God Save the Queen - and the Scots

[DTCwordfan]

I am just watching the Rugby - Scotland Ireland and I bring to your attention the anti English sentiments of the verse concerning Proud Edwards repelling King Edward's Army.

For England Scotland matches, if we are to have the Queen and not something more befitting like Jerusalem, why don't we English chose to sing a second verse with the old words of:

"Lord, grant that our Rugby Team (original Marshall 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."

[boxtops]

This is well known to the Scots amongst us, DT, but it does remain the English NA - it's convenient to miss out the second verse!

[argorstran]

"flower of Scotland" refers to a particular moment in history and the 3rd. verse does go on to say "those days are passed now and in the past they must remain" . National anthem lyrics are always a bit dodgy . I'm sure most of them have a "we are the best , we're going to beat the rest" moment - eg. "send her victorious happy and glorious "

[boxtops]

I always reflect on the fact that our anthem is about the ruler, not the country - many other anthems are about the people of the country, which does seem to me to be a lot more inspirational.

[DTCwordfan]

well I would prefer Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory as ours I must say....but lets balance it up , the reference to the history event that is, if we are to keep the Queen this side of the fence.

And yes, the reference to times past and bashing up all foes and even their politics is there in the Queen......

Could add some fervour to England/Scottish "battles" though in all sports - all in the best spirit though!

[DTCwordfan]

yes you are right on that boxtops and the music even came from some Hun for a German King of both our noble countries.