Description:
The subject of the article is a reflection on the shape of Polish identity, emerging from the texts of songs that played an important historical role and in 1926 were candidates for the title of the national anthem. It turns out that the elements that make up the sociological concept of identity can also be found in Mazurek Dąbrowskiego, Bogurodzica, Warszawianka, Rota i My, Pierwsza Brygada. These are historical, geographical, family, social, religious (in some cases) determinants, and the understanding of Polishness as an idea and a state. On their basis, by referring to individual texts, it is possible to demonstrate historical and cultural changes. Some of the listed pieces changed their shape depending on the needs of the performers or the current moment. This is an important signal of social needs and self-description activities. On the basis of the popularity of a given song at a certain time, changes in the understanding of Polish identity and its genesis related to the dominance of the nobility can also be seen.