National anthem....

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There has been discussion about national anthems on a couple of threads, and both music and lyrics have been criticised.

It is not just "God save the queen"
The "offensive " fourth verse receives criticism as insulting to the Scots:

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.


Yet surely Flower of Scotland is equally insulting to the English as every verse contains the lines:

And stood against him,
Proud Edward's Army,
And sent him homeward,
To think again.

Described in Wikipedia as:
A national anthem (also state anthem, national hymn, national song etc.) is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's Government as the official national song or by convention through use by the people. The majority of national anthems are either marches of hymns in style. The countries of Latin America tend towards more Operatic pieces, while a handful of countries use a simple fanfare

So what do we want to see in a "National Anthem"

Patriotism, inclusiveness, an advertising campaign?
 

coffeejo

Ælfrēd
Location
West Somerset
Just something upbeat and happy. Words not necessary.
 
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PeteXXX

Cake or ice cream? The choice is endless ...
Location
Hamtun
Edgar Broughton ~ Out Demons Out always got the crowds joining in with the chorus!!
 
The "offensive " fourth verse receives criticism as insulting to the Scots:

Yet surely Flower of Scotland is equally insulting to the English as every verse contains the lines
The "God Save the Queen" song is a British anthem, so insulting a constituent part of GB might not be the best of ideas; one could almost be given to thinking that the country being insulted is not valued.

"Flower of Scotland" is Scottish anthem. GIRUY.
 

Rasmus

Without a clever title
Location
Bristol
evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people

Seems to fit both God Save the Queen and Flower of Scotland quite well.
 
Given that the so-called 'fourth verse' never was part of the anthem officially, I can't see what the issue is... other than a bit of over sensitivity and several rather large chips.

http://www.royal.gov.uk/MonarchUK/Symbols/NationalAnthem.aspx said:
There is no authorised version of the National Anthem

On official occasions, only the first verse is usually sung.

The words of the National Anthem are as follows:
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.

Thy choicest gifts in store
On her be pleased to pour,
Long may she reign.
May she defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the Queen.

Got to agree with you, from pretty much all the anti-unionist Scottish that I know of, all seem to like to pick up on the tiniest faux offensive thing they can.

Though it seems as though the majority of Scotland don't really care either, since they repeatedly vote to stay as part of the union.

Though I do agree it's a bit dull, and would much prefer Rule Britannia, or Land of Hope and Glory.
 
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