Arise, Gylians
National anthem of Alscia | |
Lyrics | Naipa Eşal |
---|---|
Music | Aiun Raḑet |
Adopted | 1908 |
Relinquished | 1939 |
"Arise, Gylians" (Gylic koine: Rezaş er, gylianoi; Italian: Alzatevi, ghiliesi; French reformed: Debout, les gyliennes) is a Gylian patriotic song that was used as the anthem of Alscia during its existence. The lyrics were written by Naipa Eşal, and the music was composed by Aiun Raḑet.
Lyrics
Gylic koine | Italian | French (reformed) | English translation |
---|---|---|---|
Rezaş er, gylianoi |
Alzatevi, ghilieni, |
Debout, les gyliennes! |
Arise, Gylians! |
Characteristics
The song is in G major.
The lyrics somewhat reflect the Alscian self-identity of "lucky Gylians". Their lack of belligerent language is notable in the context of the Gylian ascendancy and the Alscian Border War.
Although the anthem is adressed to "Gylians", collectively, the singular use of "your face", "your sweet voice", and "your head" imply a national personification.
In French, the opening line Debout, les gyliennes! is more obviously an allusion to The Internationale's Debout, les damnés de la terre ("Arise, wretched of the earth").
The translated versions of the anthem specifically retain the term "Gylians" as opposed to older exonyms derived from the Liúşai League. This makes it one of the earliest Gylian patriotic songs to specifically use the term "Gylians".
Use after the Liberation War
"Arise, Gylians" remained popular and well-known during the Liberation War, and was seen as a strong contender to become Gylias' anthem.
However, a national contest was held to create new federal symbols, which excluded "Arise, Gylians". Speaking in the Popular Assembly, Darnan Cyras explained the omission:
"It is a great song, with a significant history. However, it was the anthem of Alscia. More people associate it with Alscia. This would make it a bad choice as an anthem for all Gylians."
During the same debate, National Unity Party leader Donatella Rossetti introduced a non-binding resolution to "be honoured equally with the national anthem" as a song of historic and national importance, which was passed.
"Arise, Gylians" is often used in the regions of Arxaþ and Alţira as something of a regional anthem, evoking their Alscian heritage. It is also popular among molisentismo adherents in the Cacertian region of Molise, with the first verse changed to "Alzatevi, moliseni!".
In Gylian popular culture, the song is frequently used as a national anthem in alternate history settings where Molise remains in Gylias, such as Dreamwave Productions' "Psylias" universe.
Carla Miló recorded a cover of the song in 1965, produced by Susan Shelley, and released it as a double-sided single in Italian and French. Her rendition turned the former anthem into a bossa nova ballad and delivered the lyrics in a "seductive murmur", with a "cheeky" alteration of the penultimate line to "T'jolie figure". It became one of her most successful singles.
"Arise, Gylians" is sometimes mistakenly played by sports organisers at international events with Gylian teams as a guest side, usually provoking laughter among Gylian audiences. Keie Nanei jokingly speculated that "the rash of 'accidental' anthem mistakes says something about just how little audiences want to hear a melody-less funeral dirge before a good match".