Song Lyrics in FFXIV: Compilation, Discussion, and Interpretation

[Sigiria]

And yes, those question marks are in the booklet. I have no idea what they're supposed to mean...

Profanity filter

[Mysteltain]

@Mysteltain you're missing the x2 and x8 on "forward and back"

Corrected in the song list. Also, listening to the full versions, I found two typos with that song in the booklet: the first verse is repeated 4 times, and there is no "go" in the first line. That word doesn't appear until the second line.

[Rocl]

Ah yes, we know Koji might've done a little swear during Rise so that's likely the ????. Curious--did they release the "chant" lyrics for Equilibrium?

[Mysteltain]

Well, looks like we have yet another song! The start of the Stormblood Launch Trailer has the Garlemald National Anthem being sung and, like the previous two themes in trailers, is quite patriotic. I will warn that there are some possibly major spoilers throughout the trailer (out-of-context, of course!) and to watch at your own discretion. However, if you just want to hear the anthem, there are no spoilers for its duration (roughly the first 50 seconds of the trailer).

[Enkidoh]

I'm pretty sure that actually is the Ala Mhigan national anthem, as if you listen closely you can clearly hear "Ala Mhigo" mentioned in the lyrics. That and the piece first accompanies images of Ala Mhigo itself, albeit under Garlean occupation, which would give a certain bit of irony to it, playing it to a nation that is now submissive to a despotic Empire. It's also entirely possible that it's both, in that it was written (in universe) by Garlemald for Ala Mhigo as a way of keeping the population suitably indoctrinated with faux national pride (only with Imperial dressing).

Also remember the Empire already has a leitmotif (Imperial Will), which this track sounds nothing like.

Either way, it's a great piece.

EDIT: and on multiple viewings, it indeed seems you're all right - that does sound like they're singing "Garlemald Forever!" in it... but I'm sure I still I hear "Ala Mhigo" mentioned in it as well.... or maybe I'm just hearing things.

[Rocl]

I swear I hear the words "Imperium" and a bunch about "flying standards" and "conquest" in the aforementioned song which has left me puzzled as to which it is. Ala Mhigan seems the safest bet, but I can't help but shake the feeling it might be Garlean too. A Garlean song written FOR Ala Mhigo is mighty interesting since I'd expecting a Garlean song for Garlemald would be in our Latin.

[ToppeHatte]

At :41 in the trailer, it sounds like "For Glory, Garlemald!" to me as far as the Empire vs Ala Mhigo debate goes.

[Mysteltain]

Upon my first listen, I thought I heard Ala Mhigo frequently, but on subsequent hearings I distinctly hear at the end "For glory, Garlemald!" Although if it is an Ala Mhigan anthem written by Garlemald, then yeah, that would be incredibly interesting. I'll try to get a transcription of the song posted later, but I can already tell that it'll be pretty spotty.

EDIT: This is what I have so far. Anything in parentheses are words I'm unsure of.

Beyond majestic mountains
Across the (land and vale)
Oh mighty, mighty standard
United we refrain

Fly high beyond the ramparts!
(Fly) high within our (soul)!
My (every) conquest be for thee

For glory,
Garlemald!

[StarDrake]

I think Mysteltain has most of it right and that it's definitely a Garlean anthem (it's clearly saying "For Glory, Garlemald!" there at the end). I think I can clear it up a little further:

Beyond majestic mountains
Across the (endless vale?) (this part is the least clear by far, I keep hearing "across the enlo wey-ho" :v )
Oh mighty, mighty standard
United we remain

Fly high beyond the ramparts!
Fly high within our soul!
My every conquest be for thee,

For glory,
Garlemald!

[Aelsirion]

snip

I think it might be 'Across the endless meadow'? I could be wrong though, I can't for the life of me actually hear any clear words in that line.