A new national anthem
Watching Euro 2008 as a neutral has been almost liberating. Of course, I desperately wanted some UK involvement to provide the stomach tightening fix that comes with emotional investment in these occasions. But I have been surprised at how much I have enjoyed the sheer spectacle of the tournament.
Apart from the action on the pitch, one aspect that has particularly struck me has been the national anthems. The last couple of weeks have seen a sort of Eurovision Song Contest running alongside the football. Only without the pirate costumes and ice dancing.
The fervour with which the fans and players have belted out their country's tune has been quite something. And there are some great numbers they sing along to: inspirational patriotism on display.
Now, a confession: I have never really liked the UK anthem. God Save The Queen is stately and regal, sure. But to my ears it lacks the passion of the French or Italian anthems. It doesn't move me like Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of My Fathers) or rouse me like Flower of Scotland.
In fact, I think it is rather dull. And please don't let's get started on the lyrics.
In response to a previous blog this week, one correspondent suggested the Rolling Stones' I'm Free as our anthem. Not sure about that.
But I would like to start a discussion on ideas for a new anthem. In the context of this blog, it needs to be an anthem for all of the United Kingdom of course. It needs to inspire, to stir and to move people. (It should also strike fear in the hearts of our opponents.)
So, let's have some nominations. Or if you think God Save The Queen is wonderful, defend it. And it might be interesting to know which of the other European anthems people like.
If we get enough responses, we might put together a Top Five at some point.
I'm 
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~57~RS~)
Comments
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'God Save The Queen' is stuffy and outdated. How about 'Jerusalem'?
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I have to go with "Jerusalem" as well. It just fits.
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No NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!!
Comes around time after time.
Little people with nothing better to do than try and make themselves look important.
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Don't think Jerusalem quite stands for the whole of the UK with lyrics like "And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon England’s mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On England’s pleasant pastures seen!"
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I agree with the sentiment that the current national anthem is rather outdated, and a bit 'plodding'. The other problem i find with it is that a national anthem should really extol the virtues and qualities of a country. 'God Save The Queen' is simply a song about the monarch, and not about the country we live in. Personally i find it very hard to join in with the anthem, because it's not the Queen that makes the UK great, not for me anyway.
Something like 'Land of Hope and Glory' might be more appropriate. Or, here's a crazy idea...why not commission someone to write a new one!?!?
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With just one change, namely replacing 'England's green and pleasant' with 'this, our green and pleasant', 'Jerusalem' would be perfect. Unlike our current anthem, it has a decent tune and is aspirational rather than smug. It would be worth incurring the wrath of the WI! Perhaps the wonderful version by Billy Bragg could be played at public events.
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We already have an alternative national anthem. Land of Hope and Glory which is just as moving as the French or the Italian national anthems. Why do we need one to cover Wales and Scotland, particularly at football tournaments when we compete as separate nations and unfortunately they're not usually represented anyway?
I think the Russian national anthem is the best in the world.
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I think I'm going to go with the thousands of other English people and vote for Jerusalem for all English national squads. All the British Nations have an anthem separte from God SAve the Queen and it's about time we did too.................its already sung at England Rugby matches...
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Why not try Pomp and Circumstance? Anything has to be better than God Save the Queen. The anthem should be about the nation as a whole not just the royalists. Not everyone in the UK likes the Queen. In adition, the England team should not be using God Save the Queen as their anthem; that is the UK anthem. Why can't they be more original? Flower of Scotland gets people's chests bursting with pride. The UK should get into the 21st century. But that's one thing that will never happen!
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It has to be Rule Britannia:
"The nations, not so blest as thee,
Must, in their turns, to tyrants fall;
While thou shalt flourish great and free,
The dread and envy of them all"
Who can argue with lyrics like that ;-)
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My dad often says he'd prefer Jerusalem as the anthem. To me, it sounds as dreary as God Save The Queen.
How about Rule Britannia?
Or Three Lions??
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Sorry, "Jerusalem" doesn't work. It's too religious and explictly mentions England in the lyrics so not suitable as a UK anthem.
Of course, English teams should be announced with the English anthem (Land of hope and glory) not the UK anthem.
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Here's a more interesting suggestion than ditching the Anthem... How about the England managers and coaches hire a singing teachers to train our players how to sing it, so they can belt it out the National Anthem with pride?
It really gauls me how they just stand there and mummer it as if it's part of the job, or refuse to sing at all, while the other teams place their hands on their hearts, yell it out and sing at the top of their voices.
Get them to learnt the words, even the second verse(!), get them enjoying the singing part, and knock it out with confidence. It doesn't matter if their in tune or not - we can't hear them anyway!
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God Save the Queen would be far better even if they just upped the tempo. Each time I hear it, it drags and slops along, with no life in it.
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I agree, "God Save the Queen" is very dull! Not to mention the anti-Scottish second verse.
How about "Rule Brittania" that really stirs up passion!
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Why has no one yet mentioned that the theme tune to the Archers would make an ace national anthem?
Rum te tum te tum te tum,
rum te tum te tum tum,
etc.
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My first choice would be Jerusalem as it is based on a poem by a Scotsman and music by an Englishman.
I would have it as the English national anthem. God Save THe Queen, Rule Britannia, and Land of Hope and Glory are all very regal and religious not suitable for today's society.
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Would this be another 'British' anthem to be appropriated by England at sporting events?
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I completely agree - I abhor God Save the Queen and have thought about this for a while now - at least every time I hear it. It is dreary and dull. Scotland and Wales have their own anthem, so we should have our own English one. I suggest 'Land of Hope and Glory' - it is the most rousing tune and means a lot more than the current one - which will have to change when we have a King. It could be kept as the UK anthem if it makes the dullards feel better.
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This all boils down to the UK, England thing really. I am not much of a football fan, but like many; get behind the English team during the World Cup etc.
The national anthem should only be sung when a UK team is present, and we should have a different one for England. Mind you, the way our nations teams play, maybe its better to have a UK or British football team...we are a small island after all!
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England should have it's own anthem. After all, England is a country with proud traditions and should not just be defined by a monarch. The UK as a whole, should also have a new one. GSTQ is dull and pompous and simply extols the virtues of a family whose ancestors were bigger robbers than mine.
But we all know it won't happen.
Bottom line - too much effort and too many fogeys who wouldn't want to offend the Queen in case they don't get their gong.
And by the way, we're subjects, not citizens of a country. We don't have a say.
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It's just GOT to be Land of Hope and Glory. The sooner we adopt that the better.
'Jerusalem' is very moving but is too specific to England and is after all, a hymn.
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What about "The Impossible Dream" by Luther Vandross?
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Are we talking a new Britain National anthem, or an English one?
In some sport when it is England playing, don't they play "Land of Hope and Glory" or "Rule Britania"?
I quite like Jerusalem, but isn't it a bit too religious (admittedly not as bad as God save our Queen)
"and was the holy lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen".
I know Christianity is our National religion, but do we need religion in everything?
Having said that "God, who made thee mighty, Make thee mightier yet" from LoHaG...
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Why not go with Billy Connelly's suggestion to have the theme tune from the Archers?
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I've always thought that the National Anthem was a dirge, and the words are out of date as well.
I've come up with the same ideas as most other comments - plus 1. How about 'I vow to thee my country'?
Ok, so some iffy words as well, but, as with the others, the music is stirring.
My order of preference is:
Jerusalem
Land of Hope and Glory
I vow to thee my country
Rule Brittania
But, choose one of these or not, please lose the current dirge
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We are still a great country but I am bored with the multi racial bleating and politically correctiveness . Our Anthem must be British.
"Land of Hope and Glory" it must be. For those who disagree that this what we represent they have that great option not available in many countries - they are free to leave!
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The problem is not the anthem.
The problem is that the UK has become a stodgy multicultural mishmash of people who are there only for the money and benefits and have no interest in the country or culture.
Your suggestion of a new anthem is the usual red herring to distract from the real reasons for a lack of patriotism and pride in ones country.
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How about 'I vow to thee my country'?
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I absolutely love the Italian national anthem, it's perfectly upbeat and rousing and I look forward to it before every Italy game. I think Land of Hope and Glory is our best bet, as long as it's not played too slow.
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Jerusalem is the one we should have for the followig reasons
1) why should god save the queen? whats so special about her?
2) the tune is boring and ponderous
3) its only in recent times that england has only been applied to england its original meaning was for the whole realm
4) i'm sure that with their own parliaments now scotland wales and ni would want their own tunes played before national events.
5)Jerusalem is emotional, its about our land and the people not some elite family who really are protected enough
So as a start towards modernising our country and its outdated ways lets have Jerusalem and update the words if people feel necessary.
Also have you seen the headline on the BBC news 66p for every single taxpayer in the UK so that the royal can go fishing in every year....
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Jerusalem is a horrible song related to the CoE, I'm an England fan and can't see my fellow fans next to me belting out a hymn
God save the Queen is equally outdated, two concepts we have little time for - can you imagine singing God save the King when/if Charles gets on the throne? there's a reason we don't sing it - because nobody wants to, it doesn't stir up the passions because it's meaningless in this day and age, bear in mind Britain avoided the inner turmoil of most of Europe, we didn't create a new nation in the 19th or 20th century, we were busy patting ourselves on the back whilst running around the globe, whilst everybody else in Europe revelled in their identity and found real national songs of the people
I know you wanted a UK anthem Mark, but as you pointed out - the Scottish and Welsh have their own anthems, why not the English?
and there is only one song I think of when watching England, and that every England fan already sings at every game, and presumably all the players know the words to - and that's 'three lions'
that's the song of choice for England fans and the one that always stirs me over an England game, nobody cares for God save the Queen
If you still want a UK song, then all I can think of is 'Rule Britannia', slightly more passionate than GSTQ - maybe some classic Beatles or Rolling Stones would be best
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I think I'm firm to agree that we should keep 'God Save The Queen' as the UK national anthem. If anything, it is steeped in history, and is one of the many things that define us as a nation.
Seeing as we don't compete in football as the UK, England's national anthem in my opinion has to be the great Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance' (Land of Hope and Glory). No other song for me has the 'clout' and with words that will lift a team's spirits too.
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Land Of Hope and Glory!
Doesn't England use it during the commenwealth games already? If so it makes perfect sense that other sporting teams should use it.
God Save the Queen should be kept for UK use but England should have It's own.
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I noticed you mentioned Wales' national anthem and Scotland's ,but the comments are all discussing a new UK anthem . Is it not an English anthem we are discussing.
I have never met a welshman or scotsman who says they are British ,they say they are welsh or scottish, and rightly so. I always say I am English and we should have an anthem promoting England, which Jerusalem does perfectly.
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WHY does Mark think that the Welsh or Scots would want to sing yet another hymn ?
For us the dirge-like 'God Save Queenie' is ENGLISH - and us Welsh especially have a stirring, irreplaceable hymn.
Why don't you find a new hymn for the English ?
Yes - a version of Jerusalem or similar.
As long as it's not Sweet Chariot !
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For the teams competing as the United Kingdom as a whole: Rule Britannia - it's jingoism gone mad, but it's more upbeat than the funereal dirge GSTQ.
For England : Land of Hope and Glory (as it is the victory anthem at the Commonwealth games already)
For Wales: Land of my Fathers (as used already)
For Scotland: Flower of Scotland
For Northern Ireland: Danny Boy?
Job done. Next please.
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I think you're a wee bit confused, Mark.
God Save the Queen is the national anthem for the UK. It should only be heard at events like the Olympics, when one team represents all parts of the whole UK.
The fact that you might hear it at Euro 2008 is because the English national squads have hijacked it (or are just too lazy to think of soemthing else).
It should not be played when ONLY AN ENGLISH team is playing!!!The English continue to use England / Britain / UK interchangably, which many find offensive.
The BBC have already been criticised for ignoring the regions and being too 'England centric' - maybe someone forgot to explain it this reporter!!
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I'm surprised nobody has chosen All you need is love or Imagine by one of your greatest artists/contributions to mankind!
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Panic! by the Smiths
I think that covers the whole UK.
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When I sit down to watch The World Cup or European Championships I can not participate in the anthem as I am not a royalist , and think that it is quite unappropriate to sing it at sporting events or any other occasion , why not Abide with me !
I do not see why it has not been change before .
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Hi!
I think the national anthem definately needs and overhaul!!!!!
Its so slow and depressing, it doesn't really stand for anything?
I love the Italian anthem, it artistically written and ends with a high feeling of pride, something that is definately missing in Britain!
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Agree - Jerusalem is: stirring, a hymn (lots of the others are) and with the minor change suggested to make it "this, our green and pleasant land" would work well. Anyway, aren't Scotland Northern Ireland and Wales a little bit greener - it certainly rains more in the west. You could still sing "God Save the Queen" at banquets along with royal toasts.
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Who said the lyrics to Jerusalem were written by a Scotsman? They were written by William Blake, the English poet.
The lines have also been taken wildly out of context - the poem they are from isn't called Jerusalem at all. Blake wasn't patriotic - he was a revolutionist!
I'd be all for a revolutionary British anthem though. When I was a little girl, I used to get in trouble at Brownies for refusing to sing the British Anthem!
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Why does it have to be something for all of the UK? Why can't we have something specific to England?
If there's a need for something for all of the UK, then perhaps there should be a different anthem.
Therefore, have one for England (in the same way the Scots and the Welsh and the Scottish haev rousing anthems) and one for the whole UK.
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Since I believe in neither God nor the Queen, I have always felt slightly sick when I hear God Save the Queen - especially if I am expected to stand. How sycophantic and pathetic it sounds alongside La Marseillaise and Land of My Fathers.
My favorite would be Land of Hope and Glory. This would rival the French and Welsh anthems for "rousability"; and the lyrics are something we can at least aspire to.
I do not want an anthem for the UK - you should not try to foist this off on people. The Welsh would not sing it, nor would the Scots. And I would like to sing something just for England. Land of Hope and Glory or Jerusalem would be magnificent. Both worth at least 10 points start in any Rugby international.
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I like 'Jerusalem' as an English National Anthem - only problem with it is, in answer to the question 'and did those feet, in ancient times...', the answer is a flat...No.
You wouldn't want a switched on opposition crowd (eg one of the rest of the UK Home teams' supporters) yelling that in unison at the (in)appropriate time, would you? (of course I'm sure that they will all be far too well behaved ;-)
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I vow to thee my country.
Sends shivers up my spine the moment it opens.
Im not a massive fan of Rule Britannia to listen to, but what an anthem to sing!
Jerusalem is English. Im British.
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The Americans have a song about a flag set to a drinking song popular in the 19th century. We could do the same and call it "A Mishmash of Saltires", sung to the pleasant tune of "Ninety nine bottles".
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Jerusalem is a poem put to music, it is not a hymn. I suggested it for England, since Wales and Scotland already have their own "anthems". 'Rule Britannia' for the UK would be good.
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Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory are overtly religious, and as such are unsuitable.
One song that has yet to be mentioned is "I Vow to Thee", which you will remember was sung at Princess Diana's funeral.
"I vow to thee, my country, all earthly things above,
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice."
Patriotic and modist, just as it should be.
It lacks the imperialist pomp of 'Rule Britainia', (which I love, but again makes it unsuitable), and is sung to some of the most beautiful music ever written.
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Definitely Jerusalem...always sends shivers up my spine at Last Night of the Proms.
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Replacing GSTQ/K is just as pointless as replacing the monarchy. You'll just change one song which annoys some people to another which annoys a slightly different set of people. The grass is always greener...
I like GSTQ. Playing it slowly is a big mistake. It's simple, easily sung, and it's the only one I can remember which doesn't pretentiously extol the virtues of the country it represents (which is rather vain IMHO), but rather focuses on the well-being of our head of state, and with that focuses on our own hopes for prosperity in our own country.
Jerusalem is about England instead of the UK, will annoy the anti-religion lobby even more that GSTQ (which could be a good thing), and is quite misunderstood. It's best summed up as a rallying cry to return to our Christian heritage in order to solve the social problems our country faces. I would be quite happy to sing it on that understanding. But would everyone?
Land of Hope and Glory is just jingoistic, will also annoy the anti-religion lobby (again a plus), and is stuck in our colonialist past.
Any other suggestions, people?
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The sole advantage of the current National Anthem is that it is singable by anyone - the melody only spans a sixth. But not even Walton or Britten (among others) could make much of it!
I prefer Land of Hope and Glory, which has the most glorious melody, but wince at the thought of the top and bottom notes being either a mile flat or growled, and feel that there would be too great a temptation to employ a professional singer to belt it out (as with The Star-Spangled Banner, which has the same problems). I Vow to Me, Thy Country seems a good musical compromise and the existing words are patriotic (but not nationalistic) so it would serve for the United Kingdom as well as England.
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Perhaps we could have Queen's "We are the champions"?
The irony would hopefully be spotted by the government within a decade, and with a bit of luck we might start investing in proper sports development for the young.
Why is it that Australia and New Zealand so regularly out perform us? It's not that we are small - they have far fewer people. We just lack vision, inspiration, and commitment.
An inspirational anthem is needed.
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I was also bemoaning this last night and all my friends agreed that it should be Rule Britannia.
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I can't believe nobody has mentioned Bill Bailey's skit about zip-a-dee-doo-dah covered by Portishead:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS7el6U1Dyc
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Any suggestion for a new anthem should be for an english anthem rather than one for the UK.
Keep 'god save our queen' to represent the UK but please come up with a new anthem that totally represents england as a nation.
I have never really understood that whilst a scotish rugby side can be proud and sing their anthem we (being england) have to sing the national anthem of the UK. There must be a reason, tell me please.
Oh and another thing why do we have to put up with some ridiculous has been singer belting out the anthem over and above the fans? it sounds crap and they try to ad lib and do some sort of whitney houston style finale, makes me want to throw up.
if we cannot agree on a new anthem then at least give it back to the fans rahter than some glossed up opera singer.
I suggest we get Bill Bragg to come up with a new anthem.
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No 9
I think you'll find that 'God Save The Queen/King' is the English as well as the British national anthem, it was used before the Act of Union which created Great Britain.
If we are to change it for sports events what about 'I Vow To Thee'?
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for years most of my family have agreed that Land of hope and glory hits the spot why just finish of the proms with it, it also epitomises the best of british!! agree god save the queen is dated why not use it on formal royal occasions and use land of hope and glory for sporting ones?
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You'll never get England or the UK to sing a passionate anthem.
Many of the people hate the place and the rest seem to hate each other and many wouldn't consider themselves either British or English at all.
In fact it would be deemed terribly uncouth, unfashionable and jingoist to actually be passionate and proud.
Maybe Whitesnake's "Here I go again", or just the theme tune from The Muppets. :-)
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Firstly let me say I'm a proud Scotsman who is happy with Flower of Scotland as my national anthem (even though that has come in to some stick in recent times), and that I agree with a lot of the other posters that maybe a new national anthem should be adopted for England only.
My suggestions would be having either God Save The Queen or Rule Britania as the United Kingdom's national anthem (played at the olympics for example) and having something else as England's own national anthem (for pretty much everything else).
As previous supporters have suggested, Land of Hope and Glory; Three Lions; and Jerusalem (never heard Jerusalem though) seem popular, but I haven't seen anyone suggest Swing Low, Sweet Chariot? Or is that for rugby only?
Forgive this Scotsman for not knowing the ins-and-outs of English anthems but I certainly beleive you should have your own national anthem and have a seperate one for the U.K.
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I'm not particularly anti-royal - after all we could have an elected head of state like George Bush or Robert Mugabe. However, God Save the Queen must go. It is quite possibly the worst national anthem in the world. From a musical point of view it is a dirge. Lyrically it is just cringingly awful (although the second verse provides a useful counterpoint to the anti-English sentiment of 'Flower of Scotland'). But the worst thing about it is that it simply does not evoke any feeling of national pride. It's no more than a piece of sycophantic drivel about the monarch.
I'd be happy with either Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory. Except that we are no longer hopeful or glorious and much of Britain has ceased to be green and pleasant. How about 'The Beaten Generation' by 'The The'?
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Believe Genesis did a song called 'The Battle of Epping Forest' on an album called 'Selling England by the pound' - surely that'll fit the modern England ..
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Rule Britania is the only option for me.
And yes God save the queen is awful
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come on, its got to be Tubthumping by Chumbawamba....
He drinks a whiskey drink
He drinks a vodka drink
He drinks a lager drink
He drinks a cider drink
*issing the night away
*issing the night away
apt in soo many ways...
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The history of GSTQ is American and German and definitely not English. It doesn't belong in today's world and we have got to get rid before Charles comes on board.
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Rather than having an intellectual debate on this matter; we could cobble together Adrew Lloyd Webber and Graham Norton and commission a 12 week series of shows to pick a new anthem from a bunch of talentless songs .. Works for muscial theatre. :-)
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Anyone remember the Billy Connolly sketch related to the dour nature of the Nation Anthem at sports events?
I believe that his recommendation of The Archers theme tune as being suitably uplifting...
I think we might need to separate the issue of lyrics from the melody / music.
Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance is a great stirring piece and probably my personal favourite even if the lyrics for "Land of Hope and Glory" might be a tad jingoistic.
Jerusalem whilst another great piece of music is actually rather vocally challenging.
Much as I love the National Anthem it has to be said its not that inspiring as a get up and go. No doubt the English reserve seeping into it.
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Land of Hope and Glory is the real English anthem. At the Commonwealth Games when the 4 nations compete separately we use our own anthems, so the English rugby, football etc teams should use it, not GSTQ.
As for the UK as a whole, the anthem should be inclusive - not Jerusalem, not Land of Hope and Glory. Even if you change the words, we all know it's an English anthem.
My favourite anthem is the Italian. What about just changing the words and stealing the tune?!
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As a Scot, I would like to suggest "Land of Hope and Glory" as England's national anthem. It is a terriffic stirring tune, written by England's greatest composer.
God Save the Queen is a dirge, and very far from popular in Scotland (ask Kevin Keegan about that).
I don't think there will be much demand in the future for a British national anthem. In case you haven't noticed, nationalists are in government in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (the last two in coalitions.)
If you stop the average person in Scotland or Wales in the street and ask them about a 'new national anthem', they will assume you are talking about one for Scotland or Wales.
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Why not God Save The Queen (as sung by the Sex Pistols)?
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How about just an tune that you can hum along to, then it would matter if you could even speak the language of the country you are living in!
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The question of a new national anthem for the UK is surely now totally irrelevant. Scotland and Wales both have wonderful and stirring anthems that move me greatly - and I'm a proud Englishman !
No, the question must now be about choosing a new one for ENGLAND.
It doesn't have to be a traditional, or existing tune, though Jerusalem would be good.
Perhaps we could ask the guy who wrote 'Flower of Scotland' to do one for us!
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More leftist bias from BBC journalists as ever! I agree with the comment about Blake (not a Scot) and Jerusalem; it's a poem with highly ambivalent attitudes to England after all - 'dark satanic mills' - as indeed was Blake's whole attitude so inappropriate. Rule Britannia would be great but hard to sing and now that successive governments have starved the Royal Navy of funds it can hardly be said to rule the waves, although the association with a strong Navy with the nation and national independence needs to be highlighted. None of this PC nonsense about having no religion mentioned. There's nothing wrong with invoking the royal family - these are the national institutions we should celebrate not denigrate. The Russian anthem is highly nationalistic as is the French! The US anthem is a drinking song celebrating one of their few victories over Britain.
What needs to be recognised is that England and Britain must be synonymous - if we descend into tribalism like the Celts we'll end up with a broken up UK and being swallowed up by the EU super-state. We should keep God Save the Queen for England AND Britain. The national anthem is part of our historical identity and should be kept if for no other reason than to spite those with opinions like those of the author!
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How about U2's song:
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For".
Seems appropriate!
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I like our National Anthem, but understand why others don't
I think the problem lies not with the Anthem itself, but with the players.
Firstly they have to get through the qualifiers and into the competition!
Once there, they lack passion not for the National Anthem, but for the honour and privilege of playing for their country.
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How about Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting?
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Jerusalem, Hope and Glory, Pop Goes the Weasel! Please anything but God Save the Queen. Why are we expected to pay homage to an over privileged individual with German ancestory? This is about a country not a person. Say what you like about Amercians their national anthem is the best I have ever heard. They revere the flag and country not a person.
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I like our National Anthem, but understand why others don't. I think the problem lies not with the Anthem itself, but with the players. Firstly they have to get through the qualifiers and into the competition! Once there, they lack passion not for the National Anthem, but for the honour and privilege of playing for their country.
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Forget the rest. 'Heart of Oak' is the one...
Come cheer up, my lads! 'tis to glory we steer,
To add something more to this wonderful year;
To honour we call you, not press you like slaves,
For who are so free as the sons of the waves?
Chorus
Heart of oak are our ships, heart of oak are our men;
We always are ready, steady, boys, steady!
We'll fight and we'll conquer again and again.
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God Save the Queen is perfect.
When the Six Nations is on, it makes me howl. The Italian, French and Argy anthems sum up the respective countries perfectly - style over substance.
I like the fact that God Save the Queen is meaty without the flowery verbiage.
It's classically British to be understated and bold, rather than flamboyant yet cowardly - that's how such a small island has come this far!
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At 12:03pm on 27 Jun 2008, vanadis wrote:
Would this be another 'British' anthem to be appropriated by England at sporting events?
I wish people would stop perpetuating the myth that the English have "stolen"n the UK national anthem.
At one point in the relatively recent past, all nations within the UK used God Save The Queen as their sporting anthem. It's only within my lifetime (I'm mid-40s) that Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland chose to go their own way and use their own local anthems.
... and no, I wouldn't object if England decided to adopt Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory as their own anthem, but I'd simply like to stress that we aren't to blame for using the UK anthem after everybody else rejected it.
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Aye, also the idea of UK anthem is pretty much a waste of time as there likely won't be a UK in 10-15 years time.
Maybe whatever they played as the Titanic was sinking would be fitting?
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Land Of Hope and Glory is the best bet. Nothing religious is necessary. I, for example, am proud of my country; but not a religious type, so no out and out hymns! I have no pride whatsoever in the royal family; who have fewer qualities to aspire to than the average person.
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A different suggestion: Purcell's "Fairest Isle". A beautiful tune with words that run:
Fairest isle, all isles excelling,
Seat of pleasure and of love
Venus here will choose her dwelling,
And forsake her Cyprian grove.
Cupid from his fav'rite nation
Care and envy will remove;
Jealousy, that poisons passion,
And despair, that dies for love.
Gentle murmurs, sweet complaining,
Sighs that blow the fire of love
Soft repulses, kind disdaining,
Shall be all the pains you prove.
Ev'ry swain shall pay his duty,
Grateful ev'ry nymph shall prove;
And as these excel in beauty,
Those shall be renown'd for love.
Might be a little incongruous to sing about nymphs and swains at a cup final, but it would make a refreshing change from the blood and thunder of most national anthems.
Incidentally, if anyone objects to singing the lines beginning "Wider still and wider" in "Land of Hope and Glory" we could always substitute the original lines:
Truth and right and freedom,
Each a holy gem,
Stars of solemn brightness,
Weave thy diadem.
It just doesn't sound as good, somehow.
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I'd be very happy with 'I Vow to Thee My Country' as a UK anthem - not jingoistic, but positive about love of one's homeland, beautiful and singable.
Jerusalem v suitable as an English anthem - words by William Blake of London, music by Hubert Parry of Dorset - it's popular, singable and again positive about building a better country - NOT a CoE hymn, in fact disapproved of by many vicars as Blake was a very independent-minded Dissenter - so again suitable for the English.
Some here assume the English appropriate GSTQ as 'theirs' - but the opposite is the case; most would prefer an English anthem for English events.
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Although Mark's article stems from his observations in the football tournament, I'm sure he is looking at the bigger picture of the UK in general and not just when England play football! ;)
I'd be more in favour of all home nations having their own anthem and completely ditch having a UK anthem. Along with this, I'd like to see the home nations, similar to football or the majority of sports, competing by themselves in say the Olympics because, we don't really hate each other, but we love competing against each other, don't we? How sweet is it for Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland when they beat the English at something? The English, in a masochistic way like getting beat cause then they get a chance to bash the stars!! Politicaly we still need the UK, but sporting events, lets all go our own way and meet up occasionally for some friendly banter! GSTQ can be used for approriate events, but not as a UK anthem. I'd be more than happy to see England having their own anthem, it would make them happy and no-one could complain about using GSTQ as the England anthem.
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The best national anthem is the French "La Marseillaise" which was adopted during the Napoleonic wars fighting against Britain the allies. For that reason it has a real bloodthirsty rousing theme for a chorus
Grab your weapons, citizens!
Form your batallions!
Let us march! Let us march!
May impure blood
Water our fields
If you ever hear it sung it is a heartfelt pounding song something you can believe in and be proud of. As for our own new one I Vow to the Thy Country" is good as the "country" could be any that make up the UK
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Jerusalem?
I know my geography's bad, but I'm pretty sure that Jerusalem is not anywhere in the UK.
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To the people who do not like the tune of "God Save the Queen".
I would refer them to the comment of Beethoven, who thought that the UK had a great asset in having this tune as its anthem.
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God Save the Queen is quite rousing when you don't have the English football team trying to sing it!
It is a) too short so finishes way to quickly when other anthems are at least twice as long. We should play the other verses and b) change the lyrics or just let it play by itself - hearing it at the Olympics without any singing, it is much more stirring than at a football or rugby game when the lyrics are a bit tired and frankly monotonous.
There is always Rule Brittania of course. Love that at the last night of the Proms..
'Rule Brittania, Brittania rules the waves'
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God Save the Queen is fine for British events.
Like many other post's I believe England should have a seperate anthem for English events, e.g. football matches.
On that vain, why not choose Jerusalem.
We have our own, as do the Welsh, so why not have one for the English
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The problem with using an altered Jerusalem, a great tune, is that we then become over familiar with it and it loses it's resonance. I'm perfectly happy with refusing to sing or stand up to to the present dirge of which the only redeeming feature is that it is mercifully short.
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Entirely agree GSTQ is awful.
Land of Hope and Glory gets my vote for England.
Thanks for bringing the subject up, it should have a good airing.
BTW,Flower of Scotland is more anti-English than GSTQ is anti -Scottish and was only written in the 60s.
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3 lions
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I wish everybody would stop quoting "Flower of Scotland" as Scotland's anthem. It's an awful folk ditty and most Scots would hate it as the official anthem of Scotland. (my favourite would be "A man's a man" As for a British Anthem it's a bit late to be chosing new anthem just as the UK starts dis-uniting! (is there such a word?).
I would make a plea though, for the English to choose their own regional anthem, as it does wind up the Scots, Welsh and N. Irish something terrible when the English thoughtlessly assume that God Save The Queen, the UK anthem, can be used as an anthem for a southern region of the UK.
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Billy Connelly sorted this out years ago. The new national anthem should be the theme to the Archers - with her Majesty on a horse singing along "Rumpty tum de tum de tum, rumpty tum de tum, tum..." Works for me.
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I have always disliked God Save the Queen -it's a Germanic dirge, it's archaic and based brings to mind the tugging our forelocks. I think we should be looking to something similar to 'I Vow to Thee my Country' which is stirring and patriotic. To swear allegiance to your country is far more inclusive, democratic and patriotic.
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Jerusalem would be a good choice but isn't nearly PC enough : but what would be for today's sensitive flowers?
Given a free choice I would rather have Rule Britannia.
But there again, we aren't really free any more, are we ?
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I Vow to Thee My Country
thats the one for me ... I am not much of a patriot but that song brings me as close to being one...
God Save The Queen is awful... anyway I am a republican..
Good topic and some good comments..
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97. There is that mention of 'impending Scottish independence' again. The support for independence is the same as it was last year; 25%. What's changed?
As for the anthem, Land of Hope and Glory harks back to the Empire and most of us have long moved on from that. Most of us.
Which, of the very short shortlist, leaves Jerusalem for England. A beautiful song in my book.
Flower of Scotland really makes me cringe with its repeated references to events of 700 years ago. This is only good for getting our young nationalists excited and does not befit a modern progressive nation.
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I agree the God Save the Queen isn't particularly rousing, but am not convinced we should get rid of it on the basis that we don't sing it well at football matches.
As for the alternatives, there seem to be as many objections to them as there are to GSTQ, and without the legitimacy of having been our anthem for hundreds of years.
In particular, "I Vow to Thee, My Country" is actually pretty hard to sing, with a lot of gabbling at the top pf most people's ranges. Not surprising, seeing as it's a poem shoe-horned into a piece of music originally written for an orchestra.
There's also the issue of the lyrics themselves. I understand that it was pretty unpopular after the First World War, when people felt that "The love that asks no questions" had got the best of a generation killed in a particularly horrific conflict. I have no problems with "her ways are ways of gentleness and all her paths are peace" though.
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I agree with the comment that says that "little people with nothing better to do..."
There is nothing wrong with God save the Queen, at least we are singing about a living person who in her capacity as Queen embodies over 1000 years of history. I would rather have that than the Americans who sing about a flag!!!! How dull, or the Russians who can't even agree on words for their anthem so just have a tune.
With the economy in collapse and the Labour party lead us to ruin surely there are more important things to discuss than changing the words to the National Anthem which most people will only encounter a couple of times a year.
GOD SAVE THE QUEEN!!! AND THE UNITED KINGDOM
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I think it can only be Land of Hope and Glory.
Jerusalem would be a dangerous choice, because of its title. We'd risk upsetting both the Jews AND the Moslems, both of whom believe Jerusalem to be theirs!
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I have been following Engalnd for 20 years and watched them on TV a lot longer. I have always loved when the fans sing GSTQ, lets face it the footy is usually rubbish.
It makes my spine tingle to sing that anthem loud and proud and it is not just before the game but after half time too, in fact it is better when the fans sing it alone without some jumped up z list singer spoling it.
GSTQ/K will always be the England fans national anthem, leave it alone and if you want Jeruslam go to the rugby or cricket!
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Hey nevclark "the history of GSTQ is American and German"
The history of the Royal family is even more German as is the history of the English, Angles, Saxons, Jutes etc.
Maybe you should just ask the Germans if you can use
theirs. As for England's use of GSTQ before their football matches I think you'll find Northern Ireland also use it before theirs
surprise, surprise! so, I suppose it's 'British' afterall. NI did use Danny Boy at one time but that particular tune makes GSTQ sound like a rock anthem.
England needs it's own anthem and many English people would be happy to sing Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory and why not, an anthem should be about the country not
fiqurehead who, lets face it comes and goes. As for the UK, well with devolution, Scottish Independance etc how about 'Time to say Goodbye' only maybe get Girls Aloud to sing it with a bit of tempo and lots of pouting, shaking of the booty and plenty of cleavage!
Yippeee! By the way I'm Irish and we have our own dirge called the soldiers song or amhran na bhfiann in gaelic, a vast majority of our fans can't sing it because the only know the last few lines which I've often heard being sung as 'and is coleen a runner bean'
Even worse some PC numpties at the IRFU introduced another anthem for away rugby games, no wonder we flopped at the world cup it's dire!
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More change for the sake of change!
Sung properly the National Anthem is a grand and very patriotic tune. The problem the British have is that they can't sing.
They can't play football either for that matter. So where's the beef?
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England needs as its anthem a song of quality, that is well-known, uplifting and inspiring, free from colonial and religious connotation, and whose roots are firmly embedded in our past, land and history.
I suggest
On Ilkley Moor Baht 'At.
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I'm a staunch royalist, but have never liked GSTQ. I have tried to stand proud for it, but it doesn't rouse. I follow the majority of people here, that England needs an anthem of it's own, I'd vote "Land of Hope and Glory", a powerful, rousing and historic song.
As for the UK, I'm surprised how some people on various parts of this site accuse the media of causing panic and making things worse than they already are... When it comes to the United Kingdom many posts here seem to have given up on it! Yes, the UK is changing, but it is STILL a UNITED Kingdom, so maybe it is time for a new UNITED anthem for events representing the all of the UK. The majority want to see our country united while promoting our diversity, so a new anthem for us all to join in is a great idea, along with more education about the history of our nations plus a British Day (ideally on an August bank holiday which is the same in all the nations!) to revitalise the Union.
The UK may fall apart, and apathy could be the main reason...
For UK I vote "Rule Britannia"
And if anyone is unhappy about any words they can be changed before it is adopted!
Something about "United we stand, devided we fall" would be good!
I would keep GSTQ for royal events, we wouldn't be the only country with more than one anthem.
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I have always hated GSTQ for being too slow and only celebrating the Royal family. The Queen may be important to a lot of people but not to most of us. It's a rather slow dirge of a song anyway and not very inspiring.
Similarly 'I vow to thee my Country' has become too associated with Princess Diana and is also too slow. 'Abide with Me' is usually only sung at funerals and so hardly appropriate at a football match (well, sometimes.....)
'Land of Hope and Glory' reeks too much of the days of Empire and so does 'Rule Brittania'. They might be stirring, patriotic songs but they're hardly inclusive and hardly reflect Englands place in the world now.
It can only be Jerusalem, inspiring, written by a Radical mystic. Poetic, beautiful, stirring and evocative of everything I love about this country and it's people; even down to the cry to make it a better place (cos we're English so we're never bloody happy.......!)
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Jerusalem is a horrible song that I encountered at a wedding this year - it's a symbol of old ladies going to church and some conservative dream of a bygone Britain, it has nothing to do with football, and it's not for PC reasons that I don't want it
it's very easy to denounce someone who disagrees with old traditional people as trying to be PC, but in reality it's not a representative song and you won't catch stands of england fans singing it proudly
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
If you want a new National Anthem then become a citizen of another country, simple as that. I do not see any reason to change it and it is an insult to the history of this country and all those who have fought and died for this country to change it because you don't like it.
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No matter what happens unfortunately Northern Ireland will still be stuck with GSTQ. I hope England does move on and get a more stirring anthem but I can't see our politicians being able to agree on anything new.
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Surely what most of the comments miss is that it is not the point of a British national anthem to be exciting: that's for foreigners. Let the Poles have a dance tune and let the French sing about impure (foreign) blood. Just as the United Kingdom only has the Queen's head on the stamps so the UK national anthem doesn't need to be exciting or fun to sing. And since England never wins anything there's no need for an English national anthem.
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Why not something more modern than Jerusalem or God save the Queen.
Why does an anthem have to involve an over the top trumpet piece? how about we use a decent UK song from the past 45 years.
Anarchy in the UK would be popular i think.
or we could just ask Paul McCartney to write a new anthem and if its any good we can all vote on it.
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Times have changed and there are more of us who are not religious or who would prefer a republic so it's no good expecting the English to sing GSTQ before an event. Some do, some don't and I wouldn't because the words say nothing about my country. And anthems as a whole are being ruined now because of something that was started by the yanks, I believe: slowing them down at the end and finishing in an awful crescendo, a bit like as mentioned earlier, a Whitney Screaming Houston song.
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"Poles have a dance tune and let the French sing about impure (foreign) blood."
The Polish national anthem is a march, and not a bad one. "Poland is not dead, while we still live / What invaders have conquered, we in battle will regain" is a sentiment that's had to be dragged out of the cupboard on several occasions over the centuries.
And to various commenters above: the French national anthem long predates Napoleon - it's a song from the early days of the Revolution, and the impure blood is that of aristocrats.
As for England - can't we borrow the Welsh one? No? OK, then Jerusalem is the best choice - the second verse might be even better.
While we're on the topic, Billy Bragg's words for the European anthem are good:
Throw off now the chains of ancient
Bitterness and enmity
Hand in hand let's walk together
On the path of liberty
Hark a new dawn now is breaking
Lift your voices now in song!
Though by history divided
Reconciled in unison
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All the commonly-suggested options have terrible words: imperialistic, or borderline-fascistic, or just downright weird (how many people have the foggiest idea what "Jerusalem" is actually about?) But there are some brilliant tunes among them. So why not follow the example of Spain and some other countries, and have a national anthem which is just the music, without any words? Brits are completely useless at singing, anyway, so it'll save them having to try.
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I think it is typical for British people and especialy the English to be so critical of their own things like in this case the national anthem! You wouldn't expect other countries to question their national symbols. The French wouldn't dare to question the Marseillaise and the Dutch would never attack their national anthem although the words go back to the 16th century and have no relevance today. Instead these countries are proud of teir heritage and very nationalistic. The English should take their example and should be proud of what and who they are instead of questioning themselves. If they got over their hang-ups they can then perhaps be present at international sporting competitions like the European Football Championships and start winning them! As a great admirer of England I am sick and tired of all that wining and self-deprecation!
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Re 119. The lyrics to the Polish national anthem may begin "March, march", but the tune is a mazurka, and none the worse for that.
As for the Marseillaise whether the impure blood is aristocratic or foreign (there's a clear contrast between the enfants of the Patrie and those who throats are going to be cut, as well as a mention of 'foreign cohorts' in a later verse), it's not really the sort of language one wants in a British anthem, is it?
And if people really want an English national anthem (though I still don't think it's necessary), what could be better than Flanders and Swann's "Song of Patriotic Prejudice"?
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There is only one national anthem and should only ever been one for England and the English and that has to be 'Jerusalem' The royal family are a nice bunch of people and do great work for the United Kingdom but they are a bunch of German, Greek, Scots and not very English at all. The English need there own identity. Jerusalem by Blake , an enlishman sums up being English and England perfectly beautiful words melody and passionate absolutely Fantastic
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The fact is God will decide who is and who is not a sinner on the Last Day when we stand naked before Him - all of us children of Adam and accountable for our sins. Singing a song for a fellow human doesn't really seem useful no matter who they are.
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I am still reeling with laughter about the Billy Connelly suggestion ...... I can't get The Archers tune out of my head. Nor for that matter the vision of the queen on horseback singing along to it!
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In view of the supine performances of our football, cricket and ugby union teams of late, how about-
"Here come the Girls" ??
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With regard the earlier comments about Jerusalem; surely in today’s multicultural United Kingdom we should look to encompass all aspects of our culture? Considering the dynamic and diverse nature of our population a more suitable anthem would avoid references to one part of the kingdom or one person’s idea of important icons such as “God”.
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Why are people so hung up about chosing a ditty that already exists? Let's have a competition to write a national anthem - with submissions peformed on TV and voted for online, by telephone or written submissions. The only thing we all have to agree on to begin with is whether the nation is Britain or Little Britain.
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God Save the Queen is our anthem, there is no need to change it. It is a world brand, stupid to throw it away because some fail to sing it passionately enough. Plenty of sports crowds do mange to make it heartfelt. Time our 3rd rate footballers were not picked if they can not sing our anthem with passion.
Send her Victorious! Happy and Glorious!
Scatter her enemies,
And make them fall.
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Since she's of German descent, why isn't the anthem in German?
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Blondwannabee - GSTQ is hardly steeped in history. The British Royal family ended in 1700 (check your history on Google). The UK has a German royal family - so just disband them asap.
As for National Anthem?
We`ve got the world in Motion (New order)
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As it happens the Northern Irelands football anthem is god save the queen which we are quite happy about, of course the major difference is that atleast in England people who don't even want to support the football team are not demanding you are stripped of your national anthem.
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The reason why the UK or England uses a different anthem at the Commonwealth Games, is because all of the Commonwealth Nations have the same anthem, so a separate one would be needed otherwise everyone will be droning out the same drivel.
I feel that we should keep God Save The Queen as the UK's anthem, but as many others have said we should as England, have our own.
In today's multicultral society, I think we should have a song that does not conjure religious imagery, and to be honest I have came to loathe those songs, especially as my flatmates insist on playing them constantly while the Rugby is on. As of yet I have no ideas of an English anthem, though if we want to drive fear into opposing countries, how about Wagner's 'Ride of the Valkyries'? lol
On a more serious note, I think a song from a great band that is truely English like Queen, The Beatles or Pink Floyd would be truely modern, and will more then likely appeal to everyone. I personally think Innuendo by Queen is rather upbeat, contemporary and relevant to today's society.
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Land of hope and glory (the finale) with a few revised lyrics:
Land of hope and glory,
Land of beauty and pride,
Land of hope and glory,
Our passion never denied!
Land of hope and glory,
For we, will always abide!
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Land of Hope and Glory seems to me to suit the national character, even if that means it's best sung by rowdy drunks. The song which seems to stir the nation on the widest basis, and would do very well in terms of keeping the politicians and bureaucrats in the right frame of mind, would be the Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again", but then far too many of us think we can sing like Roger Daltrey already.
Would make the Proms rather interesting!
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I think God Save the Queen is great. When played it gives me a feeling of being British and proud of it.
If I had to choose another anthem it would of course be Land of Hope and Glory BUT in this day and age I dont think it would be appropriate
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I vote for Fat Les's 'Vindaloo'.
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I've got it - keep the traditional 'God Save the Queen' for formal occasions and have the Sex Pistols' version for sporting occasions. That'd scare the opposition.
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I posted this on Nick Bryant's blog and offer it again here:
I've always thought Land of Hope and Glory is the ideal anthem, with a couple of changes to drop the imperialist overtones.
We don't want our "bounds" being set wider, and wanting to be "mighty" just leads to wars. What about:
"Land of hope and glory,
Mother of the free,
How shall we extol thee
Who are born of thee?
"Wider still and wider
Shall thy FAME be set
God who made thee NOBLE
make thee BETTER yet."
Or replace "mighty/noble" with any other suitable two-syllable adjective. Noble isn't ideal, I just couldn't think of a better word for the moment.
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Land of hope and glory that should replace god save the queen. not jerusalem, why sing jerusalem when its not in our country!?
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Land of Hope and Glory definitely, because:
1. not politically correct - if that is too much to ask, perhaps see comment 139.
2. tune and words written by British people.
3. rousing and sublime as a piece.
4. already very popular (e.g. Last Night of the Proms).
Whilst Jerusalem is also a great piece, it is specifically English, not British, so perhaps the English National Anthem.
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We need Jerusalem with "England" replaced with "Albion" it is by far the best musically and symbolically. We'd go from having the worst anthem (dirge is the least of it) to having the most sublime and moving one in the world! For anyone who thinks it is too anglocentric the reference to "Green Mountains" is actually more applicable to Scotland!
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what about queens
We are the champions - my friends
And well keep on fighting - till the end -
We are the champions -
We are the champions
No time for losers
cause we are the champions - of the world
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I think its about time we had something a bit more modern, theres nobody better than Clifford T Ward who was one of England's finest singer song writers and a die hard patriarch before he passed away not so long ago.
The chorus to 'A day to myself' is up there with 'the fields of athenry' in its singability and ability to bring a tear to the eye which the Anthem should be about.
have a listen and tell of a more apt song once it hits the chorus after he meets the graves of English Soldiers killed in war, if this doesnt rise passions nothing will.
here's the song on youube as its the only link i can find...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Szjv8TF8TGM
Enjoy as this is one song of many from the greatest English singer/songwriter I've ever known, if this touches you then search for his other songs.
It will change your life.
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I'm a little late to this blog but as an Englishman living in Scotland for the past 38 years I find God Save the Queen an offensive dirge. Losing the majority of the verses doesn't turn it from an essentially English ditty into an anthem for the United Kingdom. The final verse (below) although never used is indicative of the general contempt of England for all other parts of the UK and its usurpation of the term British to its own individual and nefarious ends.
"Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the Queen!"
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At least God Save the Queen can be updated when necessary, unlike La Marselleise, which is all about the revolution.
The second verse isn't bad
One realm of races four
Blest ever more and more
God save our land!
Home of the brave and free
Set in the silver sea
True nurse of chivalry
God save our land!
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Surely it must be "a day in the Life" particularly now those holes have now filled not only the Albert Hall but every street and road in the land. Our nation is so full of loathing and dislike of each other, (how else can we find Little Britain amusing) we need some anthem that can reflect that fundamental dysfunctionalism of our national character.
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I think the Marseillaise is the best national anthem in the world - what's wrong with expressing a bit of passion about your country?
As a UK anthem, my vote would go to 'I Vow to Thee My Country', even though I tend to choke up when singing it. And yes, isn't it time the English sporting teams had something that is *theirs*??
But please, no Burns anthems for Scotland - we don't all like his works, or even understand them!
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