LATVIAN LYRICS

Dievs, sveti Latviju,
Mus' dargo teviju,
Sveti jel Latviju,
Ak sveti jel to!
Dievs, sveti Latviju,
Mus' dargo teviju,
Sveti jel Latviju,
Ak sveti jel to!

Kur latvju meitas zied,
Kur latvju deli dzied,
Laid mums tur laime diet,
Mus Latvija.
Kur latvju meitas zied,
Kur latvju deli dzied,
Laid mums tur laime diet,
Mus Latvija.

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ENGLISH TRANSLATION
 
Bless Latvia, O God,
Our verdant native sod,
Where Baltic heroes trod,
Keep her from harm!
Bless Latvia, O God,
Our verdant native land sod,
Where Baltic heroes trod,
Keep her from harm!

Our lovely daughters near.
Our singing sons appear,
May Fortune smiling here
Grace Latvia!
Our lovely daughters near.
Our singing sons appear,
May Fortune smiling here
Grace Latvia!


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Latvia
"Dievs, Sveti Latviju!" (God Bless Latvia)

Words by:Karlis Baumanis
Music by:Karlis Baumanis
Adopted:1920, abolished 1940, restored 1990

"Dievs, Sveti Latviju!" was originally written while Latvia was still a part of
Russia. (This was the first song ever written to include the word "Latvia" in
the lyrics). The composition of the song was a direct act of defiance against
the Russians, who did not encourage national sentiments. Because of the
Russians forbidding the use of the word "Latvia" in the song, it was replaced
with the word "Baltics". The song was first performed publicly in 1873 at a
singing festival, and first performed as a national anthem upon Latvian
independence in 1918. It was officially confirmed as the anthem in 1920.

During the time that Latvia was part of the Soviet Union, the song was again
forbidden, but upon leaving the U. S. S. R. in 1990, the anthem was again
restored as the national anthem of Latvia.

See also: Latvia_(1945-1990).
