The first Chilean national anthem dates back to 1819, when the government called for, on 13 January, the creation of music and lyrics for this purpose.

The composer Manuel Robles and the poet Bernardo de Vera y Pintado fulfilled this mandate and their "National Song" debuted on 20 August 1820 in the Domingo Arteaga theater, although other historians claim that it was played and sung during the festivities of September 1819.

Mariano Egaña, Chilean Minister in London, acting on the criticism that Robles' song was receiving, asked Carnicer to compose a new hymn with Bernardo de Vera's original text.

The Spanish musician probably wrote the work by 1827, the date he returned to Barcelona, and his hymn debuted in Santiago, in the Arteaga theater on 23 December 1828.

Years later, in 1847, the Chilean government entrusted the young poet Eusebio Lillo with a new text that would replace the anti-Spain poem of Vera y Pintado, and after being analyzed by Andrés Bello, retained the original chorus ("Dulce patria, recibe los votos...").

During the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, the Verse III was officially incorporated because of his praise of the armed forces and the national police (Carabineros).

Supporters from the former military junta also sing the anthem with the Verse III in private ceremonies and rallies, with continuous controversies over the following years because of the crescent general consensus of the crimes against humanity committed by the regime.

Radio stations in Chile still have a tradition to play the anthem on New Year's Eve, to start the celebrations[citation needed].

Sean ellos el grito de muerte que lancemos marchando a lidiar, y sonando en la boca del fuerte hagan siempre al tirano temblar.

Chorus: Sweet Homeland, receive the vows That Chile gave you on your altars That you be either the tomb of the free Or a refuge from oppression

That who yesterday was a slave is free and triumphant today; freedom is the heritage of the brave, Victory lies shameful to his feet.

Rise, Chile, with a spotless forehead; you conquered your name on the fight; always noble, constant and courageous the children of the Cid found you.

May your free calmly crown the arts, industry and peace, and may they sing songs of your triumph to intimidate the daring despot.

With its blood the proud Mapuches inherited its courage to us; and the sword doesn't tremble in the hand of that who defends the honor of Chile.

Sean ellos el grito de muerte 𝄆 que lancemos marchando a lidiar, 𝄇 𝄆 y sonando en la boca del fuerte hagan siempre al tirano temblar.