The chorus, "Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski, z ziemi włoskiej do Polski" (March, march, Dąbrowski, from Italy to Poland), reflects the soldiers' hope of returning home to fight for independence.
The opening line, "Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła, kiedy my żyjemy" (Poland has not yet perished, so long as we still live), defined a new concept of nationhood: a country exists as long as its people carry its spirit, regardless of political borders. Lyrical Analysis and Historical References hymn_polski_national_anthem_of_poland_lyrics
The anthem references the 17th-century military leader who crossed the sea to save the homeland during the Swedish invasion, symbolizing a history of successful defense against foreign powers. The chorus, "Marsz, marsz, Dąbrowski, z ziemi włoskiej