A song of the Requetés during the Spanish Civil War
In 1936 Spain was polarized between Anti-Catholic Republican Government, supported by communists, socialists, anarchists and progressivists, and the uneasy alliance
between the Catholic monarchists and the fascist Falange of Francisco Franco.
Fighting for the cause of Christ, the Church, and their King Don Carlos were the Catholic royalist militias known as Requetés. The Requetés viewed the war against the communist-backed Republican government as a new crusade and were accompanied into battle by field chaplains to deliver the last rites to dying soldiers. They wore distinctive red berets and were famed for their dedication and high morale.
The Requetés became well known for their constant singing, both in victory and defeat. "Hymn
to Cristo Rey" is just one of the many militant Catholic songs they sang in the Spanish Civil War. It was composed by Miguel Martinez during the Cristero War in Mexico (1926-1929).
A video with excellent pictures of Carlist Requetés accompanying the music can be found here.
Spanish Lyrics:
Un grito de guerra se escucha en la faz de la tierra
Y en todo lugar.
Los prestos guerreros empuñan su espada
Y se enlistan para pelear.
Para eso han sido entrenados.
Defenderán la Verdad.
Y no les será arrebatado
El fuego que en su sangre está.
Viva Cristo Rey. Viva Cristo Rey.
El grito de guerra que enciende la tierra.
Viva Cristo Rey. Nuestro soberano Señor.
Nuestro Capitán y Campeón.
Pelear por Él es todo un honor.
Sabemos que esta batalla no es fácil
Y muchos se acobardarán.
Y bajo los dardos de nuestro enemigo
Sin duda perecerán.
Yo tendré mi espada en alto
Como la usa mi Señor.
A Él nada lo ha derrotado.
Su fuerza es la de Dios.
Viva Cristo Rey. Viva Cristo Rey.
El grito de guerra que enciende la tierra.
Viva Cristo Rey. Nuestro soberano Señor.
Nuestro Capitán y Campeón.
Pelear por Él es todo un honor.
No conocemos mayor alegría,
No existe más honroso afán,
Que con mis hermanos estar en la línea
Y juntos la vida entregar.
A Él que merece la gloria
Y nos recluto por amor.
Ante Él la rodilla se dobla
Y se postra el corazón.
Viva Cristo Rey. Viva Cristo Rey.
El grito de guerra que enciende la tierra.
Viva Cristo Rey. Nuestro soberano Señor.
Nuestro Capitán y Campeón.
Pelear por Él es todo un honor.
Viva Cristo Rey.
El grito de guerra que enciende la tierra.
Viva Cristo Rey. Nuestro soberano Señor.
Nuestro Capitán y Campeón.
Pelear por Él es todo un honor.
Pelear por Él es todo un honor.
Translation:
A rallying cry for war is heard on Earth
And everywhere.
The warriors are ready holding their swords
And enlisting to fight.
They were trained for this. They will defend the Truth,
And the fire that burns in their blood
Will not be extinguished.
Viva Cristo Rey. Viva Cristo Rey.
This is the war's rally cry that inflames the earth.
Viva Cristo Rey. Our sovereign Lord.
Our Captain and Champion.
To fight for Him is a great honor.
We know that this battle is not easy
And many will cower,
And under the bullets of our enemy
They shall surely perish.
I will raise my sword aloft highly
As my Lord uses it.
No one ever defeats Him.
He has the force of God.
Viva Cristo Rey. Viva Cristo Rey.
This is the war's rally cry that inflames the earth.
Viva Cristo Rey. Our sovereign Lord.
Our Captain and Champion.
To fight for Him is a great honor.
We know no greater joy,
No more honorable endeavor exists,
Than to be on the front with my brothers,
And deliver our lives together
For the One who deserves glory,
And has recruited us through love.
Before Him all knees bend
And all hearts bow.
Viva Cristo Rey. Viva Cristo Rey.
This is the war's rally cry that inflames the earth.
Viva Cristo Rey. Our sovereign Lord.
Our Captain and Champion.
To fight for Him is a great honor.
Viva Cristo Rey.
This is the war's rally cry that inflames the earth.
Viva Cristo Rey. Our sovereign Lord.
Our Captain and Champion.
To fight for Him is a great honor.
To fight for Him is a great honor.
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