Dąbrowski's Mazurka - polish patriotic song and national anthem was written by Joseph (pol Józef) Wybicki probably on 16-17 July 1797, two days after Third Polish Partition which erased Poland from the Europe's political maps. Author of the melody is unknown.The first time song was presented on July 20.  Almost immediately mazurka was accepted and sung by the Polish Legions fighting in Napoleon's army under the leadership of General Henryk Dabrowski. It was main purpose of Dąbrowski's Mazurka to boost morale of Polish troops and because of that it is also known as "The Polish Legion's Song".

Song became so popular, because it strengthened the hopes in Poles hearts for a quick regain of the independence of the Polish lands. The hope was raised by the Napoleon and his Great Army during the march on Russia in 1812.

The text of the song has been translated into 17 languages and sung in all regions, which housed emigrants and supporters of the Polish cause. This made Dąbrowski's Mazurka so popular, that it was sang in all three polish partitions: Prussian, Austrian and Russian. It was sung also during all important Polish historical events such as November Uprising(1830), January Uprising (1863) and even during the revolution in Paris (1905) by Polish so called Great Emigration. Moreover, Polish song was inspiration to other countries i.e. Yougoslavia have anthem which is strongly influenced by Dąbrowski's Mazurka.  Richard Wagner made a reference to it in the overture "Polonia" written after the fall of November Uprising in 1831.

Finally, after the First World War, in 1918 Dąbrowski's Mazurka become an official Polish Anthem.

Text of Dabrowski's Mazurka refers to events from the turbulent history of the Polish and is an expression of the hopes to return to homeland.
In the first verse author refers to the Polish Partitions, that the Poland will regain it's territory.
In the chorus, there is call to the General Dabrowski, who will lead Polish Legions to battle for homeland.
Second verse says about the hope that with the help of Bonaparte's victory is possible.
The third refers to the hero Stefan Czarnecki, who had once saved his homeland.
The fourth (according to the manuscript) says that the only form of defense against the enemy is death in the name of the nation.
The fourth (in the modern version) is asking to listen to the voice of the drum announcing the coming of legionnaires carrying freedom.

Hear the Polish Anthem

The text of Polish Anthem was taken from Wikipedia.

Here is a link to Polish Anthem music sheet.