(no subject)

[graculus]

And once again, England snatch defeat (or at least a draw) from the jaws of victory... ;)

Meanwhile, another poll. I was thinking about this when I watched the first England game and saw some comments afterwards on how Gary Neville didn't sing along with the English national anthem because he was brought up Jehovah's Witness and then I thought about this tonight.

Personally, I think I would struggle even as someone who identifies as English, in the unlikely event I was representing my country and was expected to sing along to that bunch of twaddle. I don't want Liz Windsor to reign over us for years and years, no more than I want any of her fatuous family to do so in the future. So for me, the 'national anthem' has no relevance to our actual nation whatsoever, while at least other countries seem to have stuff that isn't 'God Bless Our President, We'd Like Him To Be In Charge For Years Even If He Has To Change The Law So He Can Be Re-Elected'... ;)

Anyway, a poll for English folks (and the couple of Scots I know I have on my friends list if they care to say something, since it's allegedly not just the English national anthem... what do they play when it's England v Scotland?):

[Poll #752378]

Comments

[tryfanstone.livejournal.com]

I *think* Flower of Scotland is played, which is the de facto Scottish National Anthem.

But, with many apologies, am seriously uninterested in football so cannot be sure.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

I think you're right, and at least that's a proper national anthem if that's the case - none of this 'God Bless the Nominal Head of State' business. ;)

[tryfanstone.livejournal.com]

...avoiding intelligent comment on national identity, sportsmanship and the Girl Guides to mention, have just spent several lovely moments trying to set 'God Bless the Nominal Head of State' to a singable rhythm. Plainsong seems to work...

Rather like it.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

Perhaps we ought to suggest its adoption? ;)

And in the meantime, have you also had a crack at 'God Bless Our President, We'd Like Him To Be In Charge For Years Even If He Has To Change The Law So He Can Be Re-Elected'?

[siluria]

... I don't think I'd sing our current anthem, simply because I feel it's outdated, boring and doesn't inspire me to do anything, least of all save the queen. But it's a team game and they're playing for their country, and if this ditty unites them as one entity, and gives them an identity and a country they can be proud of representing, then I think they should go for it. Maybe it's about time someone came up with a new tune that people can sing no matter what their belief or faith.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

But it's a team game and they're playing for their country, and if this ditty unites them as one entity, and gives them an identity and a country they can be proud of representing...

Not sure it's working too well on that front. ;)

Maybe it's about time someone came up with a new tune that people can sing no matter what their belief or faith.

Considering this one's been knocking around since the mid-18th century (including verses about confounding the evil plans of Jacobites to overthrow our good Protestant monarchs), it might be time for a change...

[xochiquetzl]

At least your national anthem is one most people can actually sing. Lots of Americans don't have the vocal range to sing both the highs and lows of ours.

[khek.livejournal.com]

Although, sadly, may do attempt it. :p

[nakeisha.livejournal.com]

Yes, I would and could sing along, and no the thought doesn't offend.

[rhade-rad.livejournal.com]

Lessee ... in rugby you can see the South African team belting out theirs in all its different languages, the All Blacks now know the Maori and English versions of their national anthem: that's been the policy since Graham Henry took over and the Irish were belting out theirs with gusto - OK they still lost but not by much AND they won the 6 Nations.

I'll agree God Save the Queen isn't as stirring as Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory [which is what England use at the Commonwealth Games] but I'm with you on its part of what you're representing so sing the damn thing. Sing it loud, sing it proud.

But then I think the privatisation of the big clubs in footy and rugger and their managements' concerns that players' primary duty is to their club not the country seriously inhibits our ability to perform at international level. Jake White [the SA rugby coach] said recently that the difference between NZ and the rest of the rugby playing world is the relationship between clubs and country: any and every change gets discussed in terms of "how will this affect the All Blacks?" If the answer is 'badly' then it doesn't happen. We have Alex Ferguson twitching about Rooney because he might not be fit for MU and seeing that as more important than England winning, and the rugby Premiership refusing to release players for a game against the ABs in November because they'll "be playing too many matches", despite this being almost the last opportunity to see how the team plays against the best in the world before the 2007 world cup.

[graculus.livejournal.com]

I'll agree God Save the Queen isn't as stirring as Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory [which is what England use at the Commonwealth Games] but I'm with you on its part of what you're representing so sing the damn thing. Sing it loud, sing it proud.

I would have no problems at all with either Rule Britannia or Land of Hope and Glory, or indeed Jerusalem. It's the Queen thing, not the country thing. ;)