Summary
“Thanh Niên Hành Khúc”, later known as “Call to the Citizens” (Vietnamese: Tiếng Gọi Công Dân), and before that “March of the Students” (Vietnamese: Sinh Viên Hành Khúc), was the national anthem of South Vietnam from 1948 to 1975.
The anthem was written and composed by Lưu Hữu Phước (1921-1989). Phước was a well-known Vietnamese musician and songwriter. The song was later modified with the name changed to “Call to the Citizens” (Vietnamese: “Tiếng Gọi Công Dân”), and became the official national anthem of South Vietnam.
Thanh Niên Hành Khúc (1948–1956)
“Thanh niên Hành Khúc” was first adopted as the national anthem by the Provisional Central Government of Vietnam (Pre-government of the State of Vietnam. 1948–1949) on 14 June 1948, and it was inherited as a national anthem by the State of Vietnam (1949–1955) and the Republic of Vietnam (1955–1975). The words of “Thanh Niên Hành Khúc” were revised by former President Ngo Dinh Diem in 1956.
Tiếng Gọi Công Dân (1956–1975)
“Tiếng Gọi Công Dân” was used as the third and final official national anthem of South Vietnam from 1956 until the Fall of Saigon in 1975; it is still sung by many overseas Vietnamese as the “Anthem of Free Vietnam”.
Vietnamese lyricsNày Công Dân ơi! Quốc gia đến ngày giải phóng. Đồng lòng cùng đi hy sinh tiếc gì thân sống. Vì tương lai Quốc Dân, cùng xông pha khói tên, Làm sao cho núi sông từ nay luôn vững bền. Dù cho thây phơi trên gươm giáo, Thù nước, lấy máu đào đem báo. Nòi giống lúc biến phải cần giải nguy, Người Công Dân luôn vững bền tâm trí. Hùng tráng quyết chiến đấu làm cho khắp nơi Vang tiếng người nước Nam cho đến muôn đời! Công Dân ơi! Mau hiến thân dưới cờ! Công Dân ơi! Mau làm cho cõi bờ Thoát cơn tàn phá, vẻ vang nòi giống Xứng danh nghìn năm dòng giống Lạc Hồng! |
English translationOh citizens! Our country has reached the day of liberation. Of one heart we go forth, sacrificing ourselves with no regrets. For the future of the people, advance into battle, Let us make this land eternally strong. Should our bodies be left on the battlefields, The nation will be avenged with our crimson blood In troublesome times, the Race will be rescued, We the People remain resolute in our hearts and minds. Courageously we will fight such that everywhere, The Glory of the Vietnamese forever resounds! Oh citizens! Hasten to offer yourselves under the flag! Oh citizens! Hasten to defend this land, Escape from destruction, and bask our race in glory, Make its name shine, forever worthy of our forebears! |
