Ah! ça ira

"Ah ! ça ira, ça ira, ça ira" is an emblematic song of the French Revolution, first heard in May 1790. It underwent several changes in wording; the following stanza, included at the later stages of the revolution, has arguably become the single most famous (or infamous) one:

Further develoments

The song survived past the Reign of Terror, and during the Directory it became mandatory to sing it before shows. It was forbidden under the Consulate.

Trivia

* The ship of the line "La Couronne" was renamed "Ça Ira" in 1792 in reference to this song.
* An alternate "sans-culotte"-like version was sung by Edith Piaf for the soundtrack of the film "Si Versailles m'était conté", by Sacha Guitry.
* The song is also sung in the Richard E. Grant film "The Scarlet Pimpernel" where the lyrics are sung as:

Ah Ça Ira Ça Ira Ça Ira

Over in France there's a revolution

Ah Ça Ira Ça Ira Ça Ira

Watch what you say or you'll lose your head

* Used as the Quick March of the 14th Regiment of Foot, The West Yorkshire Regiment. At the Battle of Famars, the 14th attacked the French to the music of "Ça Ira"; the regiment was later awarded the tune as a battle honour and regimental quick march. It has since been adopted by the Yorkshire Regiment.

External links

* [http://edith-piaf.narod.ru/piaf1954.html Ça ira (1954)] - Edith Piaf
* (mp3) [http://www.univie.ac.at/igl.geschichte/europa/FR/Petz/Marc%20Ogeret%20-%20Ca%20ira.mp3 Original version]