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Spain chooses lyrics for national anthem

It might only have four uninspiring and old-fashioned verses, but Spain has finally found the words to match its national anthem — which has been lyric-less since 1978, three years after the death of the dictator General Franco. But despite their seemingly lacklustre nature, the lyrics are bound to cause controversy in a country made up of numerous regions with distinct languages and identities, which have a difficult relationship with the Spanish state.

Last year, a competition was launched by Spain’s Olympic Committee (COE) to find suitable lyrics, and ensure that the country’s sportsmen and women have something to mumble along to before international football matches or when they pick up medals.

The national anthem, La Marcha Real, was written in 1761 by an unknown composer and only had lyrics during the 1886-1931 reign of King Alfonso XIII and under Franco.

A panel of academics and musicians was asked to choose a winner from nearly 7,000 lyrical entries. The winning words were due to be made public on January 21, sung by the Spanish-born tenor Placido Domingo in front of gathered dignitaries. But they were leaked by a newspaper on Friday, forcing COE president Alejandro Blanco to confirm the lyrics were the official choice.

Mr. Blanco said he was annoyed that they had been revealed ahead of time, and that they deserved a more dignified unveiling.

The winning words, written by Paulino Cubero, an unemployed 52-year-old Madrid resident, try to be all things to all people. Starting with “Viva Espana,” which to some brings back uncomfortable memories of Franco, the lyrics go on to mention “different voices,” hinting at the various languages spoken in Spain, which is united by “one heart.”

But in its attempt not to offend, the committee went for the unimaginative — with its “green valleys” and “immense seas” — which avoids mention of anything that feels truly Spanish. Cubero learned that he had won on Friday morning when he turned on the television and heard about the leak. At a press conference, he said his lyrics “reflect the fatherland as I understand it.”

But many politicians seem unimpressed. Carmen Calvo, a former Minister of Culture in the current Socialist government, said: “It seems old, with expressions that are completely antiquated and sound like something from an anthem from the past.”

As soon as the lyrics surfaced, news websites were inundated with comments, with many mocking the choice and questioning whether the whole exercise was really necessary.

The COE now has to gather 5,00,000 signatures in support of the lyrics so that they can be presented to Parliament for formal approval, which might prove to be a tricky undertaking.

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