finlandia
Sibelius Lyrics


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Oi, Suomi, katso, sinun päiväs' koittaa
Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois
Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa

Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois'
Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa
Sun päiväs' koittaa, oi synnyinmaa
Oi, nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle
Pääs' seppelöimä suurten muistojen
Oi, nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle
Sa että karkoitit orjuuden




Ja ettet taipunut sa sorron alle
On aamus' alkanut, synnyinmaa

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are from the chorus of the famous Finnish nationalistic song, "Finlandia," composed by Jean Sibelius in 1899. The words, sung in Finnish, celebrate the dawn of a new day for Finland. The opening line, "Oi, Suomi, katso, sinun päiväs' koittaa," translates to "Oh, Finland, behold, thy day is dawning." The song was written during a time when Finland was under Russian rule, and the Finnish people were fighting for their independence. It quickly became a rallying cry for the Finnish independence movement.


The lyrics speak to the idea that Finland is emerging from the darkness of the night and into the light of a new day. The threat of oppression and tyranny has been defeated, and the morning lark sings in celebration of this victory. The chorus goes on to call on the people of Finland to rise up and honor their heritage by continuing to fight for their freedom and by celebrating the greatness of their country's history.


Overall, "Finlandia" is a powerful anthem of national pride and defiance in the face of oppression. It has played a significant role in Finnish history and is still widely beloved by the Finnish people today. Its soaring melody and triumphant lyrics have made it a favorite of orchestras and choirs around the world.


Line by Line Meaning

Oi, Suomi, katso, sinun päiväs' koittaa
Oh Finland, look, your day is dawning


Yön uhka karkoitettu on jo pois
The threat of darkness has been driven away


Ja aamun kiuru kirkkaudessa soittaa
And the morning lark plays in the brightness


Kuin itse taivahan kansi sois'
As if the very canopy of heaven were ringing


Yön vallat aamun valkeus jo voittaa
The darkness of night is already defeated by the light of morning


Sun päiväs' koittaa, oi synnyinmaa
Your day is dawning, oh birthland


Oi, nouse, Suomi, nosta korkealle
Oh rise, Finland, raise high


Pääs' seppelöimä suurten muistojen
Your head wreathed with great memories


Oi, nouse, Suomi, näytit maailmalle
Oh rise, Finland, you showed the world


Sa että karkoitit orjuuden
That you banished slavery


Ja ettet taipunut sa sorron alle
And that you did not yield to oppression


On aamus' alkanut, synnyinmaa
Morning has begun, birthland




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jean Sibelius

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@knivesgunfights526

I am not Finnish, I am American. At 74 yoa I am losing my struggle with cancer. I listen to this constantly, as it is the most emotionally gorgeous piece of music I have ever listened to. I cannot hold back the tears, and I am not ashamed of it.

@elontuli3493

Thanks for sharing. It is so beautiful when you can let the tears flow. I wish you all good. Greetings from Finland!

@samhartford8677

Thank you for saying that and please enjoy the days you have left and may those days be happy. This is what life is about. 💗Greetings from Finland.

@knivesgunfights526

@Sam Hartford Sir: I should be thanking you for such kind words.

@knivesgunfights526

@Elontuli  My sincere thanks to you. Yes, that is so very true...especially when the tears result from beauty, joy, and love.

@knivesgunfights526

@Sam Hartford I hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

52 More Replies...

@qdHazen

I’m not Finnish. I’m not even European. However I will say “Finlandia” is one of if not the greatest pieces of patriotic music ever composed. Truly, Sibelius was inspired when he composed it.

@kimiagain2543

I say You are SUOMALAINEN..Come at our embassy and get your passport.We NEED YOUR KIND OF PEOPLE.
REALLY if this touches your soul, you belong here with us.

@Itapirkanmaa2

It was in fact composed in great haste (as usual for Sibelius) for a fraternity fundraiser event, in a series of other background music.

@andrewkennaugh1065

Or lubricated...😁

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