Schweizerpsalm
In the process of looking up some information on an area of Switzerland we were considering visiting, I ran across some historical and cultural information that I had not previously read. The site included the English translation of the Swiss National Anthem, written in the 1800's. Last summer, on a flyer for our town's annual August 1st celebration (similar to 4th of July in the US), it printed the Schweizerpsalm (in German, of course) on the back of the brochure and indicated that a special musical group would preform this, with Alphorns accompanying them.I wish I had realized then the words to this beautiful national anthem.
May all the nations praise you!
and over us their radiance shed
Thou, O Lord, appeareth in their light
when the alps grow bright with splendor
pray to God, to Him surrender
for you feel and understand
that He dwelleth in this land.
In the sunset Thou art night
and beyond the starry sky
Thou, O Loving Father, ever near
when to heaven we are departing
joy and bliss Thou'lt be imparting
for we feel and understand
that Thou dwelleth in this land.
When dark clouds enshroud the hills
and gray mist the valleys fill
And yet Thou art not hidden from Thy sons
pierce the gloom in which we cower
with Thy sunshine's cleansing power
then we'll feel and understand
that God dwelleth in this land.
by Albert Zwyssig
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