L-Innu Malti is the national anthem of Malta. In 1922-23, Dr A.V. Laferla, Director of Primary Schools in Malta, obtained possession of a piece of music composed by Dr Robert Samut. He handed it to Dun Karm Psaila, a well-known priest and poet, to write the lyrics for it as a school hymn. As Dun Karm began writing, he suddenly conceived the idea of writing a hymn in the form of a prayer to the Almighty.

Dun Karm, who was later to become Malta's National Poet, wanted to bridge the gap existing between the political parties and to unite all with the strong ties of religion and patriotism. L-Innu Malti was first played on the February 3, 1923. In 1945 it was declared to be the official Anthem of Malta.

The Anthem is written in the Maltese language.

Lyrics

Lil din l-art ħelwa, l-Omm li tatna isimha,

Ħares, Mulej, kif dejjem Int ħarist:

Ftakar li lilha bl-oħla dawl libbist.

Agħti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,

Rodd il-ħniena lis-sid, saħħa 'l-ħaddiem:

Seddaq il-għaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.

''English translation by May Butcher:

''Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded!

''This Motherland so dear whose name we bear!

''Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair!

''May he who rules, for wisdom be regarded!

''In master mercy, strength in man increase!

''Confirm us all, in unity and peace!

External links

• The Maltese National Anthem — Department of Information, Malta

Maltese culture | National anthems

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