National Anthem

[Arti]

Old debate, I know, but do you think that the national anthem should be changed? I'm not a republican, nor indeed any way anti-royal, but I would like a national anthem that lauds the country and its people, rather than, mainly, just one person, ie the monarch.
Aswell as the latter verse(s) in our anthem (about duffing-up the Scots), do you think that the rest of it is out-dated? Do you think it should be changed?

[joko]

perhaps they should commission a new one?

get some of the countries best songwriters/composers to collaborate, with people from many genres of music getting involved

something new and about now rather than some beautiful, but dated and possibly stuffy old tune

[Arti]

Yeah, Joko, as I said in my last post, a new one would be a good idea. I'm sure it would be welcomed by many. I don't stand up when I hear our current anthem, but think that I probably would if it were one that instilled in me, pride in our nation.

[boxtops]

I would be glad to have a new one. When you listen to (for example) other countries' anthems at international rugby matches, ours is a dirge. It doesn't rouse the senses, it doesn't stir the spirits. Dirge.

[DTCwordfan]

change the national for the UK as per J's suggestion and go for Jerusalem for the English.......and tell the Scots/Welsh etc to buqqer off re the latter......

[Arti]

Yeah, Boxy, I agree, although I am more concerned about the lyrics of our current one. I wouldn't mind, though, if we had one that was instrumental. The Spanish one is instrumental, I think.

[anneasquith]

all good suggestions but MR^s is without doubt the very best !!!

[wildwood]

If we're gonna have a new one it should be composed so that most people can easily sing it and short, it will be more popular.

There is nothing more annoying at a sports event than listening to some country's lengthy anthem while you're waiting for the action..

[joko]

the problem with jerusalem is its a hymn...and religious song....and therefore means nothing to many people in the uk...its all about recreating jerusalem in england...its actually about wanting to change england - almost saying its not good enough unless it has a piece of jerusalem in it... and even mentions englands 'dark satanic mills'!

it may be a rousing and beautiful tune - but its very dated, overly religious in tone and the words are not really appropriate in this day an age...