Singing for the war

Propaganda played an important role in the Eighty Years War. In addition to the many pamphlets that people could read, there were songs to be heard. These were performed in every village and in every inn. Anyone interested could buy the texts afterwards. The Wilhelmus was one such propaganda song. The main theme was the loathing for oppression. Although the author is unknown, it is nowadays attributed to Marnix van Sint Aldegonde, diplomat and writer in the service of William of Orange.