National Anthem

Billy Connolly had the right idea when he suggested the theme from the Archers.
 
GSTQ is about 25 seconds long, so pretty short, it is instantly recognisable and the words Queen or King are interchangeable depending who is on the throne. It’s part of our national identity

It’s been the Nation Anthem since 1745, served us well, is there any need to change it?

Land of Hope & Glory and Jerusalem are the 2 alternatives that spring to mind as well as I Vow to Thee My Country

As for a new Anthem, bearing in mind the success we have had writing for The Eurovision Song Contest , I’m not holding my breath
 
We could do with a change, an anthem that is just praising a Monarch misses the point somehow, it should be about the Country or Nation.
England certainly should have it's own and there should be another for the UK. I love to hear the Marseillaise it's such a rousing tune. Maybe I vow to thee my country for England and a rewrite of Hope and Glory for the UK.
 
Last edited:
Lord Tyrion said:
The issue with a number of the alternatives is that the lyrics are dated or not designed to be used as an anthem. We have some wonderfully rousing tunes, LoHG, Jerusalem but not necessarily the right words for the times.

We either need to marry new lyrics to one of these tunes or start the whole process from scratch.

I agree that our current anthem is uninspiring and we could do with a new and rousing anthem.
Click to expand...

Yeah, but you know it will be written by one of those dreary new "poets" that have spawned over the last couple of years.
Thing is, nowadays things are trendy for about 30 seconds, you can't beat an old classic to get the juices flowing ??
 
If pushed, I'm not really fussed either way. Its a dreary song but it has history and tradition. Would I prefer something more encompassing? Maybe it is time to change. Gone are the days of everyone doffing their caps and touching their forelocks to Royalty. Jerusalem? Who even remembers the "dark satanic mills" of Lancashire? Is Land of Hope and Glory more timeless? Rule Britannia? Not sure we want to celebrate the Empire days.

If at some time change does happen I just hope its a song that means something to the majority.
 
SwingsitlikeHogan said:
Just use the tune for Greensleeves - replace the word 'Greensleeves' with 'England' and get someone to write appropriate words for the rest of each verse. Sorted...;)
Click to expand...

Is it not a bit dideddidedo like the Archers.
Still not clear if this thread is about a new English or British anthem.
If British I would go for I vow to thee my country.
If English...Greensleeves,
 
Orikoru said:
I think it should probably be Don't Look Back In Anger. Everyone likes that don't they?
Click to expand...
You can’t have been around much in the mid 90’s, some Blur fans hated anything Oasis did
 
It needs to be uplifting, short and to the point. We could either get Lord Gary Barlow to write it, everyone loves Gary, or we go for an anthemic style song. I was originally thinking 70's disco but after thinking further I accept that may not be suitable.

Come on, let's have some anthemic options. Words can be changed but what music?

I'll start, Rainbow, Since You've Been Gone. 30 seconds of that, different lyrics, and any team would be bursting to go ?
 
Kaz said:
GSTQ is awful but there aren't any good alternatives. Do we actually need a national anthem?

If we have to have one, I'd vote for a new composition - something upbeat and happy, preferably without lyrics that people can just hum or chant along with.... in the same vein as the hook from Seven Nation Army.
Click to expand...


How about...


 
banjofred said:
I agree. There are at least 3 John Phillip Sousa songs I'd rather have....Semper Fi, Stars and Stripes Forever and the Marine Anthem. The words to the American anthem are ok....but too many people are yodeling their heads off. Even the air force anthem would be great...although you'd have to change the words.....because, you know, ....all the bombs and dying and stuff.
Click to expand...

Given our current situation, his Liberty Bell March might be quite appropriate. (y)
 
Does anyone remember the Chilean football team, 1998 World Cup I think?
Zamorano, Salas and the boys belting out the anthem with tears in their eyes.
That’s what we need.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Bunkermagnet
Social media/smartphone bans for under 16’s
2
Replies
27
Views
947
sunshine
S
P
Mortgages
Replies
12
Views
3K
SwingsitlikeHogan
SwingsitlikeHogan
Hoganman1
Hello From Across The Pond
2
Replies
35
Views
1K
Hoganman1
Hoganman1
SwingsitlikeHogan
Rental Rights Act
2
Replies
24
Views
2K
jim8flog
jim8flog
Rlburnside
Junior playing with adults
Replies
18
Views
1K
Golfmmad
Golfmmad
Top