Stand up all victims of oppression
For the tyrants fear your might
Don't cling so hard to your possessions
For you have nothing if you have no rights
Let racist ignorance be ended
For respect makes the empires fall
Freedom is merely privilege extended
Unless enjoyed by one and all

[Chorus]
So come brothers and sisters
For the struggle carries on
The internationale
Unites the world in song
So comrades come rally
For this is the time and place
The international ideal
Unites the human race

Let no one build walls to divide us
Walls of hatred nor walls of stone
Come greet the dawn and stand beside us
We'll live together or we'll die alone
In our world poisoned by exploitation
Those who have taken now they must give
And end the vanity of nations
We've but one earth on which to live

And so begins the final drama
In the streets and in the fields
We stand unbowed before their armor
We defy their guns and shields
When we fight provoked by their aggression
Let us be inspired by like and love
For though they offer us concessions
Change will not come from above


Lyrics submitted by SquidOmelet

The Internationale Lyrics as written by Petrus Christianus De Geyter Stephen William Bragg

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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The Internationale song meanings
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4 Comments

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  • +2
    General Comment

    Another classic Socialist anthem - for me this particular version is very powerful because Bragg places great emphasis on the need to overcome Nationalism and Racism which simply divide the collective working class in their struggle. Despite all the disappointments Socialists have experienced, this song is still inspiring and reminds us of why we struggle.

    bobkindleson May 07, 2007   Link

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