The main focus of the anthem is love of the land, as well as thankfulness to God and an appeal to unity and loyalty under the nation.

[3][4] He was influenced by the French colonial education system, the aim of which was to assimilate the colonised people and was part of the broader civilising mission.

The schools were often associated with various missionary organisations, imparting a strong religious education overtone, also accounting for Rahajason's exposure to Christianity and his subsequent decision to become a pastor.

[5] The national anthem was officially adopted on 27 April 1959, approximately one year before Madagascar achieved independence from France, on 26 June 1960.

[8] The anthem betrays its colonial influence through the general absence of local musical styles and instrument types.

Refrain: Tahionao ry Zanahary 'Ty Nosindrazanay ity Hiadana sy ho finaritra He!

Irinay mba hitahiana anao, Ka Ilay Nahary 'zao tontolo izao No fototra ijoroan'ny satanao.

Refrain: Benit, ô Créateur, Cette île de nos ancêtres Qu'elle connaisse joie et bonheur Et que nous soyons vraiment heureux.

Oh beloved land of our ancestors We wish to place at your service Our body, our heart, our soul, which is indeed precious and full of dignity.

[12] Cusack states that the chorus is a prayer to the Creator, who is most likely the Christian God, based on Madagascar's French colonial legacy.

It connects the present once again to the past of the ancestors and asks a general blessing of joy and happiness on the country and its people.

[12] The final stanza is said to reaffirm the love the Malagasy have for their beloved nation and ask blessings on it and its people by again referencing the Christian God.