New National Anthem

The National Anthem offers a strong link to our past history and to the people who lived here in 1745. I think it’s dire musically and the words aren’t taken seriously but once/if the monarchy is abolished, then is the time to sing in praise of our new world! Such as it might be.

Thank you grumppa.👏👏

I like the tune It's tbe words.

For sport:

May England be the best,
Outscoring all the rest,
Come on England!
Whate'er the sport we play,
Be sure we'll win the day,
Encouraged all the way:
Come on England!!

For the monarch:

Let us now celebrate:
Our worthy Head of State
Stands for us all.
Here's to our Head of State,
May they not hibernate,
But strive until it's late,
Ans'ring our call!

For the PM

Praise our Prime Minister!
Dexter or sinister,
May they succeed.
Only some time will tell
Whether they govern well.
In times of need.
If they turn out a flop,
Then they will get the chop,
Just like a weed.

There are four countries and unity ? No.

I don’t know how, in an increasingly secular country we can be expected to sing with any enthusiasm about a mythical God “saving” an extremely privileged (by accident of birth) person. Surely a national anthem should emphasise unity and love for one’s country.

Aveline, I don’t mind Jerusalem, but I certainly don’t want it as a national anthem, whether for England or the UK.
I know about the original meaning of the words, but nowadays, Jerusalem is associated with conflict and we don’t need any more of that.

I don't mind the National Anthem. Nobody ever sings all the verses.
However, I hate, loathe and detest Jerusalem. It's so annoying and makes no sense at all.

Let's change it to 'Trelawny', the Cornish anthem, to be followed by a rousing rendition of Oggie, oggie, oggie, aye aye aye. But then I'm a bit biased plus very tongue-in-cheek, being Cornish. (Can't stand the National ~Dirge~ Anthem.)

I love this topic. It comes up again and again on GN and elsewhere and almost always with the same arguments.
I think England needs a national anthem, in the same way as Wales, Scotland and N Ireland use music special to them.
I’d like I Vow To Thee My Country for the same reasons as NanaDana.
Another reason I’d like that, is because I think is important that all those who live here, or come to live here should accept that the National Anthem is for the country they have chosen to live in or join.
So I vow to thee my country, if it became the England Anthem would be specific to here, without any way disregarding their country of origin or of their ancestry.

It talks about sacrificing one's life for one's country.

New words?

‘I vow to Thee ‘has a perfect tune but in an increasingly secular society it isn’t quite right.

The words aren't entirely suitable but the music is beautiful.

I agree with Nanadana. It’s beautiful. Spot on.

Yes, I have to agree that not only is our current anthem a bit of dirge, but the words are far too sycophantically Royalist for a modern democracy. I would suggest replacing it with the hymn, "I Vow To Thee My Country", created in 1921 when music from Gustav Holst's "Jupiter" from The Planets Suite had a poem by Sir Cecil Spring Rice set to it. The words are neither jingoistic nor militaristic, and the second verse in particular conveys a message of peace and love.

MiniMoon

Oh yes please! It's an awful song. The full lyrics are all about crushing foes.

'Rebellious Scots to crush' actually, which is why many north of the Border aren't fans - to put it mildly.

Granny23

When the National Anthem was played every night at close down on the TV, my Dad would spring to his feet - and sprint to turn it off. Taking my cue from him, I totally refuse to stand for the anthem (rebellious Scots to crush - aye you and what army?)

I agree that Jerusalem has a great tune but again it is anglo centric and the King it praises is not our monarch but rather God. A brand new anthem, (perhaps using an old tune) which celebrates the 4 corners of the realm and the diversity of its people is much needed.

I see no reason whatsoever to change the National Anthem - if only because I dread to think what bouncy woke ditty might replace it. And I have no problem with the (long since defunct) verse about crushing 'rebellious Scots' - since my clan fought on the Government side in the '45.

FarNorth

Lovetopaint037

Yes Land of Hope and Glory or Jerusalem would fit the bill beautifully.

All about England and taking over other lands.

Totally unsuitable for the current United Kingdom.

I did say England needs its own anthem too 🙂

" But none will be as good as the Welsh National Anthem" 😁 Totally Agree. I do not know what the words say, but when sung by a Welsh Male Voice Choir it would "Bring a tear to a glass eye"

Lovetopaint037

Yes Land of Hope and Glory or Jerusalem would fit the bill beautifully.

All about England and taking over other lands.

Totally unsuitable for the current United Kingdom.

Katie59

Not Jerusalem, but something that reflects Englands green and pleasant land.

You know that Charles is not only king of England?

Yes the Archers theme, and Jill's lemon drizzle can be the emblem if we need a new one

Granny23

When the National Anthem was played every night at close down on the TV, my Dad would spring to his feet - and sprint to turn it off. Taking my cue from him, I totally refuse to stand for the anthem (rebellious Scots to crush - aye you and what army?)

I agree that Jerusalem has a great tune but again it is anglo centric and the King it praises is not our monarch but rather God. A brand new anthem, (perhaps using an old tune) which celebrates the 4 corners of the realm and the diversity of its people is much needed.

Each country, including England, needs an official anthem to sing a sporting events etc and a new anthem for a United Kingdom is needed too.

It's definitely time.

An existing tune with different words?

But none will be as good as the Welsh National Anthem 😁

When the National Anthem was played every night at close down on the TV, my Dad would spring to his feet - and sprint to turn it off. Taking my cue from him, I totally refuse to stand for the anthem (rebellious Scots to crush - aye you and what army?)

I agree that Jerusalem has a great tune but again it is anglo centric and the King it praises is not our monarch but rather God. A brand new anthem, (perhaps using an old tune) which celebrates the 4 corners of the realm and the diversity of its people is much needed.

I am happy to stay with the current National Anthem.

If it were to change I would opt for either Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory, both rousing tunes.

I agree with Calendargirl , the French have La Marseillaise 1792 which is a patriotic anthem and are seemingly content with it, but I suspect for us the real problem for us is 'saving the king', more than the the tune itself,which of course is an anathema to lots of people.