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Now it all makes sense.

Last post Mon, Jul 12 2010 5:21 by altius. 6 replies.
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  • Tue, Mar 9 2010 20:42

    Now it all makes sense.

     A few days ago I read a bit on the BBC about changing national anthems, seems a few folks in the UK don't like "God Save the Queen"(we use the same tune but different lyrics and call it "My Country tis of Thee") and would like to change it to "Land of Hope and Glory".  One of my favorite movies of all time is "Hope and Glory" set in WW2 England.  Fiddling around on Youtube I did a search and it was loaded with video of you Brits singing it at something called "proms"(the prom is the high school dance here).  Once again, I knew the tune, Pomp and Circumstance, played at nearly every graduation in the USA, without any words.  This explained why the tune was played in "Hope and Glory" and why the movie was named such.....now it all makes sense. 

  • Thu, Mar 11 2010 20:06 In reply to

    • old mcdonald
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    Re: Now it all makes sense.

    Part of the problem with both the National anthem and Land of Hope and Glory is that they are English songs. A verse of the NA that is never sung is profoundly anti-Scottish. And KF, if you have never seen the Last Night of the Proms YouTubes then you are missing a treat. I have very little interest in music, but watch a few of those. I suggest the second half only as the first is often not so good unless you are really, really into Classical stuff. Others will disagree with me aboput the 1st half.

     

  • Sun, Mar 14 2010 12:40 In reply to

    • Peter Wells
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    Re: Now it all makes sense.

    old mcdonald:
    Part of the problem with both the National anthem and Land of Hope and Glory is that they are English songs. A verse of the NA that is never sung is profoundly anti-Scottish.

    Old Mc is correct in that God Save the Queen has been used by the English soccer and rugby teams on the occasions when the home nations are competing with each other. This has always seemed wrong to me and, as an Englishman, I have always thought that England should have its own 'anthem' for such occasions and not presume a singular right to what is an anthem supposed to represent the combined nations of Britain.

    There was (is) one verse of God Save the Queen which referred in a disparaging way to the Scots but, in all my life, I have heard that verse sung in England and, in my view it should be officially repudiated.

     

  • Wed, Apr 21 2010 10:40 In reply to

    Re: Now it all makes sense.

    Peter Wells:
    nations are competing with each other. This has always seemed wrong to be and, as an Englishman, I have always thought that England should have its own 'anthem' for such occasions and not presume a signular right to what is an anthem supposed to represent the combined nations of Britain.

     

    . PW, with the greatest respect, the English are welcome to claim "God Save the Queen" as their own. I don't think anyone else would want it.

    West is Best !
  • Sat, Apr 24 2010 22:34 In reply to

    • old mcdonald
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    Re: Now it all makes sense.

    wnw, I have no disagreement with a British National Anthem as such. I was born in Northumberland (north of the "actual" border built by the Romans) so could never be English despite the success of politicians in moving the border. Additionally, with my name and obvious Scottish ancestry on my father's side I am more inclined towards Scotland. Despite this, I accept that my Nationality is British and not something else. Consequently I do believe that a "real" British Anthem would be something to be proud of. For the last wee whilies all countries of the British Isles have fought side by side. For example, who could ever forget the bravery of those soldiers at Rourke's Drift? They were mainly Welsh by surname despite the fact that it was an English regiment. 

    We will always have "Men of Harlech", "Flower of Scotland" numerous Irish songs and the occasional English one - "Land of Hope and Glory" probably being the best, but there are times when we need to be British. We are tiny insiginificant countries on our own. Proud and fierce yes, but small in the modern world. I remember when Scotland could take on the world at Rugby with a team from Melrose, Hawick and Galashiels. Wales did not need much more than the Pontypool front row in those days - maybe Gareth, Dai and JPR to back them up. I was born in a mining village called Ashington which has produced almost a full English (regrettably) soccer team including Jackie Milburn and his relatives the Charlton brothers of 1966 fame. Yet this is not enough.

    I am bedblocker age now, so it is probably easier, but I would happily go out under the Union Flag with a British Anthem. I know Peter Wells is musically inclined, perhaps this is his opportunity. And no "political correctness" towards non Brits!!!!!

  • Sun, Apr 25 2010 20:32 In reply to

    • old mcdonald
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    Re: Now it all makes sense.

    As soon as I had posted last night I decided to watch a bit of Billy Connolly on YouTube and coincidentally came across an old sketch entitled "National Anthem". I will not give the link because it contains his usual ration of profanity, but it is easy to find, and is worth watching if you do not mind the language. He reckoned we should keep the same words (and he knows about the anti-Scottish verse) but change the tune to that of The Archers signature tune.

  • Mon, Jul 12 2010 5:21 In reply to

    • altius
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    Re: Now it all makes sense.

    Hi, BBC Proms are eight week continuous concert presented at the Albert hall in South Kensington, London. Check here for more details...

     

    BBC Proms 2010

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