The composer was army captain Rouget de Lisle, who penned it in one night during the French Revolution in 1792.

Printed copies were handed to soldiers who sang it as they marched on Paris, although it was banned by Napoleon, who did not agree with the lyrics.

The anthem became known as the Marseillaise because of its popularity with soldiers from Marseille.

La Marseillaise

Allons enfants de la Patrie
Le jour de gloire est arriv�.
Contre nous, de la tyrannie,
L'�tandard sanglant est lev�,
l'�tandard sanglant est lev�,
Entendez-vous, dans la compagnes.
Mugir ces farouches soldats
Ils viennent jusque dans nos bras
Egorger vos fils, vos compagnes.

Chorus
Aux armes citoyens!
Formez vos bataillons,
Marchons, marchons!
Qu'un sang impur
Abreuve nos sillons.

Translation:

Let us go, children of the fatherland
Our day of Glory has arrived.
Against us stands tyranny,
The bloody flag is raised,
The bloody flag is raised.
Do you hear in the countryside
The roar of these savage soldiers
They come right into our arms
To cut the throats of your sons,
your country.

Chorus
To arms, citizens!
Form up your battalions
Let us march, Let us march!
That their impure blood
Should water our fields