Anthem
Josh Groban & The Chess Chorus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 of Josh Groban's song, "Anthem," speak about the unique and strong attachment one can feel towards their homeland. Groban starts by saying that no person or madness can affect a country's heart and spirit. Even if outside forces try and take over or conquer, they will eventually fail.
Then, Groban speaks directly to his country, referring to it as "she." He says that his land existed before there were borders or flags, before any armies stood. This speaks to the longevity and timelessness of his love for his home country.
In the chorus, Groban answers the question of why he loves his country, even through wars and struggles. It's simply because it's a constant presence in his life, even when others may not care. He says that he will never leave her, despite traveling and crossing borders. The borders of his country lie in his heart, and that's where they will stay.
The song is ultimately a declaration of pride and unwavering love for one's homeland. It speaks to the universal feeling of attachment and belonging that people can feel towards their country.
Line by Line Meaning
No man, no madness
No individual or insanity
Though their sad power may prevail
Even though they might have the upper hand
Can possess, conquer, my country's heart
Cannot take hold or prevail against the love for my nation
They rise to fail
They will eventually fall
She is eternal
My country will last forever
Long before nations' lines were drawn
Before boundaries were created
When no flags flew, when no armies stood
When there were no symbols of war
My land was born
My country was formed
And you ask me why I love her
You question my devotion
Through wars, death, and despair
Despite conflicts, fatalities and hopelessness
She is the constant, we, who don't care
She remains unchanging, regardless of our indifference
And you wonder will I leave her
You ponder if I would abandon her
But how?
How could I?
I cross over borders but I'm still there now
Even though I physically leave, my heart remains in my country
How can I leave her?
How can I possibly depart from my country?
Where would I start?
There is no beginning
Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart
Let small-minded countries destroy themselves
My land's only borders lie around my heart
The only boundaries that matter are those in my heart for my nation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tim Rice, Benny Goran Bror Andersson, Bjoern K. Ulvaeus, Elfed Morris
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.