HERE WE CRO
What are the words to the Croatian national anthem? Song lyrics to sing this Euro 2024
CROATIA are headed to their second match at the Euro 2024, this time against Albania.
Their performance has so far landed them last on Group B as they are set to face current Euros champions Italy on Thursday.
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Ahead of Croatia's group stage match against Albania, here is all you need to know about Croatia's national anthem.
What is the Croatian national anthem called?
The Croats will be belting out their anthem in their group games against Italy, Spain and Albania.
Officially called 'Lijepa naša domovino', it translates to 'Our beautiful homeland' - but is often just referred to as just 'Lijepa naša'.
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Who composed the Croatian national anthem?
Original lyrics were penned as long ago as 1835, with the tune and words adapted over the years.
The lyrics were penned by Antun Mihanović, a notable Croatian poet.
Mihanović's poem, originally titled "Horvatska domovina" ("Croatian Homeland"), was first published in the literary magazine "Danica" in the same year.
The poem reflects a deep sense of patriotism and admiration for the natural beauty and heritage of Croatia.
The music for the anthem was composed by Josip Runjanin in 1846.
Runjanin was a military officer and an amateur musician of Serbian descent, hailing from the town of Vinkovci, which was then part of the Habsburg Monarchy.
Runjanin's composition brought Mihanović's patriotic words to life, and the song quickly became popular among Croatian nationalists.
The melody, though composed by an amateur, resonated deeply with the Croatian people, helping to cement the song's place in national consciousness.
It wasn't until 1972 that the anthem was formally made official, whilst more lyrical changes were made between 1974 and 1990.
What are the lyrics?
At most sporting occasions - including the EURO 2024 - only the first two verses are sung.
Here is the full English translation:
Our beautiful homeland,
O so fearless and gracious.
Our fathers' ancient glory,
May you be happy forever.
Dear, you are our only glory,
Dear, you are our only one,Dear, we love your plains,
Dear, we love your mountains.
Drava, Sava, keep on flowing,
Danube, do not lose your vigour,
Deep blue sea, tell the world,
That a Croat loves his people.
Whilst his fields are kissed by sunshine,
Whilst his oaks are whipped by bura's winds,
Whilst his ancestors lie buried,
Whilst his live heart beats.
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