Excerpts from the Old Anthem:
French Version:
O Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres,
Va, debout et jaloux de ta liberté.
Comme un soleil ton drapeau fier doit être,
Un symbole ardent de foi et d'unité,
Translation:
O Cameroon, thou cradle of our fathers,
Proudly rally to defend your liberty.
And like the sun, your flag will be resplendent,
As a symbol of your faith and unity.
French and English, both being the official government languages of Cameroon, the anthem has both versions. Both versions of the anthem are available worldwide and are equally accepted. In French it is known as ‘ Chant de Ralliement ' and starts with ‘ O Cameroun berceau de nos ancêtres ' while in English it is known as the ‘ Rallying Song ' and starts with ‘ O Cameroon, thou cradle of our fathers '
As the governance and political boundaries of the country gradually changed, a need was felt to modify the lyrics of the anthem slightly. Accordingly in 1978 , the lyrics were slightly modified and the present version is functional as the official national anthem of Cameroon.
Excerpts from the Amended Version:
French Version:
Chère Patrie, Terre cherie,
Tu es notre seul et vrai bonheur,
Notre joie,notre vie,
En toi l'amour et le grand honneur.
Translation:
Land of Promise, land of Glory !
Thou, of life and joy, our only store !
Thine be honour, thine devotion,
And deep endearment, for evermore.
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