English translation of Spanish anthem lyrics

updated 3:58 p.m. ET April 28, 2006

An English translation of “Nuestro Himno,” a Spanish-language version of the national anthem:

Verse 1

The day is breaking, do you see it? In the light of the dawn?

What we so acclaimed at nightfall?

Its stars, its stripes,

flew yesterday

In the fierce battle

in a sign of victory,

The glow of battle, in step with liberty

At night they said: “It’s being defended!”

Chorus:

Oh say!

The voice of your starry beauty

is still unfolding

Over the land of the free

The sacred flag?

Verse 2

Its stars, its stripes,

Freedom, we are equal

We are brothers, in our anthem.

In the fierce combat in a sign of victory

The glow of battle, in step with liberty

My people keep fighting

It’s time to break the chains

At night they said: “It’s being defended!”

Oh say! Your starry beauty is still unfolding.