Is the chosen English rugby anthem appropriate do you think?

[NothingWrong]

To me, it's an emotional song, about God really (coming for to carry me home). England has reduced it to bringing home a prize. Apart from cultural appropriation, is it appropriate for England to use a sort of Gospel song sung by black slaves as their rugby anthem?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_Low,_Sweet_Chariot

Here's a link to its origins btw.

Personally I think it's arrogant of them to use this song in the way they do. I'm not looking for a fight! Rugby fans are generally respectful, so I'm just wondering A whether English fans know the origins of the song and B whether anyone else feels it's a little 'off'?

Did you actually read the Wikipedia article you linked to about it's origins in Rugby Union? How is it about 'bringing home a prize' and why is it arrogant?

With everything else to worry about, this is what you choose?

Yes, I read the article or I wouldn't have linked it. I think people misunderstand the lyrics though - it was appropriate in the original use of it, but not now imo. They seem to think it's like 'Football's coming home' or something.

And similar question to you @Notthemessiah

Did you read the actual origin of the song?

The English anthem, played at the start of each match is, unfortunately the UK's national anthem. The other Home Natiins have their own, and England should too.

So how to fill that vacancy for an English sport's anthem?

I'd probably go for new words by the Poet Laureat to The Archers theme tune

I don't know, the Irish have both Ireland's call and The Fields of Athenry which are actually Irish songs!

It's just a strange choice of song I think. For England particularly.

Or something (completely different). You really don't know anything about rugby do you?

It has been sung as a rugby song since before the idea of cultural appropriation became a buzzword.

It now has it’s own long history in rugby.

This interview with Phil Coulter who wrote Ireland's Call is not too long - 5 mins, but it does acknowledge the thought that had to go into choosing an anthem for the Island of Ireland which is the only sport Ireland competes in with NI I think? The aim was not to cause offence to anyone.

Might help if I linked the video.......

You really don't know anything about rugby do you?

It's the only sport that I have any interest in and being Irish, I am a massive fan. I played both rugby and tag rugby and it is the only sport I watch.

The song has nothing to do with England whatsoever.

I didnt know the background to why its sung but it's a nice story. I'm scottish, I agree there should be another song sung by the England team that isnt God save the queen.
I dont think its cultural appropriation though.

Wow! Aggressive much?

I find it offensive when I hear it sung.

If you don’t put the tv on until kick-off (is that what it’s called rugby?) you won’t hear it.

It's a gospel song sung by oppressed people. It's somewhat baffling that England above all countries would adopt it, since they're the most renowned oppressors in the world historically!

Time to get some new hobbies @NothingWrong

You're clearly bored.

@TooleyVanDooley It's what the fans sing throughout the game.

Oh dear.

Oh. Perhaps watch with the sound turned off then?

I agree OP. At worst its inappropriate, at best its weird.

I love it and haven't ever thought of it as anything but a great anthem.

The DC have been to games with us from time to time and sung along with it. Of all the things I'd discourage them from singing (99 Problems, for example) that one is the least of my worries.

I dont think its cultural appropriation though.
Really? It's a song written by a freed black slave and is best associated with the civil rights movement in the US. Feels a bit odd to make it an English rugby song.

TooleyVanDooley Usually Ireland drowns out England when they're playing against each other - whether we're winning or losing.

Clearly this is an English/British site, so I wasn't expecting much concurrence, but I had hoped for useful commentary rather than aggression.

I have absolutely no objection to God save the Queen. I respect everyone's national anthem and expect the same in return. People have every right to be proud of their nation! I just think its a most unfortunate choice English fans have made to adopt this song as theirs lol. It's baffling to me really!