Performers dressed in colorful uniforms singing Negaraku on a stage with a giant backdrop painted with the colors of Jalur Gemiliang during a Merdeka Day celebration in Putrajaya.
LYRICS are an essential part of any national anthem. Music without words can convey emotions, carry a universal message, and be timeless. However, the biggest problem with instrumentals is you cannot sing along with them.
Words in an anthem play many roles. Malaysia’s national anthem embodies the Rukun Negara, and when sung in a group at events, gatherings and celebrations, it unifies, lifts the spirits, and is something to be proud of.
With verses playing an essential part of a song, are there national anthems that can only be hummed?
Verdict:
TRUE
Spain, Bosnia and Herzegovania, Kosovo and San Marino all have that in common. Their national anthems do not have lyrics.
Spain’s national anthem, the Marcha Real, is a military march in 4/4 time. It has three official arrangements and six official adaptations, all at various lengths.
There were many attempts to put words to the national anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Intermezzo, but none were official. The country has gone through several national anthems as well, and even the current one does not have an official name.
Although there were lyrics written for Inno Nazionale della Repubblica, the national anthem for San Marino, it was not officially adopted. In English, the anthem's name translates to the National Anthem of the Republic of San Marino.
Last but not least, the Anthem of the Republic of Kosovo was adopted in 2008. Also known as Evropa or Europe in English, the song was picked in a national anthem contest because “it contained no references to any specific ethnic group".
References:
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Anthem_of_Bosnia_and_Herzegovina
3. https://www.sanmarinosite.com/storia-san-marino/inno-nazionale/
4. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7292240.stm
