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Original poster

Why doesn't England have a National Anthem?

364 replies

itwontletmechoose · 14/07/2024 19:59

It's frustrating to hear them sing the 'God Save the King' British national anthem. Why doesn't England have its own national anthem instead of singing one which covers all of the union (in theory)?

OP posts:
DramaLlamaBangBang · 15/07/2024 00:17

BESTAUNTB · 14/07/2024 23:06

Would most English people prefer Scotland and Wales to be indie and NI to become part of the Rep Ireland ?

I think I would like Scotland and Wales to be united as a country together, but think the island of Ireland should be united. I think they should have ' devomax' and we should have more of a federal system. Someone said the Lords should be some kind of assembly for the regions. Culturally and historically it's difficult to hold the UK together as one happy union. It's held together by economic reality more than a sense of nation hood I feel.

Emeraldiisland · 14/07/2024 23:56

Needmorelego · 14/07/2024 20:11

At least we were singing - unlike that Spanish lot 🤣
(does the Spanish anthem not have words?)

The England team did sing today but it's a very recent thing, hardly any of them used to. I think I heard they were told (not sure who by) to learn the words.

MoonlightFarrow · 14/07/2024 23:43

BESTAUNTB · 14/07/2024 23:06

Would most English people prefer Scotland and Wales to be indie and NI to become part of the Rep Ireland ?

I’d prefer us to remain in the Union with Scotland and Wales because without wishing to be cheesy, we’re better together. I’m all for greater devolution though.

Northern Ireland is a little different. I do tend to think Ireland should be united if the people on both sides of the border want that to happen.

RosieChardonnay · 14/07/2024 23:27

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:47

I was joking. I am not sure the ROI wants them either.

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I'm from ROI and would not vote for a united Ireland. I think its fantastic that they have achieved the peace they have in NI and I wouldn't want anything to jeprodise that.
However I know lots of people don't agree with me and an have an idealistic view of a united Ireland. Looking at demographics it is very likely to happen in the future though.

Gcsunnyside23 · 14/07/2024 23:18

Sidebeforeself · 14/07/2024 20:31

It’s either Hey Jude, sweet Caroline, 3 lions or Vindaloo isn’t it?

You stole sweet Caroline from the northern Ireland fans. They were furious yous have tried to claim it as your anthem as they have made it iconic for years

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 23:10

BESTAUNTB · 14/07/2024 23:06

Would most English people prefer Scotland and Wales to be indie and NI to become part of the Rep Ireland ?

Prefer the union.

BESTAUNTB · 14/07/2024 23:06

Would most English people prefer Scotland and Wales to be indie and NI to become part of the Rep Ireland ?

Devonbabs · 14/07/2024 23:01

Cooper77 · 14/07/2024 22:56

God save the King is awful. We have the worst national anthem in the world. I have to leave the room when they play it before a match. Everything about it makes me wince. The lyrics make us sound like a bunch of medieval peasants, and the tune is so dreary it’s painful. We ought to have Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory instead.

Why do you want a song about spiritual alchemy as as the national anthem- misappropriation of Blake’s beautiful words would certainly make me leave the room (and probably leave Blake turning in his grave)

Cooper77 · 14/07/2024 22:56

God save the King is awful. We have the worst national anthem in the world. I have to leave the room when they play it before a match. Everything about it makes me wince. The lyrics make us sound like a bunch of medieval peasants, and the tune is so dreary it’s painful. We ought to have Jerusalem or Land of Hope and Glory instead.

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:56

TheHateIsNotGood · 14/07/2024 22:52

And I never knew....well, in that case I agree with @Putting and others that the English National Anthem should be "Always look on the bright side of Life" te-dum, tum-de-da-de-te-dum.

Rather like suggesting 'ave a cup o' tea and a snort of brandy, but then when you're pelted with accusations of mental and cultural intolerance just because you've got pale skin and are born in England, you may as well go along with at least the irony that comes with the 'culture'... apparently the English Flag is considered offensive and symbolic of 'racism'; all that 'colonialism' dontcha know, whilst conveniently forgetting the many other countries who did 'colonialism' and still do.

Crucifixation? - in that queue my ol' chum.

Yeah the "Scotland didn't colonise or participate in the British empire" rubbish that I have read on FB by some individuals who don't know their history has made me laugh.

TheHateIsNotGood · 14/07/2024 22:52

And I never knew....well, in that case I agree with @Putting and others that the English National Anthem should be "Always look on the bright side of Life" te-dum, tum-de-da-de-te-dum.

Rather like suggesting 'ave a cup o' tea and a snort of brandy, but then when you're pelted with accusations of mental and cultural intolerance just because you've got pale skin and are born in England, you may as well go along with at least the irony that comes with the 'culture'... apparently the English Flag is considered offensive and symbolic of 'racism'; all that 'colonialism' dontcha know, whilst conveniently forgetting the many other countries who did 'colonialism' and still do.

Crucifixation? - in that queue my ol' chum.

ClevererThanMost · 14/07/2024 22:51

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:45

Surely you would know GSTK if you watch Olympics etc? So Welsh and Scots don't watch the Olympics?

Nope. Can’t imagine anything duller.

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:47

DramaLlamaBangBang · 14/07/2024 22:46

Why would you give Northern Ireland to Scotland instead of the already Independent country its literally joined to and shares a part of its name with?

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I was joking. I am not sure the ROI wants them either.

DramaLlamaBangBang · 14/07/2024 22:46

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:44

Give it to Scotland if they get Independence. They caused the mess with the plantation of Ulster anyway.

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Why would you give Northern Ireland to Scotland instead of the already Independent country its literally joined to and shares a part of its name with?

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:45

Surely you would know GSTK if you watch Olympics etc? So Welsh and Scots don't watch the Olympics?

WithACatLikeTread · 14/07/2024 22:44

gotmyknickersinatwist · 14/07/2024 22:25

I firmly believe the vast majority of English people would happily lance NI like a boil on its bloated arse.

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Give it to Scotland if they get Independence. They caused the mess with the plantation of Ulster anyway.

TerrysNeapolitan · 14/07/2024 22:38

ClevererThanMost · 14/07/2024 20:09

Or The Archers theme tune.

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Just yes!!

DramaLlamaBangBang · 14/07/2024 22:35

LuluBlakey1 · 14/07/2024 20:49

I like 'I Vow To Thee My Country'. It would be a good national anthem for England.

I agree. I think that is a great song. I dont know all the words, but as with GSTK you can get rid of the dodgy bits. The main problem with GSTK for me is that its about saving one person and how we should all try and pray to God to save the King. Nothing to do with the nation, which surely is what a 'National anthem' should be about.

HairyToity · 14/07/2024 22:34

Would love to see the monarchy abolished and Jerusalem as our national anthem.

ErrolTheDragon · 14/07/2024 22:32

Notgoodatpoetrybutgreatatlit · 14/07/2024 22:09

I very much enjoy David Bowies many anthem like songs also. Possibly not Space Oddity, Heros is great as is Starman.
I suspect an ABBA song would score very highly in a free vote, Waterloo might satisfy those who enjoy a bit of historical allusion. But Super Trouper is also very rousing.

I'm not sure 'I was sick and tired of everything when I called you last night from Glasgow' hits quite the right sentimentGrin

Putting · 14/07/2024 22:31

Or Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life

Hatfullofwillow · 14/07/2024 22:30

I thought "Yakaty Sax", the theme from Benny Hill, was England's unofficial anthem.

DramaLlamaBangBang · 14/07/2024 22:29

Cinocino · 14/07/2024 20:22

Isn’t God Save essentially the English national anthem though? It’s not exactly popular in Scotland, Wales or NI (other than the fanatics no one cares about who think they are more English than the English).

Its not supposed to be. Its supposed to be the anthem of the UK and the Commonwealth Realms I believe. England is the only country that doesn't have a separate National Anthem just for itself, and has co opted the UK (dreary non national anthem) for itself.

MrsClownland · 14/07/2024 22:27

Well this thread is taking an unpleasant turn

EsmeSusanOgg · 14/07/2024 22:26

Anonymouseposter · 14/07/2024 20:28

Have you actually heard the words of Land Of Hope And Glory. (Wider still and wider shall thy bounds be set etc.) Not ideal. Jerusalem might do.

I thought Jerusalem was an unofficial hymn for women's suffrage? Which is why the WI sing it?