Why don’t they change the British National anthem?

Lucca

Anniebach

Land of Hope and Glory speaks of God, would this be acceptable to atheists ?

So does god save the queen

I was about to post the same comment.

Another vote for I vow to thee my Country.

Loved the Billy Connelly video. I have said before that the Archers tune would make a great NA.

One of the problems of GSTQ is that it is in 3/4 time, like a waltz. Most anthems are in 2 or 4 time, more suitable for marching.

The words of GSTQ have very little relevance to anti monarchist atheists. Like me.

If there is a god, why single out one person to save? Is one person more worthy than another?

I like "I vow to thee my country ",as well.I always think of Princess Dinahs wedding.
Though I did have a laugh with DH when he was watching the English Rugby team play Australia the other morning. They now have an Aboriginal chap giving a talk and a song a bit like NewZealand .
DH turned and said what would our team look like dressed as Moris men or doing a clog dance or any other regional dance. Or the Scots breaking into an Highland fling.
As I said further up the post England has so many regional songs and dances where would we start to choose.
I also found out that Bonnie Prince Charlies invasion of England triggered the song which we now know as the national anthem being sung for the first time in 1745 when he was a threat to George the 11.

I don't actually mind the National anthem, but I do agree that
I Vow to Thee My Country would seem preferable.

Why not scrap all the anthems? What is the point of them?

Are we looking for a National Anthem for the UK or for England? For example, Jerusalem could be an option for England and has stirring lyrics and a great tune. However, I think that any UK anthem would have to be about the monarch to be inclusive of all four nations. GSTQ does that, albeit badly, so we may well be stuck with it.

I think Jerusalem is a great tune but the words are very suss. No the feet didn’t walk upon England ‘ mountains green.’Anyway, most mountains are in Wales or Scotland not England. Sorry William Blake.

GSTQ's only reference to Scotland is:

Lord grant that Marshal Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring. May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to crush, God Save the King (Queen).

We don't really feel up here that it is very inclusive. I'd quite like a change.

MissAdventure that’s brilliant it took me back when I was younger crying and laughing watching Billy Connolly. What a man such a grim upbringing but rose above to make people laugh.

He's great, isn't he?

Apparently he doesnt even have a plan when he goes onstage.
He is just my cup of tea, with that lovely beard, too.

They are changing the national within the next decade or so to
God save the king

But I do like this verse - it should be sung at the beginning of each session of the House of Commons

O Lord our God arise,
Scatter our enemies
And make them fall!
Confound their politics
Frustrate their knavish tricks
On Thee our hopes we fix,
God save us all!

nanna8

I think Jerusalem is a great tune but the words are very suss. No the feet didn’t walk upon England ‘ mountains green.’Anyway, most mountains are in Wales or Scotland not England. Sorry William Blake.

We don't now for sure nanna8 - some think that Jesus may have visited England with his greart-unce Joseph of Arimathea who was a trader. Perhaps he climbed Wearyall Hill! ?

Know not now

? not great- should be great

Give in .....

?sometimes these autocorrects drive you nuts !

?

nanna8

I think Jerusalem is a great tune but the words are very suss. No the feet didn’t walk upon England ‘ mountains green.’Anyway, most mountains are in Wales or Scotland not England. Sorry William Blake.

Isn't Blake asking a question and not making a statement?

And its "pastures".

The answer to the question is no, of course. But I think Blake's point is that this doesn't stop England from striving to be the new Jerusalem.

Parsley3

nanna8

I think Jerusalem is a great tune but the words are very suss. No the feet didn’t walk upon England ‘ mountains green.’Anyway, most mountains are in Wales or Scotland not England. Sorry William Blake.

Isn't Blake asking a question and not making a statement?

Yes, he is

And lots of people ponder those questions too.

That was a rather spirited version of GSTQ at the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, wasn't it? ?

I thought the English National Anthem had changed to Sweet Caroline during the Jubilee?

Callistemon21

Casdon

How about the English national anthem being ‘Football’s Coming Home’? That’s a great song, and everybody knows the words, but could be adapted to fit - I can’t get it out of my head when I hear it.

Oh no ???

I was going to suggest the Three Lions On My Shirt. ⚽️???⚽️ Forgot the English aren’t allowed to be proud of their homeland!