Egypt National Anthem — Bilady, Bilady, Bilady

"Bilady, Bilady, Bilady" is a warm declaration of love for Egypt. Its refrain — "My homeland, my homeland, my homeland, you have my love and my heart" — sets a tender, personal tone rare among national anthems.

The verse addresses Egypt as "mother of all lands", the singer's "hope and desire", and marvels at the countless blessings the Nile has bestowed "over all people". Where many anthems call to battle, this one offers devotion and gratitude to the land and its life-giving river.

The melody was composed by Sayed Darwish (1892–1923), a pioneering figure who helped shape modern Egyptian and Arab music before his early death at 31. The lyrics are by Muhammad Yunis al-Qadi, and the celebrated opening line is drawn from a stirring speech by the nationalist leader Mustafa Kamil. Used at times earlier in the century, the song was formally adopted as Egypt's national anthem in 1979, replacing the more martial "Walla Zaman Ya Selahy".

The choice of Sayed Darwish's gentle melody reflects a turn away from militarism toward a more heartfelt national feeling. Rooted in the era of Egypt's struggle for independence and the words of Mustafa Kamil, "Bilady" is cherished as a song of belonging, sung at national occasions across Egypt.

"Bilady, Bilady, Bilady" ("My Homeland") is the national anthem of Egypt, one of the most beloved of the world's national anthems. The music is by Sayed Darwish and the lyrics by Muhammad Yunis al-Qadi.

It was adopted as the national anthem in 1979. Both are in the public domain. The sung anthem uses the refrain and the first verse.