Who wrote the lyrics of Lithuania’s national anthem, “Tautiška giesmė”?

Vincas Kudirka wrote the lyrics of Lithuania’s national anthem, “Tautiška giesmė.” Kudirka was a physician, writer, composer, and important figure in the Lithuanian national revival of the late 19th century.

He wrote the poem in 1898, and it was first published in the Lithuanian newspaper “Varpas,” which Kudirka edited. Kudirka also composed the melody, making him both the lyricist and composer of the anthem. The text emphasizes Lithuania, its history, national identity, and the moral qualities expected of its people.

The song was publicly performed as a national anthem in the early 20th century and became the official anthem when Lithuania declared independence in 1919. During the Soviet occupation, Lithuanian patriotic symbols were suppressed, and a different anthem was imposed.

Lithuania restored “Tautiška giesmė” in 1988, before the country formally regained independence in 1990. The title means “National Hymn,” so it should not be confused with the name of a separate patriotic song.