Our National Anthem

lemongrove it's a secret how many anthems I've listened to and read the lyrics to since this thread was started! .

I'm all for the English using Land of Hope and Glory at sports events if that's what they want, but no way is it suitable for the UK.

Songs like Land of Hope and Glory that extol the virtues of empire turn me right off, as do some of the lyrics to I Vow to thee my Country (though I like the tune):

"The love [of country] that asks no questions
The love that stands the test
That lays upon the alter
The dearst and the best"

I don't like the idea of a love that asks no questions. There is, in my view, nothing noble in laying on the altar the dearest and best or evoking the notion of "my country, right or wrong".

I rather like some of the words of the pop song "Proud" - in that it asks each person what they can contribute to the world they live in.