National anthem

[Zingari]

Yes that is pretty much me to a tee, except the age, I'm not 110.

good luck in your new career as a WMC entertainer

although WMCs are a bit rarer than when your ( whatever the word is for someone who you are the reincarnation of ) was treading the boards

[Raw Dykes]

Makes me think about all that's great about this country, and sends shivers down my spine.

I can feel heart burst with bloody pride at 0:54.

[Parafox]

good luck in your new career as a WMC entertainer

although WMCs are a bit rarer than when your ( whatever the word is for someone who you are the reincarnation of ) was treading the boards

PRE-incarnation?

Actually I think it's simply "incarnation"

[Parafox]

Before any National Anthem is chosen we should look carefully at the words and inherent meaning behind them.

The current one is a protestant-based, anti-Scottish dirge. (I'm not Scots) It has no relevance in current times and merely (as has been said) ties us to a monarchy thats hasn't been of English stock for many many years.

Jerusalem, originally a poem by William Blake says more about national pride in being English. I believe any national anthem should be about the country, the people and it's heritage rather than about it's leader/head of state. It should also give the feeling of national pride and build on the nationalism that dwells within most of us when it comes to our own countries. Check out the USA anthem for a good example. It doesn't once mention anything about a President just the glories of the nation past.

Basically this is saying England is "God's country"

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England's mountains 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 these 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.

[Narborough_fox]

I'm quite happy with Flower o' Scotland although if they decided to change it to Scotland the Brave I wouldn't complain...

[Bob Weasel Fox]

GSTQ - Why change something that's not broke? Sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it.

This

[fleckneymike]

Before any National Anthem is chosen we should look carefully at the words and inherent meaning behind them.

The current one is a protestant-based, anti-Scottish dirge. (I'm not Scots) It has no relevance in current times and merely (as has been said) ties us to a monarchy thats hasn't been of English stock for many many years.

Jerusalem, originally a poem by William Blake says more about national pride in being English. I believe any national anthem should be about the country, the people and it's heritage rather than about it's leader/head of state. It should also give the feeling of national pride and build on the nationalism that dwells within most of us when it comes to our own countries. Check out the USA anthem for a good example. It doesn't once mention anything about a President just the glories of the nation past.

Basically this is saying England is "God's country"

And did those feet in ancient time

Walk upon England's mountains 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 these 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.

And if like most of the country you don't believe in religion?

[Parafox]

And if like most of the country you don't believe in religion?

I don't particularly, it's a rousing, motivating tune and words. You can leave any religious connotations out of it, much as we do with GStQ

[Mission Unlikely Promotion]

God Save The Queen

[Parafox]

God Save The Queen

No, sorry. It's too much about one individual (past and present). We need something more relevant and about the COUNTRY and it's people

[AyewJoking]

God save the queen is very easy to remember although I'll admit to not knowing the second verse!

Can you imagine Rooney and Milner remembering the words to Jerusalem? (not that they'd bother anyway)

[Fox1651]

God Save the Queen for me too

[fleckneymike]

I don't particularly, it's a rousing, motivating tune and words. You can leave any religious connotations out of it, much as we do with GStQ

How would one leave religious connotations out of a poem turned hymn about the possible presence of our lord Jesus in England as part of his plan to establish a new Jerusalem as part of the second coming?

[Parafox]

How would one leave religious connotations out of a poem turned hymn about the possible presence of our lord Jesus in England as part of his plan to establish a new Jerusalem as part of the second coming?

It's Lord with a capital "L"

[Raw Dykes]

Ideally, for me it would be something with no mention of gods or monarchs, and if it's the British national anthem, rather than just the English one, then it would be a good idea if it didn't mention destroying some British people.

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.

I'm not Scotch, but I actually felt a bit sorry for Andy Murray having to sing along to GSTQ.

[Parafox]

Ideally, for me it would be something with no mention of gods or monarchs, and if it's the British national anthem, rather than just the English one, then it would be a good idea if it didn't mention destroying some British people.

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.

I'm not Scotch, but I actually felt a bit sorry for Andy Murray having to sing along to GSTQ.

May I respectfully point out that Scotch is a drink, people from Scotland are Scottish or Scots

[Guest MattP]

Ideally, for me it would be something with no mention of gods or monarchs, and if it's the British national anthem, rather than just the English one, then it would be a good idea if it didn't mention destroying some British people.

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.

I'm not Scotch, but I actually felt a bit sorry for Andy Murray having to sing along to GSTQ.

It's not like they held a gun to his head and made him trot out that verse.

Matt Elliott had to sing about sending Edwards army home when he played for the Jocks, works both ways.

[Captain...]

May I respectfully point out that Scotch is a drink, people from Scotland are Scottish or Scots

It's a good job you pointed that out, you should also mention that Scottish people get annoyed when you call them scotch, so you really, really, really shouldn't call a scotsman scotch or you may risk accidentally pissing them off and nobody would do that.

[Parafox]

It's a good job you pointed that out, you should also mention that Scottish people get annoyed when you call them scotch, so you really, really, really shouldn't call a scotsman scotch or you may risk accidentally pissing them off and nobody would do that.

Somebody called Robert the Bruce scotch and then look what happened

He painted himself blue with anger and fury

[I am Rod Hull]

[Daggers]

Just like every time this question gets posed on here: The Benny Hill theme tune.

I don't want anything about conquering people, gods, inbred and spoilt 'royals' or the country being "mighty". Celebrate the country for what it is - a funny joke.

[Raw Dykes]

May I respectfully point out that Scotch is a drink, people from Scotland are Scottish or Scots

Thanks for pointing that out!

http://youtu.be/ybQCNb4AuW4

It's not like they held a gun to his head and made him trot out that verse.

Matt Elliott had to sing about sending Edwards army home when he played for the Jocks, works both ways.

You're right - there were no guns involved, but you can bet there would have been plenty made of it had he refused to sing. He was damned either way.

Put yourself in his shoes. I wouldn't want to have to sing a song about crushing the English, especially after I've just won a gold medal for my country. Come on!

Oh, Matt Elliott had to do something similar, so it's ok, then. When did I say that? Wouldn't it be better if no-one ever had to sing songs about triumphing over the country they're from?

[Guest Col city fan]

It's Lord with a capital "L"

Yes it is.

[SeCrEt FoX]

GSTQ - Why change something that's not broke? Sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it.

This. I like jeruselum but they all feel a bit stuck up for me . GSTQ Euro 96 vs Germany at Wembley was epic . Shivers down my spine everytime i hear it.

[ADK]

Reminds me of the campaign to add black into the union flag to represent ethnic diversity. Think we should keep it as it is.