Why don’t they change the British National anthem?

National Anthem is grim, but please do not lets ask the public what they want - we will finish up with the equivalent of Boaty McBoatface or something like the ghastly jubilee song!

The tune to God Save The Queen is dire and the lyrics are risible in part. Something about the confounding of enemies' knavish tricks, I think. How about Charlie is my Darling for the next monarch? Might have to change the words a bit but it is a catchy tune.

Rule Britannia, I can still remember all the words!

Actually Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau is the unofficial national anthem of Wales, we all sing it as if it’s official though! Formally God Save the Queen is the official anthem of the whole of the UK.

Anniebach

Wale has its own official National Anthem

I love the Welsh national anthem
Also love Flower of Scotland

Such good tunes !

Anniebach

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

So does god save the queen

Wale has its own official National Anthem

Callistemon21 The English do need their own anthem and the Scots need an official one.

I do occasionally wonder what would happen if, in the event of Scottish independence, Scotland simply chose not to have a national anthem - or even a flag - the world would not fall apart. They are a hangover - maybe a useful one, but a hangover nonetheless - from different times.

It's not going to happen though.

Many people think the words racist Many people think the words of Land of Hope and Glory, racist.

Hopikins
He didn't even swear much
Made me laugh, too, because you can actually imagine it.

Many people think the words racist, with talk of growing empire that Putin might well want to use. That may be why we haven't yet adopted them. Give it time though; this far-right government may well do so. They might well add the straight-armed salute too.

It's mainly Republicans who won't sing about our traditional history and our way of life. They seem to me to think they are American.

I love our National Anthem. It means a great deal to me. As a child I loved seeing my father stand to attention whenever it was played.

dolphindaisy

I agree the NA should be changed, it's a dirge plus don't know why we sing about a person not the country. Maybe Prince Charles will agree to change it when he's king- He must be really sick of hearing it by now!

But listen to what can be done with it

www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOds7jLtXnI

(and on the theme of unpromising material and great composers www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcmmc-_bfGo)

I do agree that it is rather a dirge, although I'm not sure about changing it when the nation is united in sport, at Remembrance Day etc.

The English do need their own anthem and the Scots need an official one.

Not Land of Hope and Glory, though, although the tune is good the words would need to be changed.

Thank you so much MissAdventure, I am not a Billy fan, but I have laughed so much watching his take on the National Anthem, I could be converted. Thank you again for cheering my day and yes I think we should change our National Anthem for one more suitable.

And there lies the problem. I wouldn’t mind a change.
Why don’t we change it?
Because what I like might be turned down by others and vice versa.
Write a UK anthem? No, we don’t want to be united.
Use a well known hymn? - No I’m not religious or I am, but not Christian.
Have a competition and go for the one with most votes? You mean like an election? Please no! There’d be another blame game by whichever party lost.

Most anthems not just ours are not in favour with today’s population. E.g Advance Australia not fair, say asylum seekers arriving there in small boats.
Even Ukraine’s NA, rousing though it is, doesn’t match the situation for Drs and staff and patients in their care centres for the disabled.
we, too, brothers, we'll live happily in our land

Im with Billy. youtu.be/6_kyd6JF3zc

I agree the NA should be changed, it's a dirge plus don't know why we sing about a person not the country. Maybe Prince Charles will agree to change it when he's king- He must be really sick of hearing it by now!

No, definitely not!

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

Good idea!