Just listened to our (English) National anthem at start of England v Ireland R.U. match.

I'm proud to be English, but what a boring, yawn inducing, embarrassing drag this tune is.

Its about time we had a new one like the Scots and Welsh have. Our present one just seems like an advert for the Queen.

Suggestions anyone?

Mine is JERUSALEM. Or even the 'Archers' theme would be an improvement.:D

I always thought Land of Hope and Glory was the English National Anthem, but they never seem to use it. I don't see why England should be the only country in the UK to use the British National Anthem; Wales, Scotland or NI don't.

I've only ever heard 'Land of Hope and Glory' sung at the proms, and even then its the Union Flag (usually upside down) that's being waved and not the Cross of St George.

Imagine a Scotsman waving the Union Flag at a footie match, eh?

Originally posted by Sidla
I always thought Land of Hope and Glory was the English National Anthem, but they never seem to use it. I don't see why England should be the only country in the UK to use the British National Anthem; Wales, Scotland or NI don't.

Forgive me Sidla for commending your post as an excersise in true common sense. :) :thumbsup:

with out checking or googleing how much of the national anthem do you know???

Originally posted by markham
I've only ever heard 'Land of Hope and Glory' sung at the proms, and even then its the Union Flag (usually upside down) that's being waved and not the Cross of St George.

Imagine a Scotsman waving the Union Flag at a footie match, eh?

At the Commenwelth games in Manchester they played 'Land of hope and glory' at the medal ceremony whenever we won a medal.

What about setting Wordsworth's 'Daffodils' to music. I think of this as our national poem. It'd be really good.

Originally posted by Fletch
with out checking or googleing how much of the national anthem do you know???

Not me.

Usually fall asleep by the time they've sung "Queen" for the fourth
time in 10 seconds!!

Originally posted by Fletch
with out checking or googleing how much of the national anthem do you know???
All of it, surely everyone does don't they?? I know the third verse too. I don't know the second verse, but nobody ever seems to use that anyway.

Hey Sidla. How brown is your nose. Are you after an OBE.

Nobody should bother to learn any more than one verse and thats a real turn off. It doesnt get your blood going with patriotic fervour and that is what we need. I agree that Land of Hope and Glory is the best anthem.

I've been in a church choir for nearly 15 years, so I guess it would be a crime not to know the national anthem. I'd be shocked if there's people who don't know the 1st verse though. I might excuse the Queen because presumably she never has to sing it.

Just been surfing and it seems that Land of Hope and Glory is BRITISH orientated, and doesn't specifically refer to any of the UK in the words.

Jerusalem on the other hand mentions England and its pride.

Jerusalem wins my vote every time.

LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY

Land of Hope and Glory
Mother of the Free
How shall we extol thee
Who are born of thee?
Wider still and wider
Shall thy bounds be set
God, who made thee mighty
Make thee mightier yet...
God, who made thee mighty
Make thee mightier yet.

Lots of references to widening the boundaries IE Empire building.
Won't go down well in some quarters!!!!

however...........

JERUSALEM

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.


Just sheer pride in the land (England), and our willingness to defend her.

Many moons ago now but:

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1556&perpage=15&highlight=national%20anthem&pagenumber=1

When did everyone last sing the British National Anthem?

I don't recall ever having sung a national anthem, my own, the british or anyone elses.

To me it is about as cheesy an idea as the Kirby Cleaners company song.

We should have a national animal though, rather than the non-indigenous Lion, or non-existent Unicorn (sorry, but they don't exist!).

I think it should be the BADGER.

Having said that I think William Blake is a good choice for author of the National Anthem. He was completely barking you know, pretty much was his own religion and wrote some really bendy poetry:

Pity would be no more
If we did not make somebody poor,
And Mercy no more could be
If all were as happy as we.

And mutual fear brings Peace,
Till the selfish loves increase;
Then Cruelty knits a snare,
And spreads his baits with care.

He sits down with holy fears,
And waters the ground with tears;
Then Humility takes its root
Underneath his foot.

Soon spreads the dismal shade
Of Mystery over his head,
And the caterpillar and fly
Feed on the Mystery.

And it bears the fruit of Deceit,
Ruddy and sweet to eat,
And the raven his nest has made
In its thickest shade.

The gods of the earth and sea
Sought through nature to find this tree,
But their search was all in vain:
There grows one in the human Brain.

Sang National Anthem when I was in Brownies...many moons ago...cant remember it now and havent been to an occassion where Ive had to sing it, apart from sister's graduation, but I remained seated and scowled like a mini anarchist with me dad, whos general response is "national anthem...my arse!" :thumbsup:

I think national anthem should be Benny Hill theme tune, Id stand up and salute that! :D

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
Many moons ago now but:

http://www.sheffieldforum.co.uk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1556&perpage=15&highlight=national%20anthem&pagenumber=1

When did everyone last sing the British National Anthem?

I don't recall ever having sung a national anthem, my own, the british or anyone elses.

To me it is about as cheesy an idea as the Kirby Cleaners company song.

We should have a national animal though, rather than the non-indigenous Lion, or non-existent Unicorn (sorry, but they don't exist!).

I think it should be the BADGER.

Having said that I think William Blake is a good choice for author of the National Anthem. He was completely barking you know, pretty much was his own religion and wrote some really bendy poetry:

|Aargh! AGAIN with the Badgers! :D

Badger Badger! :lol:

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
Having said that I think William Blake is a good choice for author of the National Anthem. He was completely barking you know, pretty much was his own religion and wrote some really bendy poetry:

Tyger Tyger
Burning bright
In the forest, of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmertry?

Love that poem! best thing to come out of English GSCE, better than godawful Seamus Heany!!!!! GAH!
PS enough with the Badgers!
Kenya is much more fulfilling :thumbsup:

Pity he didn't put it on the Poem thread, it fits the rhythm.

AND ITS BRILL!!!!!

Doesn't anyone sing the National Anthem on Rememberance Sunday?

It seems that I take the National Anthem for granted more than most people.

I know lots of people who sing it, including me, but I still think it sounds more like a funeral tune. Embarrassing even.

We need a new ENGLISH one don't you think?

Originally posted by Mosherchik

Tyger Tyger
Burning bright
In the forest, of the night
What immortal hand or eye
Dare frame thy fearful symmertry?



I like the Milligan Version:

Tyger, Tyger
Burning Bright
Watch out you dont
Set the Jungle alight

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
We should have a national animal though, rather than the non-indigenous Lion, or non-existent Unicorn (sorry, but they don't exist!).

I think it should be the BADGER.
I think that would be a bad idea, badgers spread TB. It wouldn't say much about our country!

I vote for the Leicestershire Fox!


P.S. Badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, badger, mushroom, mushroom!

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
I like the Milligan Version:

Tyger, Tyger
Burning Bright
Watch out you dont
Set the Jungle alight
lol :D or maybe the National Anthem should be the classic Milligan...
Ying tang ying tang ying tang ying tang ying tang tiddle i po
xxx

hate the UK, not patriotic at all, but this is what i think should be the national anthem


ITS FUN TO STAY AT THE Y........M.........C.......A......

and instead of putting your hand over your heart, you do the dance, that would be interesting on the rugby pitch. better than NZ hakka

It isn't very intimidating though is it?

Wilf

We share the 'National' anthem with Leichenstein (I think) bizarrely. I remember nearly ******* my pants with laughter watching a World Cup qualifier between them and England and God Save the Queen was played twice...theres me thinking stupid fu**wits have played it twice..how embarrasing, only to have some spotty southern student oik correct me..doh!!

Originally posted by Mosherchik

I think national anthem should be Benny Hill theme tune, Id stand up and salute that! :D

LOL - that's the ring tone on my phone!

Nomme

I'm from the Isle of Man.

(Before you ask, I'm not quoting The Fast Show :).)

Our national anthem there speaks mainly about the sweeping beauty of the country, which is what I think a national anthem should be about. (I don't agree that the IoM is that beautiful tho... meh, I'm originally from the Lake District, I guess I have standards :D.) So surely some Wordsworth poem or something would be the best lyrics, I dunno...

Originally posted by Mosherchik
lol :D or maybe the National Anthem should be the classic Milligan...
Ying tang ying tang ying tang ying tang ying tang tiddle i po
xxx
I vote for that!

here it is in full

HE YING TONG SONG
=== ==== ==== ====

[orchestral intro]

Tenor: There's a song that I recall
My mother sang to me.
Sprigs [off]: Oh! [a sigh]
Tenor: She sang it as she tucked me in
When I was ninety-three.

[harp plays a rising chord...]

Sprigs: I diddle, I. Who was that bum?

Bluebottle + Sprigs:
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po,
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong [bluebottle drops behind]
Ying tong iddle I po
Sprigs: Keep lad up. Keep.
Bluebottle: Keep up lad up.


Both: Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Sprigs: lad
Both: Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po [lad]
Iddle I po [lad]

Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong [Sprigs: iddle] [Bluebottle: ying tong]
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong iddle

Bluebottle [spoken]:
Ying tong iddle I po!
[short raspberry, Secombe]

Both: Oh!
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Iddle I po!

[trumpet bit]

Bluebottle:
Ying. Ying tongy tongy.
Ying tong iddle I po.
Ying tong iddle I po.
[Secombe under this: What a lovely lovely boy!]
Ying ying ying tongy tongy.
[Milligan: Get out the rifle, sir.]
Yeeeng.
Ying tong ying tong d'gy-n'o.
Ying tong d'ga.
[Secombe: Get away.]
D'g d'g d'ga.
Ying tong iddle I po.

Seagoon:Hear that crazy rhythm
Driving me insane.
Strike your partner on the bonce.
[thump]
Eccles: Ooh. I felt no pain.
[Bluebottle screeches]

Seagoon, Bluebottle and Eccles:
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying...

[harp chord rises]

Soprano: Take me back to Vienna....

[Raspberry section, probably Milligan]

Bloodnok: Ohhhhh!
Eccles: Oh!

[harp chord]

Soprano: Take me back to Vienna, where the....

[crash!]

Seagoon, Sprigs and Bluebottle [far off]:
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po

[mad dash to foreground]

Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
[Sprigs: keep going lad]
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po

Seagoon: LOOK OUT!
[cry from Bluebottle]

[mad dash to distance]

[hastily]
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po

[dash to foreground]

Ying tong...

[whine of bomb dropping, explosion]

Double speed, but same tempo, Goons:

Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Iddle I po.

Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Iddle I po.

One: Ying! Tongy tongy tongy.
Yiddy diddy diddy da daaa. Ying diddy.
Ying tong diddle. Yiddada boo.
[rhythmic thigh slapping, raspberry]

All Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle
Ying tong iddle I po
Ying tong ying tong
Ying tong iddle I po
Iddle I po.

Bluebottle?: Whoooooh!

Hee Hee!
He's fallen in the water! :thumbsup: :D

Originally posted by Sidla
Doesn't anyone sing the National Anthem on Rememberance Sunday?

It seems that I take the National Anthem for granted more than most people.


I dont know any of the national anthem. I know the 'God Save The Queen' bit, but that's it.
Never had call to sing it in my life. Dont believe in God and dont care a toss about the queen, so it really has no meaning for me.

Did they never teach it you in school?

Here it is for anyone who wants to know it:
God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen.
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the Queen!

Originally posted by Sidla
Did they never teach it you in school?

Here it is for anyone who wants to know it:

Says him who just hit copy and pasted it :D

Verse 6 is my favourite


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 Queen!

Originally posted by fnkysknky
Says him who just hit copy and pasted it :D
I didn't actually, FYI.

Give me the French or South Afican anthem anyday above the dirge of GSTQ.

billy conolly once suggested "the archers" theme tune - which is a pretty jolly number. If only we could think of the words to go with it....

I quite like Rule Brittannia, but thats another UK one as opposed to England :(

Land of Hope and Glory suffices, but all of our "Anthems" give me a bit of pride, as do watching helicopter sweeps over green english fields :thumbsup:

My vote for the new national anthem is 'Ace Of Spades' by Motorhead.

Originally posted by Sidla
I didn't actually, FYI.

It was a joke Sid - calm down :)

I was perfectly calm.

Originally posted by Phanerothyme
billy conolly once suggested "the archers" theme tune - which is a pretty jolly number. If only we could think of the words to go with it....
Or sing the lyrics of God Save the Queen to the theme tune from the Archers :thumbsup: like Im Sorry I Havnt a Clue - one song to the tune of another :D

Originally posted by Smiler
Give me the French or South Afican anthem anyday above the dirge of GSTQ.

ha ha i used to live in SA and hd to sing that nationaly anthem over and over. so much happier sounding then the British, god be because of the substancially better weather though

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 Queen!

...........and the English could never understand why the playing of the anthem was greeted by sustained booiing at football and rugby Internationals by Scottish fans.

It should have been scrapped 100 years ago for Jerusalem

Originally posted by markham
LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY

JERUSALEM

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.


Just sheer pride in the land (England), and our willingness to defend her.

stirring stuff - gets my vote :thumbsup:

Originally posted by markham
LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY
JERUSALEM

And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.


Just sheer pride in the land (England), and our willingness to defend her.
I would say you could read that poem a number of ways.

I would say Blake was making an indictment.

Jerusalem, though stirring and a really good tune is about hating progress 'the dark satanic mills' bit, and wanting to build a perfect society to encourage the second coming of Jesus.
It asks would Jesus come here? and then basically says 'no, its rubbish'

And its all a bit Christian for my taste as a national anthem.

Two suggestions

We could try

"God save the Queen, (It's a facist regime)"
especially now Johnny got famous again

or as Phan says, the Archers, only dont be telling me you dont know the words, everyone knows the words....

Tum tee tum tee tum tee tum
tum tee tiddly tum
tum tee tiddly
tum tee tiddly
tum tee tiddly tum
tum tee tum tee tum tee tum
tum tee tiddly tum

...bows

Originally posted by oxbeast
Jerusalem, though stirring and a really good tune is about hating progress 'the dark satanic mills' bit, and wanting to build a perfect society to encourage the second coming of Jesus.
It asks would Jesus come here? and then basically says 'no, its rubbish'

And its all a bit Christian for my taste as a national anthem.

Even the Christians of the time though him beyond the pale for his fundamentalist (and indeed, widely divergent beliefs - he was an ardent naturist at home in London)

Originally posted by Sidla
Doesn't anyone sing the National Anthem on Rememberance Sunday?

Not really no. I don't really see what saving the queen has to do with remembering the dead.

I remeber the brazillian national anthem when england played them in the world cup. It was brilliant, everyone just went crazy singing it. looked like lots of fun. Thats what we need, a fun song to sing.

What about 'Bob the Builder'?
Its a message of hope in a dysfunctional world.
can we fix it?
yes, we can.

right on indeed.

Yewve all just repeated an old Billy Connolly sketch.

I reckon the national anthem should be whatever is no. 1 in the charts. Today we could all get funky and who knows what it would be next week? Think of the renaissance the charts would undergo. And we'd never get bored because they'd be a new national anthem coming along most Sundays...

Well that is a good enough reason to get single cd sales back to what they used to be. :D :P