The "Song of the Royal Kingdom" originated from a folk poetry usually performed withchapei in ancient era for storytelling and to disclose any recent events.[2][3]
The music of the "Song of the Royal Kingdom" was composed between 1938 and 1939 by PrinceNorodom Suramarit during the reign of KingSisowath Monivong with help of J. Jekyll and François Perruchot,[1][4] theRoyal Palace's musical instructors. The lyrics were not finished until 20 July 1941 byChoun Nath, a few months after KingNorodom Sihanouk's coronation. In the same year, it was adopted then reconfirmed in 1947 as a national anthem for the country.[5]
In 1970, the monarchy was abolished by theKhmer Republic, thereby replacing the state's national anthem as well. After the communists'victory in 1975, former royalist symbols, including the "Song of the Royal Kingdom", were reinstated for a short while. TheKhmer Rouge then replaced it with "Glorious Seventeenth of April" in January 1976.[6] After the royalist partyFUNCINPEC defeated the former communists (Cambodian People's Party) in the1993 elections, the royalist state anthem was restored.[2]
The "Song of the Royal Kingdom" is a poem consisting of three verses and each verse consists of five lines. The first verse is considered to be official and is usually performed at most official settings.
May the Angels save our king Granting him happiness and prosperity We, his servants, wish to refuge under his completeness Of sovereign's line, the ones being to build temples Reigning over old Khmer's glorious land.
Temples of stone, hidden amid forests Bethought of the mighty great kingdom triumphs Khmer race stands tough and solid as eternal stone We pray for the best upon Cambodia's destiny A grand nation've ever occurred for.
Dharma risen, up from monasteries Chant with joy, commemorate of Buddhism Let us be faithful to our ancestors' belief Assuredly, Angels will grant its bounty Toward Khmer's, the grand nation.
Until the end of theFrench protectorate, a fourth verse praising the friendship between the Khmer and the French people was sung:[7]
In peace and in battle Cambodia was the friend of France The blood of their heroes was not shed in vain Because a day will dawn that will see the triumph As well as the union of all Khmers
^Hymnes et Pavillons d'Indochine (in French). Bibliothèque nationale de France, département Philosophie, histoire, sciences de l'homme, 4-LK10-918: Imprimerie d'Extrême Orient. 1941.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
