Lesotho National Anthem

Lesotho national anthem was officially adopted in the year 1967, by a royal decree. The words of the National Anthem of Lesotho reflect the pride, which people take on their country. The original melody was derived from a Swiss songbook, in 1823. The lyrics of the song were penned down by Francois Coillard, a French missionary. The music composer of Lesotho national anthem was Ferdinand Samuel Laur.

Though the melody was originally derived from a Swiss songbook, it had some traits of Eastern folk. The song was later Africanized after being officially accepted as the national anthem of Lesotho. Initially, the title given to the national anthem of Lesotho was “Freiheit”, which meant freedom. The song was first published in a collection of Lesothan songs for the high school students in 1869. Since the lyricist Francois Coillard spent his childhood days in the French-Swiss border, he was greatly influenced by the melody of Laur's songs.

In total there were five verses in the original anthem. Some of the middle verses were left out in the 20th century version as these verses meant abolition of the traditional customs and beliefs. These verses were thought to be inappropriate for a national Anthem. Lesotho national anthem refers to the homeland as the land of their forefather and the most beautiful in the whole world. It is an ode to the country, and their forefathers.

The translated English lyrics of Lesotho national anthem goes as follows:

Lesotho, land of our Fathers,
You are the most beautiful country of all.
You give us birth,
In you we are reared
And you are dear to us.

Lord, we ask You to protect Lesotho.
Keep us free from conflict and tribulation
Oh, land of mine,
Land of our Fathers,
May you have peace.