The Internationale began as a French workers' song, with lyrics written by Eugène Pottier in 1871 and music composed by Pierre De Geyter in 1888. It was soon adopted by socialist and communist movements around the world and became the anthem of the Soviet Union in its early years, before being replaced in 1944. Translated into many languages, it remains a recognised symbol of left-wing politics and collective struggle. Online, the stirring melody is now widely reused in memes and edits, where its serious historical weight creates an instant comic contrast.