Els Segadors

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"Els Segadors" (The Reapers) is the national anthem of the autonomous community of Catalonia, Spain. It has been the anthem of the Catalan people since the late 19th century.

1 History
2 Lyrics
3 See also
4 Notes
5 External links and references

[edit] History

The modern lyrics are by Emili Guanyavents and were written in 1899; the music was by Francesc Alió and was written in 1892, based on an old popular song.

The song is based on the events of 1639 and 1640, when the Catalans fought for independence against King Philip IV of Spain and his favourite, Olivares - the Guerra dels Segadors or Reapers' War.

The Catalan government made "Els Segadors" its national anthem in 1993.

[edit] Lyrics

Catalunya triomfant, tornarà a ser rica i plena. Endarrera aquesta gent tan ufana i tan superba.	Catalonia triumphant Will once again be rich and bountiful, Drive them back, these people So conceited and so arrogant.
Bon cop de falç, Bon cop de falç, Defensors de la terra! Bon cop de falç!	A good blow with the sickle, A good blow with the sickle, Defenders of the land! A good blow with the sickle!
Ara és hora, segadors. Ara és hora d'estar alerta. Per quan vingui un altre juny esmolem ben bé les eines.	Now is the time, reapers, Now is the time to be alert. For when another June comes, Let us sharpen our tools well.
Bon cop de falç, Bon cop de falç, Defensors de la terra! Bon cop de falç!	A good blow with the sickle, A good blow with the sickle, Defenders of the land! A good blow with the sickle!
Que tremoli l'enemic en veient la nostra ensenya. Com fem caure espigues d'or, quan convé seguem cadenes.	Let the enemy tremble On seeing our banner. Just as we cut down golden stalks of wheat, When the time is right, we can hack chains.<ref>The verb in the Catalan original—seguem—is from the same root as segadors; that is, they will cut the chains as they cut the crops.</ref>
Bon cop de falç, Bon cop de falç, Defensors de la terra! Bon cop de falç!	A good blow with the sickle, A good blow with the sickle, Defenders of the land! A good blow with the sickle!