country would soon regain independence.
In the refrain of Mazurek Dąbrowskiego, the author draws attention to the Third Partition of the Commonwealth, after which most soldiers emigrated. In this part, Józef Wybicki tries to encourage the army to gather together under Dąbrowski’s leadership and return to fight for our country’s independent existence. He wanted to awaken hope in the soldiers that there was still a chance for victory.
In the second part of our anthem, the author signals that Bonaparte, marching with his army across the Vistula and Warta rivers, has a chance to free Poles from the yoke of the partitioners. In the third stanza, Wybicki mentions Stefan Czarniecki and the times of the Swedish Deluge.
There was also a fourth stanza (not officially included in the anthem). In it, the text’s author points out that unity among compatriots is essential in the fight against the partitioners.
Performance of the National Anthem
When the song was more popular, people changed the names of generals to adapt the text to a given national situation. Currently in Poland, many people learning our anthem alter the words in their own way. This contributes to many versions deviating from the original.
The most common mistake when singing our national anthem is modifying the words „kiedy my żyjemy” (while we live) to „póki my żyjemy” (as long as we live). For many linguists and musicologists, the way some notes in our anthem are sung is incorrect.
The Polish national anthem is performed at many very important state ceremonies. During the singing, one should stand at attention and maintain solemnity. Men should remove their head coverings. There is one binding version of Mazurek Dąbrowskiego. It cannot be altered or revised versions invented, because it is protected by law.
