De Vlaamse Leeuw - English Translation - The Flemish Lion

The Flemish Lion

(This quite literal translation does not fully reflect the true intentions of some poetic phrasings in the Dutch original)

They will never tame him, the proud Flemish Lion,

Even if they threaten his freedom with fetters and with shouts.

They will never tame him, as long as one Fleming lives.

As long as the Lion can claw, as long as he has teeth.

Chorus:

They will never tame him, as long as one Fleming lives.

As long as the Lion can claw, as long as he has teeth.

As long as the Lion can claw, as long as he has teeth.

Time devours cities, no thrones will ever last,

Armies may go under, but a people never dies.

The enemy comes marching in; surrounded by mortal danger

We laugh at his anger: the Flemish Lion is here!

Chorus

Only the text above is actually sung on official occasions, not the following stanzas:

For a thousand years now has he fought, for freedom, land and God,

And yet his strength is as youthful as ever.

Should anyone think him powerless, and taunt him with a kick,

Both menacing and fearsome will he rise.

Chorus

Pity the mindless who, deceptive and full of treason,

Comes to pet the Flemish Lion and hit him faithlessly.

Not a single movement he does not see:

And if he feels offended, he will raise his manes and roar.

Chorus

The sign of revenge has been given, he is tired of their bait;

With fire in the eye, in anger he jumps towards the enemy.

He tears, destroys, crushes, covers in blood and mud

And in victory grins over his enemy's trembling corpse.

Chorus