What are the lyrics to Cameroon’s national anthem and what do they mean in English?

RIGOBERT SONG has led his side to their eighth World Cup, with the Indomitable Lions keen to stamp their mark on Group G.

Cameroon make up five African countries boarding the plane to Qatar and all-time top-scorer Samuel Eto’o has lofty ambitions for his nation.

Following their dramatic last gasp win against Algeria, booking their place at the tournament, Eto’o told the dressing room: “We go to Qatar to win the World Cup.”

The former Barcelona and Chelsea striker, who is head of the Cameroonian Football Federation, went on to say: “We enter each match to win. The others don’t have the same magic as we do.”

What are the lyrics to Cameroon’s national anthem?

To get them in the mood, Cameroon will sing their inspiring ‘O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers’ before games.

The anthem, known widely as The Rallying Song, reflects the dreams and ambitions of the Cameroonian people.

It was composed in 1928 and rapidly gained worldwide popularity. An English version was written in the 1960s.

Here’s what it means:

Verse 1

O Cameroon, cradle of our ancestors,
Go, upright and protective of your freedom.
Like a sun, your proud flag must be
An ardent symbol of faith and unity.
May all your children, from North to South
From East to West, be all love,
May serving you be their only goal
To fulfil their duty always.

Chorus

Dear Fatherland, cherished land,
You are our one and true happiness.
Our joy and our life
To you, love and great honour.

Verse 2

You are the grave where our fathers sleep,
The garden that our ancestors have cultivated.
We work to make you prosperous
One fine day we will finally get there.
Be Africa’s faithful child
And always progress in peace
Hoping that your young children
Will love you without bounds forever.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk