page_title: Wilhelmus
section_title: Performance
hierarchical_section_title: Wilhelmus / Performance
caption_attribution_description: Bust, facing right. Several versions of this portrait exist, three of which are believed to be authentic. Of these the version at the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza is dated 1579.
context_page_description: "Wilhelmus van Nassouwe", usually known just as "Wilhelmus", is the national anthem of the Netherlands. It dates back to at least 1572, making it the national anthem with the oldest music. Although the "Wilhelmus" was not recognized as the official national anthem until 1932, it has always been popular with parts of the Dutch population and resurfaced on several occasions in the course of Dutch history before gaining its present status. It was also the anthem of the Netherlands Antilles from 1954 to 1964.
  The "Wilhelmus" originated in the Dutch Revolt, the nation's struggle to achieve independence from the Spanish Empire. It tells of the Father of the Nation William of Orange who was stadholder in the Netherlands under the King of Spain. In the first person, as if quoting himself, William speaks to the Dutch people about both the revolt and his own, personal struggle: to be faithful to the king, without being unfaithful to his conscience: to serve God and the Dutch people. In the lyrics William compares himself with the biblical David who serves under the tyrannic king Saul.
caption: William I, leader of the Dutch revolt by Adriaen Thomasz. Key
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