Introduction: A Comparaison of "The Marseillaise" by R. de Lisle
and "The Black Marseillaise" by Camille Naudin

Sons of Africa! Sad victims,
Brutalized by an absurd yoke
At the hands of monsters.
Let us forget their crimes,
And turn our hearts to Jesus who said:
“Peoples of the world, end your wars
That bloody humanity,Brotherhood am I;
Embrace each other, for you are brothers.” 

Refrain:
Arise! Now, the time is come for every laborer,
Whatever his color, to claim the bread that he has earned. 

Long enough!  The infamous whip
Has crushed us with its lashes,
Rendered nameless, homeless, soulless,
Down with the chains and shame!
May there be a sacred covenant
Of blacks and whites together
Who, with the downfall of past abuses,
Go forward confidently. 

Arise! The solemn hour has come
When, upon the collapsed and ancient order,
Staggering despotism
Will place the crown of Liberty,
Discord rescinds its fruit
Human reason advances;
Now intelligence and spirit—not color—
Make the man. 

Down with the darkness!  Let there be light!
The Gospel emerges
White calls black “my brother,”
Cain’s curse vanishes forevermore
Down with bloodshed—ungodly ignorance,
Tyranny’s horrific weapon,
Tearing humanity apart
With death, blood, and vengeance! 

Let us go forth!  Regardless of race,
Men of courage, unite.
Here below, there is a place for everyone,
For the sun shines upon all.
May each happy nation prosper.
On the forefront of humanity
Etch these words: “My hope rests in you:
Equality, forevermore you will reign.”

translated by Jennifer Gipson