Britain should change its national anthem

Posted by: JamieL_v2 on 26 October 2009

I was at Wembley yesterday to see the American Football match, and at the start I heard two national anthems.

One was fantastic a good tune, celebrated the country, its people and freedom.

The other was a miserable dirge about one person, with additional verses (which thankfully are never sung) that is racist against one of the four countries it is supposed to represent.

I stood for the American national anthem, but as both an atheist and republican (small 'r') I sat for the the British national anthem as it asks that an entity I do not believe exists maintain an individual in a position of wealth and power I do not approve of. In an increasingly secular culture does this make any sense?

Even without the lyrics, why on earth do we still use this appalling piece of music when there are so many wonderful compositions by this nation's great composers that could bring pride, joy, and frankly a damn good tune when we wish to celebrate what I believe is a great nation.

Elgar's 'Pomp and Circumstance Marches' would be obvious choices, Walton wrote some good options, we could even ask the (Royal - don't get me started) Air Force if they would donate 'The Dambusters March'.

I know Billy Connolly thinks the same, although his suggestion of 'The Archers' theme music would not be my preferred choice.

Anyway, I hope I am not opening up a can of worms here, but I am sure there must be others who loathe that piece of music and its lyrics as much as I do.

God Save the Queen lyrics

Star Spangled Banner lyrics
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Bruce Woodhouse
'Land Of Hope and Glory' seems a rousing alternative.

I love Blakes's 'Jerusalem' although I'm not sure people would accept the lyrics as a modern anthem. Billy Bragg recorded a great version and also it is now played before England international cricket matches.


Bruce
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
Both excellent suggestions, how could I not have mentioned 'Jerusalem', and especially as a cricket lover, not remember that the ECB has already done what I feel should be done elsewhere.

I can also remember the first line of Spitting Image's version of 'Jerusalem' 'And did those feet in ancient times, walk upon England's working class.' I wish I knew the rest.

Thanks Bruce.
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by nap-ster
As it is a British National Anthem then something that isn't necessarily solely connected with England might be more appropriate?
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by scottyhammer
Oi ! You leave our song alone...it maybe a dirge to you mate but its ours! ALRIGHT.and weve always sang it.
or i may have to send the boys round to sort you out......now wash yer mouth out. Winker
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Chief Chirpa
I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by scottyhammer
NOW THATS AN ANTHEM !
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Chief Chirpa
Open the link. You know you want to.
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by scottyhammer
But seriously though boys-shite tune it might be BUT its still ours and its fast becoming the only peice of britishness left for us to call our own!
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by scottyhammer
YES chief nearly as good as our bubbles
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Mike Dudley
quote:
Posted Mon 26 October 2009 14:29
I was at Wembley yesterday to see the American Football match, and at the start I heard two national anthems.

One was fantastic a good tune, celebrated the country, its people and freedom.

The other was a miserable dirge about one person, with additional verses (which thankfully are never sung) that is racist against one of the four countries it is supposed to represent.


YES! And I thought it was just me...

You can stuff "Jerusalem" and LofH&G" too - god references and other nonsense.

My vote goes to "We Love You" by the Stones.

Imagine playing it loud whilst bombing someone... Winker
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Mike-B
What do we need a friggin' song for anyway, what's that all about, standing up singing songs at each other.
But if we need a new dirge and to steal an idea from the bard Connolly, something along the lines of The Archers theme sounds rather more jolly & upbeat.

But as previous readers have noted, its an English anthem. I does however contain one line I wholeheartedly support about crushing scots. Can I recommend one or two living in a small street just off Whitehall.

I am not a fan of royalty and all its medieval trappings, cap doffing & servitude. I do not "pay homage" or "serve the queen", but you had better not mess with me or my country & its way of life etc. But why do we have to sing songs to each other about it.

And while we're at it, how come the Welsh & Scots & Irish get their own parliament, and also get to come to the one in London. How come the English don't have an English parliament.
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Joe Bibb
quote:
Originally posted by scottyhammer:
But seriously though boys-shite tune it might be BUT its still ours and its fast becoming the only peice of britishness left for us to call our own!


If that's the best we can do, why hang on to it? Good God whenever we play sport against a country with a decent, uplifting anthem (France, Germany or Italy spring to mind) it feels like we're already one-nil down!

Our anthem is shite and we know it is. Rotten dirge of a tune with appalling lyrics. Perhaps we should play it in full so the opposition give up before a ball is kicked. Winker

I vote for "Glad All Over". Eaaagles.

Joe
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by scottyhammer
Your all traitors and should be hung! Roll Eyes
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Guido Fawkes
Radio Five held a poll on an English national anthem and the overwhelming winner was this - certainly would get my vote. Though the words are a bit tricky.
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by scottyhammer
I still do Stu !! Confused
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Howlinhounddog
quote:
But as previous readers have noted, its an English anthem. I does however contain one line I wholeheartedly support about crushing scots. Can I recommend one or two living in a small street just off Whitehall.

Oh now your making my blood boil, racial intolerance I say! Give it a couple of years and you wont have to worry about us any more. You can tear up the Barnett formula and sing whatever you bloody well like! Winker
You'll miss us when we're gone...
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Tarquin Maynard - Portly
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:

I stood for the American national anthem, but as both an atheist and republican (small 'r') I sat for the the British national anthem as it asks that an entity I do not believe exists maintain an individual in a position of wealth and power I do not approve of. In an increasingly secular culture does this make any sense?



Given the SSB refers to the "heaven-rescued land" I think you are either naive, misguided or just out to look clever by not standing up.

If you don't like the UK, why not leave?
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Anyone remember the days when you went to the Odeon to see a film and you had to stand up while it was played before the film?
Yes and in Essoldo.

2 minutes 12 seconds in to this clip
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by David Scott
Mike,

where's the bit where he said he didn't like the UK?
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Guido Fawkes
Played properly our national anthem can sound pretty good
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by FlyMe
My vote goes for The Archers theme
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by Mike-B
Rumpti dumpti rumpti dum, rumpti dumpti dumpti.....

bah baa baha

Oh shite, better go, that's the missus calling
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by BigH47
Fanfare for the common man?
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by JamieL_v2
quote:
Originally posted by Mike Lacey:
quote:
Originally posted by JamieL_v2:

I stood for the American national anthem, but as both an atheist and republican (small 'r') I sat for the the British national anthem as it asks that an entity I do not believe exists maintain an individual in a position of wealth and power I do not approve of. In an increasingly secular culture does this make any sense?



Given the SSB refers to the "heaven-rescued land" I think you are either naive, misguided or just out to look clever by not standing up.

If you don't like the UK, why not leave?


Leaving is an option, as Scotalnd and Wales have dene in recent years:


That said if England, or Great Britain becomes a republic I would not need to. Until then I will not stand to honour the monarchy.

Actually just on the lyrical point, my objection to the current national anthem is that it is not representative of the nation, it is almost entirely about one person, and a person who is in a position of wealth, and some power, who is a non elected individual. For that reason I will not stand to honour that individual.

I love this island, I would just rather it were not a kingdom. I would stand to honour this island and nation.
Posted on: 26 October 2009 by BigH47
Bastard things facts, aren't they?