Warszawianka

Warszawianka is a Polish patriotic song and revolutionary anthem. Its most well-known version, "Warszawianka 1905 roku" (Warszawianka of 1905), is a translation of the Russian song "Varshavyanka," which in turn was based on a French revolutionary song. The lyrics, written by Wacław Święcicki in 1879 while imprisoned in the Warsaw Citadel, express defiance against Tsarist oppression and a longing for freedom. The music was composed by Frédéric Chopin in 1831 for a piano piece and later adapted by Paweł Adamowicz for the lyrics.

The song gained immense popularity among Polish socialists and workers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It became a symbol of the struggle for independence and social justice, frequently sung during strikes, demonstrations, and uprisings, most notably the 1905 revolution. Its stirring melody and defiant lyrics resonated deeply with those fighting against foreign rule and economic exploitation.

During the Second Polish Republic and World War II, Warszawianka continued to be a significant anthem. It was sung by Polish soldiers fighting on various fronts and by members of the Home Army resistance. After the war, it remained popular within socialist and communist circles but also retained its status as a historical patriotic song. While its direct association with specific political movements has waned, Warszawianka is still recognized and sung in Poland as a potent symbol of historical struggle and national resilience.