Song summary
Read and download in PDF format the interpretations and historical descriptions of songs in Polish Independence Songbook database.
Read and download in PDF format the interpretations and historical descriptions of songs in Polish Independence Songbook database.
Mazurek Dąbrowskiego (“Dąbrowski’s Mazurka or “Poland Is Not Yet Lost” or “Song of the Polish Legions”) – a Polish patriotic song from 1797. The words to music composed by an unknown author were written by Józef Wybicki. Since 1927, it has officially been the national anthem of the Republic of Poland.
„Od Kłajpedy do Szczecina” (From Klaipeda to Szczecin) – a Polish military song from the Second World War. The words and music were written by Adam Kowalski, a composer and Polish Army officer. It was first published in 1941 in Scotland. The text of the song was addressed to the sailors and soldiers of the Polish Navy.
„Szara piechota” (Grey Infantry) – a Polish military song associated with Polish units fighting
against Russia as part of the Austro-Hungarian army during the First World War. The melody and
lyrics were probably written by Leon Łuskino and Bolesław Lubicz – Zahorski. In the inter-war
period, the song gained enormous popularity in Poland.
„Lwowskie Puchacze” (Lviv Eagle Owls) – the anthem of the Polish Night Fighter Squadron 307 which was composed in 1943 at an air base in Blackpool (UK). The music was composed by pilot, Lieutenant Jan Maliński. The text was written by Captain Observer Juliusz Baykowski. Squadron 307 was formed on 24 August 1940 in Blackpool and took the name „Lwowskie Puchacze”.
„Bogurodzica” (Mother of God) – the oldest Polish religious song and the oldest Polish poetic text. It was written in the 12th or 13th century. Its text is a prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary and to Christ. The first preserved text of “Bogurodzica” comes from 1407. It served as the national anthem until the mid-16th century.