Anthem
Chess (Concept Album Cast) Lyrics
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No man, no madness
Though their sad power may prevail
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
They rise to fail
She is eternal
Long before nations' lines were drawn
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
And you ask me why I love her
Through wars, death and despair.
She is the constant, we who don't care
And you wonder will I leave her -- but how?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now.
How can I leave her?
Where would I start?
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
My land's only borders lie around my heart.
The lyrics to "Anthem" by Chess (Concept Album Cast) are a declaration of unwavering love and devotion to one's country, despite the difficulties and challenges it may face. Anatoly, the singer, states that no man or "madness" can conquer the heart of his country. He believes that his land is eternal, and that it existed long before the lines of nations were drawn, before flags were raised, and before armies stood.
Anatoly is asked why he loves his country, even in times of war and despair. He responds by stating that his country is a constant that he remains loyal to, despite the lack of concern shown by others. He is asked if he will leave her, but he declares that he cannot. He may cross physical borders, but his love for his country remains within his heart.
The song is a powerful reminder of the importance of patriotism and the love that one can have for their country. It emphasizes the idea that a nation's borders are not just physical, but also emotional and spiritual.
Line by Line Meaning
No man, no madness
No individual or extreme behavior can overpower my love for my country.
Though their sad power may prevail
Even though they may appear intense and heart-wrenching, they cannot conquer the love for my country.
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
No being or force can ever control or dominate the love for my country.
They rise to fail
Those individuals or forces, who try to hyperbolize their strength and abilities, only eventually fail.
She is eternal
The unconditional love for my country transcends beyond time and will always prevail.
Long before nations' lines were drawn
The love for my country existed even before it was divided into any national boundaries.
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
In a time when there were no such concepts, the love for my country was still intact.
My land was born.
The origin of my country was the love for it that existed in people's hearts.
And you ask me why I love her
People are curious to know why I have such an intense and deep connection with my country.
Through wars, death and despair.
Even in times of difficulties like war, death, and despair, my love for my country only increases.
She is the constant, we who don't care
For those who neglect and abandon my country, my love for it remains unwavering and constant.
And you wonder will I leave her -- but how?
People speculate whether I will ever abandon my country, but how can I leave something that lives inside me?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now.
Although I may travel to other places and cross borders, my love for my country is always present within me.
How can I leave her?
It is impossible for me to leave my country, for it is an integral part of my identity.
Where would I start?
Even if I wanted to abandon my country, I wouldn't know where to start.
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
Instead of being divided into petty nations, humanity should focus on coming together for the greater good.
My land's only borders lie around my heart.
The only borders my country has are those that exist in my heart, for the love and connection I feel towards it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RICE, TIM / ANDERSSON, BENNY GORAN BROR / ULVAEUS, BJOERN K.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@andrewodell5789
I truly believe that Josh Groban is one of the most gifted singers that has ever lived.He sings with such heart and soul and you believe every word he sings he is brilliant
@albertjanik8532
Okay Josh - you own this one. This happens to be the best version I have heard so far of this song! ❤
@carlawiberg6282
Tried the original? Tommy Körberg, mid-1980s
@paulzenco6182
Anthony Warlow
@Limestream73
Or Jai McDowall.Or Dixon. Or even Michel Ball. Sorry Josh, you are not even top 5 ;)
@anaileana5075
An Anthem in itself is uplifting! But Josh, with his incomparable voice, makes it even more exciting and uplifting!
@markmickey4523
This song - words and lyrics - give me chills every I hear it. And Josh Groban's rendition is one of the best I've ever heard. I would vote for this song as an alternative national anthem!
@cambridgeport90
Give me Josh Groban or Michael Ball singing this, and I'm good.
@psicologandocomveravalenti9932
I never get tired of listening to this wonderfulness! 💙💙
@statenyoung8577
Phenomenal song. Still hits home today. I love the original by Tommy so much! It’s great to hear this one from Josh Groban. Can’t believe I’m just finding it seven years later as I love both the song and Josh Groban.