Heartbreaking tales of these fleeting stars
An Italian protest song, 'Bella Ciao' originated as an anthem of the anti-fascist resistance during World War II. Over the years, it has become a universal symbol of resistance and freedom, translated into multiple languages, including Turkish and Hindi. The song gained further popularity thanks to the Spanish Netflix show 'Money Heist.'
A modern classic by Leonard Cohen, 'Hallelujah' has been translated into numerous languages, including Yiddish, French, Spanish, and many others.
'Volare,' by Domenico Modugno, is an iconic Italian song that has been translated into many languages. Dean Martin's English version made it a global hit, while the Gipsy Kings revived it with a flamenco twist.
Released by Consuelo Velázquez in Mexico in 1940, 'Besame Mucho' is a beloved bolero that has been translated into many languages, including English and French. Artists such as Nat King Cole and Dalida have recorded versions in English and French, respectively.
Originally written in French in 1871, 'The Internationale' is an iconic socialist anthem that has been translated into over 100 languages. As one of the most recognized political songs worldwide, it has versions in Chinese, Spanish, and Russian.
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See also: The most difficult songs to sing
Originally a French song ('Comme d'habitude'), 'My Way' became iconic when Frank Sinatra performed it in English. The song has since been translated into many languages, including Japanese, Italian, and Spanish, with the Gipsy Kings adding their unique flair to their Spanish version.
Originally a Peruvian folk tune, 'El Cóndor Pasa' became an international hit after Simon & Garfunkel added English lyrics. The song has been translated into numerous languages, remaining a symbol of Andean music worldwide.
Now the anthem of the European Union, Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy' has been translated into over 150 languages. The famous choral symphony is a call for unity and brotherhood.
You might be familiar with the vibrant version of 'Guantanamera' by renowned Cuban singer Celia Cruz. Based on a poem by José Martí, the song was originally written in Spanish, but has been performed in English, Italian, and French. Pete Seeger popularized the song in English.
Originally a Mexican folk song, 'La Bamba' became a global hit in the '50s thanks to Ritchie Valens. It has since been translated into English, French, and various other languages. The 1987 version by Los Lobos significantly boosted the song's international popularity.
Aretha Franklin is among the famous artists who have performed 'Amazing Grace,' a Christian hymn written by John Newton in 1772, which has been translated into over 50 languages.
'Ave Maria,' composed by Franz Schubert in 1825 in German, has been translated and adapted into hundreds of languages. Notable renditions include those by Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli.
A Scottish song written by Robert Burns in 1788, 'Auld Lang Syne' is sung worldwide during New Year's Eve. It has been translated into numerous languages, including the Spanish version 'Cantos de Navidad.'
Originally composed in German as 'Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht' by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818, 'Silent Night' is one of the most beloved Christmas carols in the world and has been translated into more than 300 languages.
A staple holiday song, 'Jingle Bells' was composed by James Lord Pierpont in 1850. It’s been translated into Italian, French, Japanese, and many more languages.
The famous birthday song originated in the late 19th century as a simple classroom song titled "Good Morning to All," composed by Patty Hill and her sister Mildred. The song's base lyrics have been translated into at least 18 languages, making it a universal anthem for celebrations.
Originally recorded in 1940, 'You Are My Sunshine' is a classic American folk song with roots in country music. It has been translated into over 30 languages, including Spanish, French, and Japanese.
A traditional Mexican song from 1882, 'Cielito Lindo' is beloved across the Spanish-speaking world and has been translated into English, Italian, and other languages.
'Frère Jacques' is a traditional French nursery rhyme written in the 18th century. It has been translated into numerous languages, including English, Spanish, and Chinese.
'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' (originally 'Mbube') is a song with Zulu origins that gained global fame thanks to The Tokens in the '60s. It was first recorded in 1939 by South African singer Solomon Linda (pictured). Over time, the song has been translated into French, Spanish, and many other languages.
'Parole, parole' is an iconic Italian song performed by Mina and Alberto Lupo in 1972. It has been adapted into various languages, including a French version featuring Dalida and Alain Delon, showcasing its universal appeal and emotional depth.
'Águas de Março,' composed by Tom Jobim, and performed by him alongside Elis Regina in 1972, is a beloved Brazilian bossa nova song. It has been translated into several languages, including the Italian version titled 'La Pioggia di Marzo' by Mina.
Brazilian Michel Teló's 2011 hit, which topped charts in many countries, has been translated into an impressive 131 languages, from Afrikaans to Welsh.
Hozier's 'Take Me to Church' has been translated into 84 languages, reflecting its powerful themes of love, spirituality, and social justice.
Avicii's hit 'Wake Me Up' is the most translated track by a Swedish artist, with versions in 66 different languages.
The iconic Beatles song has been translated into 108 languages. This beloved classic has inspired numerous covers by various artists, including versions in Spanish and French.
Bob Marley's 'Could You Be Loved' is Jamaica's most translated song, having been adapted into 24 languages.
Written by Charles Trenet and released in 1946, 'La Mer' became a classic love song. It was translated into English as 'Beyond the Sea,' famously covered by Bobby Darin. Translations also include Italian, German, and Russian.
'Anak' is a Tagalog song written and performed by Filipino folk singer Freddie Aguilar. It reached the finals of the inaugural Metropop Song Festival in Manila in 1978 and became an international hit, translated into 51 languages.
Music connects us all, often conveying emotions and messages that transcend language. However, certain songs, like 'Yesterday' by The Beatles, 'Volare' by Domenico Modugno, and the timeless 'Happy Birthday' song, have achieved remarkable popularity, leading to translations in multiple languages that allowed them to touch hearts around the world.
From lullabies to pop songs, click on to discover some of the world's most translated songs.
The world’s most translated songs
These enduring melodies broke through cultural and language barriers
MUSIC Covers
Music connects us all, often conveying emotions and messages that transcend language. However, certain songs, like 'Yesterday' by The Beatles, 'Volare' by Domenico Modugno, and the timeless 'Happy Birthday' song, have achieved remarkable popularity, leading to translations in multiple languages that allowed them to touch hearts around the world.
From lullabies to pop songs, click on to discover some of the world's most translated songs.