National anthem - time for a change?

jackmiggins · Post by **jackmiggins** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:14 am

I would be interested to gauge folks' feelings regarding our National anthem. Personally, I feel that we should have a much more uplifting version than the present dirge. I know that some will feel strongly either way, but it would be interesting to see what the percentage split on this board is.

ExistentialWanderer · Post by **ExistentialWanderer** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:20 am

jackmiggins wrote:I would be interested to gauge folks' feelings regarding our National anthem. Personally, I feel that we should have a much more uplifting version than the present dirge. I know that some will feel strongly either way, but it would be interesting to see what the percentage split on this board is.

You have to be careful what you ask for. The Dutch for instance hate their national anthem because of it's close connotations with Spain and their King (Translate their anthem, you'll get what I mean). I think they've probably got more just cause than us as their Royalty isn't as prevalent.
If you're referring to the 'Queen' part, it's a divisive topic. I am a Republican but it is an instantly recognisable anthem.
The problem with changng it to the more popular 'Land of Hope and Glory' or 'Rule Britannia' is it dates back to colonial times and that causes resentment. It's a tricky one.

Spijed · Post by **Spijed** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:26 am

In terms of a rousing, uplifting anthem it's one of the worst ones in the world.

The French and Italian one are far better in that respect.

Damo · Post by **Damo** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:29 am

We should get Lilly Allen to write it

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:31 am

National anthems are absolutely useless, who really gives a toss about the queen? What does she contribute? OTT nonsense.

bobinho · Post by **bobinho** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:32 am

It's ours. It's what we have. As long as we remain a United Kingdom, I think it should stay. Don't forget if we are thinking about not upsetting anyone, I think verse 3 of GSTQ/K is rather upsetting for the Scots.

England should have its own anthem as well, like the Scots and Welsh do. What it should be is another question.

Quickenthetempo · Post by **Quickenthetempo** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:32 am

We wouldn't get away with the French one as the PC brigade would go nuts. It's all about battles and slaughters etc.

When the French national anthem was played at Wembley for the Paris attack ITV apologised for it's brutal theme.

ExistentialWanderer · Post by **ExistentialWanderer** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 10:38 am

Quickenthetempo wrote:We wouldn't get away with the French one as the PC brigade would go nuts. It's all about battles and slaughters etc.

When the French national anthem was played at Wembley for the Paris attack ITV apologised for it's brutal theme.

I was about to post a similar comment. As rousing as it is. It's about as far from PC as the leftie brigade here could ever contemplate.

SammyBoy · Post by **SammyBoy** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:13 am

I'm also a Republican and an atheist but I'd rather just keep the current dross than open up the can of worms which is "racists" and "libtards" going back and forth endlessly regarding what's appropriate. Maybe something with no words is the way forward?

UpTheBeehole · Post by **UpTheBeehole** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:26 am

ExistentialWanderer wrote:I was about to post a similar comment. As rousing as it is. It's about as far from PC as the leftie brigade here could ever contemplate.

Seeing as it's a song about the proles rising up and overthrowing the bourgoisie, we on the left quite like it actually.

Devils_Advocate · Post by **Devils_Advocate** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:31 am

I think its time to modernise and celebrate our multicultrural society.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38UUz15fEzo

lucs86 · Post by **lucs86** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:41 am

French national anthem is brilliant, ours is pathetic, anything would be an improvement. As for an English national anthem look no further than Vindaloo by Fat Les.

GordonvaleClaret · Post by **GordonvaleClaret** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:48 am

No need to panic. Once Liz pops her clogs the words will be changed.

Rileybobs · Post by **Rileybobs** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:49 am

Who cares about our national anthem? Why do we even need a national anthem never mind change the one we've got.

Jimscho · Post by **Jimscho** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:49 am

KRBFC wrote:National anthems are absolutely useless, who really gives a toss about the queen? What does she contribute? OTT nonsense.

Why does it not surprise me,you don't like the queen,you don't seem to like anybody.

ExistentialWanderer · Post by **ExistentialWanderer** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:53 am

UpTheBeehole wrote:Seeing as it's a song about the proles rising up and overthrowing the bourgoisie, we on the left quite like it actually.

Don't get me wrong. Despite your possible thoughts about me. I am Republican also. Though I'd be interested what you'd be interested in. We'd have to create a new anthem and that in itself would cause outrage. Regardless of what came out on top.

KRBFC · Post by **KRBFC** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:54 am

Jimscho wrote:Why does it not surprise me,you don't like the queen,you don't seem to like anybody.

Forget her, #KingKRBFC

ExistentialWanderer · Post by **ExistentialWanderer** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 11:57 am

KRBFC wrote:Forget her, #KingKRBFC

Whilst I am all for a revolution.......

Caballo · Post by **Caballo** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 12:55 pm

Jimscho wrote:Why does it not surprise me,you don't like the queen,you don't seem to like anybody.

Not strictly true, he fecking loves himself!

Alanstevensonsgloves · Post by **Alanstevensonsgloves** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:04 pm

Damo wrote:We should get Lilly Allen to write it

As lucs86 has already inferred, her dad has already written a more than suitable one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_3NpGVJB_o" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (what a video!)

Personally I am a Royalist, but agree the anthem needs to change for England specific occasions. My suggestion would be new words written to Land of Hope and Glory, that celebrate England's history, culture and diversity, in addition to our superiority over and hatred of the Scottish. (I mean come on, which nation given the opportunity to end hundreds of years of colonial rule votes 'no thanks'! Unless of course they know they are on to a very good thing leeching off the English).

Anyway back to work for me and God Save The Queen.

mkmel · Post by **mkmel** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:05 pm

I love my Country but I will never sing that dirge asking someone who doesn't exist to save someone who means bugger all to me

Would sing my heart out if we had a National Anthem about my Country but unfortunately can't see it happening in my lifetime

piston broke · Post by **piston broke** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:07 pm

I'm ambivalent about the Queen and it's the"God save" that winds me up. Change it to "Long live" I can cope with that.
The US dollar having "In God We Trust" winds me up also.
Take religion out of politics. Any politician who believes in this myth should be banned from holding office.

Alanstevensonsgloves · Post by **Alanstevensonsgloves** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:07 pm

And one for the lefties.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWRpl2S9iwk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I actually love this one. Just imagine it being belted out by thousands of fans at England matches.

RalphCoatesComb · Post by **RalphCoatesComb** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:22 pm

For the PC brigade, the current anthem is far to "nationalistic" and will be replaced with a far more PC theme...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sI1x8ZrBrY

claretspice · Post by **claretspice** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 1:39 pm

Personally, I'm not a fan of our current national anthem, largely because it is nothing to do with the country and everything to so with the folks who get to be head of state by dint of birth. It isn't that I immediately want to bring down the monarchy - I've always thought a popular will for a republic is the minimum requirement for becoming a democratic republic.

Whenever this comes up, I always suggest "I vow to thee my country". Its an uplifting and patriotic set of words and a cracking tune.

nil_desperandum · Post by **nil_desperandum** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:28 pm

[quote="bobinho"

England should have its own anthem as well, like the Scots and Welsh do. What it should be is another question.[/quote]
The Scots don't, though they do have various Scottish tunes played at various events e.g. Scotland the brave, Scots Wha Hae, and Flower of Scotland which seems to have been popularised at Rugby internationals and has recently replaced Scotland the Brave at the commonwealth games.

HelloHiGoodbye · Post by **HelloHiGoodbye** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:29 pm

Don't Look Back In Anger or Live Forever. Not even a massive Oasis fan but case closed.

Midmoorclaret · Post by **Midmoorclaret** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:34 pm

Billy Connolly has the answer! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9nnnM-__JQ" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

nil_desperandum · Post by **nil_desperandum** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:34 pm

claretspice wrote:Personally, I'm not a fan of our current national anthem, largely because it is nothing to do with the country and everything to so with the folks who get to be head of state by dint of birth. It isn't that I immediately want to bring down the monarchy - I've always thought a popular will for a republic is the minimum requirement for becoming a democratic republic.

Whenever this comes up, I always suggest "I vow to thee my country". Its an uplifting and patriotic set of words and a cracking tune.

I would agree, but the tune is a bit of an issue for some, for whilst it is noble and upliftiing in an emotional sense, it is not upbeat like the French or Italian anthems.
Some find it a bit of a dirge, but I disagree..

turfytopper · Post by **turfytopper** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:46 pm

100% yes. The situation is a complete mess, with other home nations having their own N.A. but England sticking to a NA that is supposed to represent the whole of the UK.

Around 3 years ago Bradford City played Swansea in the League cup final at Wembley. I was there that day and was amazed that the UK national anthem was not played....I guess because Swansea wanted the Welsh NA to be played??

I'd like to see a new NA to replace God Save the Queen - (with no mention of King or Queen) that represents the whole of the UK and an English NA for use when the other three nations use their own eg Commonwealth games etc

turfytopper · Post by **turfytopper** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 2:52 pm

mkmel wrote:I love my Country but I will never sing that dirge asking someone who doesn't exist to save someone who means bugger all to me

Would sing my heart out if we had a National Anthem about my Country but unfortunately can't see it happening in my lifetime

I think the above just about sums it up for me.....loving your country is one thing.....loving the monarchy an altogether different thing. I would like to see the end of monarchy, but that doesn't make me love my country any less. The French are rightly proud of France...so why not us too.

Our current national anthem is a barrier to a "United" Kingdom.

Wile E Coyote · Post by **Wile E Coyote** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:00 pm

ours like most others is a dirge, irrelevant lyric, and a crap tune.
a song praising a multi billionare, not my thing at all.

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:30 pm

It wouldn't be such a dirge when sang at Turf Moor would it though......56 beats per minute after the first line like most songs !

Or Lizzie's red, white and blue army....

Blackrod · Post by **Blackrod** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:34 pm

Change long overdue it's appalling.

Sidney1st · Post by **Sidney1st** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 3:47 pm

I can't remember the last time I sang it, makes no difference to many people what it is if they're honest for similar reason to me.

NottsClaret · Post by **NottsClaret** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 4:01 pm

It's perfect for me. I don't give a toss about God or Liz Windsor, which sits well with not being arsed about being British.

Terrible tune too, but it does allow enough time to get a cold one from the fridge before a World Cup game.

Corky · Post by **Corky** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 4:52 pm

As a republican atheist it sort of falls down after the first word for me. Should be replaced, along with the idea of a constitutional monarchy and the House of Lords.

jlup1980 · Post by **jlup1980** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 5:15 pm

Highway to Hell would suit the current predicament.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Thu Jul 20, 2017 7:03 pm

The national anthem is not actually a national anthem in the case of Great Britain, as there are more nations involved!

Falcon · Post by **Falcon** » Fri Jul 21, 2017 12:50 pm

Change it, it's flipping crap.

Land of Hope and Glory will do I suppose, or anything that doesn't mention the bloody queen and/or a plea to the sky fairy

martin_p · Post by **martin_p** » Fri Jul 21, 2017 12:57 pm

RalphCoatesComb wrote:For the PC brigade, the current anthem is far to "nationalistic" and will be replaced with a far more PC theme...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sI1x8ZrBrY

Here's another tune for the PC Brigade

https://youtu.be/7nQ2oiVqKHw

HatfieldClaret · Post by **HatfieldClaret** » Fri Jul 21, 2017 1:01 pm

A national anthem needn't mention the Queen, or God. Nothing to jingoistic or blood thirsty like the French one...

Hmm, something Country & Western ? The doom mongers on here would be happy at least .....

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Fri Jul 21, 2017 1:08 pm

Just abolish it and don't have one. Think of all those valuable minutes we could reclaim over our lifetimes.

IanMcL · Post by **IanMcL** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 1:11 am

As Billy Connolly once suggested - a happy tune we can all sing along to....

Theme from the Archers...
Dum di dum di dum di dum etc

Bloody predictive text went wild there!

tim_noone · Post by **tim_noone** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 1:16 am

Turn the lights off Ian an let the dog back in !

Vino blanco · Post by **Vino blanco** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:15 am

I agree, I think we will be much better off when we have a black, lesbian queen.

ŽižkovClaret · Post by **ŽižkovClaret** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 6:08 am

Make Brian Blessed our rightful king, and let him pick something new

Stalbansclaret · Post by **Stalbansclaret** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:20 am

Jerusalem normally gets a mention in this debate and personally I think it's a great choice. Has the potential to cross the political divide with words which essentially call for a social revolution whilst sounding suitably jingoistic. I mean come on :

Bring me my bow of burning gold
Bring me my arrows of desire
Bring me my spear, Oh clouds unfold !
Bring me my chariot of fire

There can't be anything more stirring than that can there ? And we get the mentions of "Dark satanic mills" and "England's green and pleasant land" to evoke the glories of N.E. Lancs.

joey13 · Post by **joey13** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:26 am

Vino blanco wrote:I agree, I think we will be much better off when we have a black, lesbian queen.

Surely a gay queen would have to be male ?

timshorts · Post by **timshorts** » Sat Jul 22, 2017 7:30 am

I won't sing it. It's a throwback to English supremacy as well as 'all of the above'. The only worse dirge I can think of is our funeral crematorium's version of the lord is my shepherd and that sh1t I certainly dont want.
I've been trying to think up some words for the archers tune.
With thanks to Paul Weller for the first line

we ruled the world we killed and robbed
raped without compuncture
we're still the same, we learnt f all
cos brexit is our culture.