"" is the national anthem of Estonia, originally adopted in 1920 (readopted 1990).
The lyrics were written by Johann Voldemar Jannsen and are set to a melody composed in 1848 by Fredrik Pacius, which is also that of the Finnish national anthem "Maamme", then the unofficial anthem of the Grand Duchy of Finland. The only differences between the two anthems are their key signature and the repetition of the last four lines of each verse in the Finnish anthem. The melody is also used as an ethnic anthem of the Livonian people, titled "Min izāmō".
History The song was first presented to the public as a choral work in the Grand Song Festival of Estonia in 1869 and quickly became a symbol of the Estonian National Awakening.
"Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" was officially adopted as the national anthem of Estonia in 1920, after the Estonian War of Independence.
During 1940–1941, and again in 1944, the Soviet Union occupied Estonia, and "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" was subsequently banned by the Soviet government. The Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic had its own official regional anthem. However, Estonians could often hear the banned national anthem, as Finland's state broadcaster Yleisradio, whose radio and television broadcasts were received in northern Estonia, played an instrumental version of the nearly-identical Finnish national anthem at the conclusion of its broadcast every night.
In 1990, with the restoration of Estonian independence, use of the anthem and other symbols of the Estonian SSR was terminated and "Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm" was restored as the national anthem.
The lyrics of the anthem were translated into Võro by Sulev Iva on 23 August 2005.
Lyrics
Estonian originalIPA transcription
Poetic English translationLiteral English translationMy native land, my joy – delight, How fair thou art – how bright! For nowhere in the world around Can ever such a place be found So well belov'd, from sense profound, My native country dear!
My tiny crib stood on thy soil, Whose blessings eased my toil. May my last breath be thanks to thee, For true to death I'll ever be, O worthy, most belov'd and fine, Thou, dearest country mine!
May God in Heaven thee defend, My own beloved land! May He be guard, may He be shield, For ever bless and guardian wield Protection for all deeds of thine, My own, my dearest land!My fatherland, my joy and happiness, How beautiful you are! I shall not find such ever In this huge wide world Which would be so dear to me As you, my fatherland!
You have given me birth And raised me up; I shall thank you always And remain faithful to you ’til death, To me most beloved are you, My precious fatherland!
May God watch over you, My precious fatherland! Let Him be your defender And provide bountiful blessings For whatever you undertake, My precious fatherland!
See also Coat of arms of Estonia Flag of Estonia "Mu isamaa on minu arm", an Estonian patriotic song with a similar name "Maamme", the national anthem of Finland "Min izāmō", the ethnic anthem of the Livonians
Notes
References
External links The Estonian national anthem - webpage of the State Chancellery, an audio stream. It is played by The Defence Forces Orchestra, vocals by the National Male Choir. Streaming audio, lyrics and details of the Estonian anthem. Estonia – nationalanthems.info Performance by the Royal Australian Navy Band