NationStates Jolt Archive

Since we are in the Olympics, one thing bothers me:

So who has the best national anthem? I vote France. I quite like the idea of watering the furrows (whatever they are - I assume it's some kind of horrible agricultural thing) with impure blood.

Eurocentric pole coming.

But plz vote your own favorite.

Haha I'm such a tard.

I like the U.S.'s. Biased, I know. But it's got the whole "you threw everything you had at me and I'm still standing."

It's like that episode of Firefly where Mal gets tortured to clinical death and then kills his torturer and starts beating up the Smug Snake.

...

Francis Scott Key: You want to meet the real me now?

My pants, they need changing.

Well, seeing as the Germans have the former Austrian national anthem, and the British have the former German one, I think they're all pretty much interchangeable.

Besides, you got that poll about the German anthem wrong.

Soviet Union had the best national anthem xD

Well, seeing as the Germans have the former Austrian national anthem, and the British have the former German one, I think they're all pretty much interchangeable.

Besides, you got that poll about the German anthem wrong.

I'm sorry, I only took a little bit of German in high school. Does "Uber Alles" actually mean: "I'm just nipping off to the shops" or something?

Also, did the Germans really write: "God save the Queen"? If so, that's weird. Why would they write something in English.

I'm sorry, I only took a little bit of German in high school. Does "Uber Alles" actually mean: "I'm just nipping off to the shops" or something?

Also, did the Germans really write: "God save the Queen"? If so, that's weird. Why would they write something in English.

"Ueber alles" does not appear in the German national anthem.

The text, translated into English, is :

Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
For these let us all strive
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of fortune;
|: Flourish in this fortune's blessing,
Flourish, German fatherland. :|

The Germans composed the melody of "God save the queen", the lyrics back then were a praise to the German emperor, though.
The melody the Germans are using now was written for a similar song for the Austrian emperor Franz Josef. It started "God save Franz the emperor..."

"Ueber alles" does not appear in the German national anthem.

The text, translated into English, is :

Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
For these let us all strive
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of fortune;
|: Flourish in this fortune's blessing,
Flourish, German fatherland. :|

The Germans composed the melody of "God save the queen", the lyrics back then were a praise to the German emperor, though.
The melody the Germans are using now was written for a similar song for the Austrian emperor Franz Josef. It started "God save Franz the emperor..."

1. You can go chopping off verses all you want. But whenever someone hears that tune they straight away think: "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
Über alles in der Welt." If you don't like it I recommend that you contact possibly the swedes for a new song.

2. The melody of "god save the queen" is of disputed origin. Nevertheless, inasmuch as the US national anthem's melody was not written by Americans, that does not mean that it is not American. Likewise, the lyrics of "God save the Queen" are clearly English; hence it is the UK anthem, regardless of who wrote the tune.

1. You can go chopping off verses all you want. But whenever someone hears that tune they straight away think: "Deutschland, Deutschland über alles,
Über alles in der Welt." If you don't like it I recommend that you contact possibly the swedes for a new song.

2. The melody of "god save the queen" is of disputed origin. Nevertheless, inasmuch as the US national anthem's melody was not written by Americans, that does not mean that it is not American. Likewise, the lyrics of "God save the Queen" are clearly English; hence it is the UK anthem, regardless of who wrote the tune.

Nobody's chopping of anything.
I think you may refer to the Germany-Song, rather than the German anthem.
The German anthem is the last verse of that song, nothing more, nothing less.
And I don't really care what uninformed people all over the world might think. I've once had a USAmerican soldier tell me that the Germans only built Neuschwanstein castle cause they were envious of Disneyworld. That doesn't mean that there's now a disclaimer at the entrance of the castle, either.

This (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_save_the_queen#Classical_composers) might shed some light on the origins of the music.

This (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_save_the_queen#Classical_composers) might shed some light on the origins of the music.

Yes, that fascinatingly points out that the melody is probably english in any event. (Which was never my point).

Also, you have the Neuschwanstein Schloss story wrong. It's only still standing because Disney didn't want it bombed flat. That is what he was probably trying to tell you.

Honestly, they are all crap. So i'm going to have to vote for the lovely nation anthem.

Kazahkstan

Yes, that fascinatingly points out that the melody is probably english in any event. (Which was never my point).

Also, you have the Neuschwanstein Schloss story wrong. It's only still standing because Disney didn't want it bombed flat. That is what he was probably trying to tell you.

Because Bach is an English composer, right?

No, I recall that conversation quite clearly.
Besides, it would have been a major effort to bomb it flat. It doesn't cover a lot of ground, and is situated in the Alps virtually in the middle of nowhere.
I don't think bombing during WW II was anywhere near accurate enough to damge it, unless by sheer luck.
They used to miss whole TOWNS back then, after all.

Because Bach is an English composer, right?


And your link does not say that Bach composed it. So whether or not he is English is beside the point.

It would have been easy to bomb that castle flat. Do you recall Dresden, for example?

I always thought Bhutan's national anthem was interesting.

Also, Star-Spangled Banner is overplayed imo.

And your link does not say that Bach composed it. So whether or not he is English is beside the point.

It would have been easy to bomb that castle flat. Do you recall Dresden, for example?

He was the first to use the melody. It's most commonly attributed to him.

And did you read what I just said? I don't recall Dresden (hell, even my grandparents weren't yet born back then), but I do know that 1) that was the British who would hardly have cared about the special requests from Mr Disney, and 2) it's on a plain and 3) several hundred times as big as that castle.
Point 2) and 3) make it rather easy to find and hit.

The town I was born in (a lot smaller than Dresden, and in a hilly landscape, though not the Alps) was targeted and completely missed by American bombers twice, in 1944 and 1945.

I was convinced that somewhere like Uruguay used to use Sousa's Liberty Bell as a national anthem, which was hilarious as it is the Monty Python theme tune. But I have looked on wikipedia and it seems I must have been imagining this.

He was the first to use the melody. It's most commonly attributed to him.


Obviously he wasn't, since he is not cited as the composer of said melody.

And that was never my point in the first place. Germans did not write the lyrics "God save the Queen". Why? Because it is not in German. Next you will be claiming that "Flower of Scotland" is actually an ancient Swahili song.

Oh yeah, as to the bomb thing. Disney asked the English, not the US.
The English used to wipe shit out.

Not Scotlands. Its a football chant, not an anthem.

La Marseillaise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYbEPZVVIA) is my favourite.

The German anthem was composed on British territory =D Just an interesting pointless fact for you all.

"August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben wrote the lyrics of "Das Lied der Deutschen" to Haydn's melody while on holiday on the island of Helgoland in the German bight, at that time a British possession."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutschlandlied

Oh yeah, as to the bomb thing. Disney asked the English, not the US.
The English used to wipe shit out.

True to an extent.

*plays Dambuster's march* =P

I like all the anthems that are long and sound like they are made for an orchestra.

That means I like anthems such as France, Italy, Germany, Spain amongst others.

Brazil nearly gets there but sort of falls flat for me and I do like the God save the Queen but to tell you the truth I would much rather the anthem to be Rule Britannia

Not Scotlands. Its a football chant, not an anthem.

La Marseillaise (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iYbEPZVVIA) is my favourite.

I too have a soft spot for La Marseseillaise.

Scotland's is an anthem, but you are highly unlikely to hear it at the Olympics since the UK competes as a single team. The anthems of the individual countries are only used when each of them competes individually (e.g. Football, Cricket, Rugby, the Commonwealth games...). Half the time, England also uses a different anthem at these events (Land of Hope and Glory or Jerusalem I think are the more common).

The English used to wipe shit out.

Yes, at least the Americans had sense to bomb strategic targets and not just go stupid because they were simply seeking revenge.

I've once had a USAmerican soldier tell me that the Germans only built Neuschwanstein castle cause they were envious of Disneyworld. That doesn't mean that there's now a disclaimer at the entrance of the castle, either.

I seriously hope you don't really believe this? Please tell me you were really joking? If not then it just goes to show how stupid, ignorant and egotistical Americans really are.

Also, you have the Neuschwanstein Schloss story wrong. It's only still standing because Disney didn't want it bombed flat. That is what he was probably trying to tell you.

You too.

And it is not a Schloss it is a burg.

I was convinced that somewhere like Uruguay used to use Sousa's Liberty Bell as a national anthem, which was hilarious as it is the Monty Python theme tune. But I have looked on wikipedia and it seems I mjust have been imagining this.

Oh, that would have just been the best

To be honest, I'd much rather Land of Hope and Glory, or Rule Britannia as our anthem, but God Save the Queen is good too, and more than adequate.

Scotland's is an anthem, but you are highly unlikely to hear it at the Olympics since the UK competes as a single team. The anthems of the individual countries are only used when each of them competes individually (e.g. Football, Cricket, Rugby, the Commonwealth games...). Half the time, England also uses a different anthem at these events (Land of Hope and Glory or Jerusalem I think are the more common).

I know, I'm Scottish ;) My point was that it is not anthemic. I believe that anthems should be a bit dignified, and Flower of Scotland sounds more like a drunken chant than a national anthem. We have a suitable song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oieFS785QPk) as well, even if it was written by ze Germans.

Scotland's is an anthem...
Aye, but depending on who you talk to it's either Flower of Scotland, Scots Wa' Hae or Scotland the Brave.

I seem to remember the First Minister of Scotland blaming Scotland's anthem for the poor performance of the rugby team, because it was too depressing.

I think the French is best, but I have to give a patriotic mention to the Welsh one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9fbh0d__NU&feature=related)

I seriously hope you don't really believe this? Please tell me you were really joking? If not then it just goes to show how stupid, ignorant and egotistical Americans really are.
You seriously hope she doesn't really believe that an American soldier said that to her once? Oh-kay... o_O

And it is not a Schloss it is a burg.
Not really. Ludwig II. had it built starting in 1869 to look like a version of a medieval burg (plus a whole lot of other things, in keeping with the historism en vogue at the time). But it never was used for defense purposes of any kind and is really only a Burg in terms of placement and basic exterior. It was built solely for Schloss purposes (artful, representative, overladen, a second (well, more like fifteenth probably) home for the king) and its official name is "Schloss Neuschwanstein".

As for anthems: I'm partial to the French one.

The US one comes in second and the German one isn't half bad, either.

flower of scotland

You forgot Poland!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nmFHUbVQtA

Not the British. It's boring.

I think the French anthem is probably the best of the list.

You seriously hope she doesn't really believe that an American soldier said that to her once? Oh-kay... o_O

Yes that is what I seriously hope. :rolleyes: I hope the poster in question doesn't believe that what the American said about the castle is true.

i know,biased but i'm still gonna say Finland's De Facto anthem:Maamme or in english Our Land.written in the 1800s,here's the wikipedia article:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maamme

Yes that is what I seriously hope. :rolleyes: I hope the poster in question doesn't believe that what the American said about the castle is true.
That... was the other option and it makes exactly as little sense.*

So quitcher eye rolling. You're the one who read this post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13907893&postcount=9) and in all seriousness replied by telling her that you hoped she didn't believe the guy. Which, come on!

*It actually makes less sense in the context of your post, which doesn't really make any sense at all, because none of the three sentences seem to be talking about the same thing: I seriously hope you don't really believe this? Please tell me you were really joking? If not then it just goes to show how stupid, ignorant and egotistical Americans really are.

I seriously hope you don't really believe this? Please tell me you were really joking? If not then it just goes to show how stupid, ignorant and egotistical Americans really are.

Some Americans. I certainly knew some guys like that when I was stationed in Germany. They were the type who only left the base to go drinking and when they did they were loud, obnoxious, and rude. Of course, there were the other Americans who were rarely seen on base, often lived off base with a German and you wouldn't know they were American simply by looking at them.

Anyway, what I'm saying is that not all Americans are quite so stupid.

As to the topic, either the anthem of the USSR or France. They're both awesome.

Another anthem I'm rather fond of (although it's not a national anthem) is my state's song, especially this rather good rendition by Jeff Daniels (yes, the actor).

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/gov/Michigan_My_Michigan2006_179814_7.mp3

I personally am very fond of the Italian anthem, especially after watching the F1.

France's is good too.

UK gives me a sense of pride even though it's a little dry. Maybe a return to "Rule Britannia" is the best option?

I also HATE the US anthem. I find it a horrific piece of music with poorly written lyrics and it's been overused in movies etc so I find it riddiculously cheesy.

So quitcher eye rolling. You're the one who read this post (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13907893&postcount=9) and in all seriousness replied by telling her that you hoped she didn't believe the guy. Which, come on!

See this is why I should think before I post and pay attention to the details.:$

Some Americans. I certainly knew some guys like that when I was stationed in Germany. They were the type who only left the base to go drinking and when they did they were loud, obnoxious, and rude. Of course, there were the other Americans who were rarely seen on base, often lived off base with a German and you wouldn't know they were American simply by looking at them.

Anyway, what I'm saying is that not all Americans are quite so stupid.

Yes I know not all Americans are quite so stupid, I was taking a generalisation about quite a few Americans I have met over the years mainly tourists in countries where English isn't the main language.

"Ueber alles" does not appear in the German national anthem.

The text, translated into English, is :

Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
For these let us all strive
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of fortune;
|: Flourish in this fortune's blessing,
Flourish, German fatherland. :|

The Germans composed the melody of "God save the queen", the lyrics back then were a praise to the German emperor, though.
The melody the Germans are using now was written for a similar song for the Austrian emperor Franz Josef. It started "God save Franz the emperor..."

CW, you remember "God Save the Tsar?" It was the Tsarist Russian national anthem, with the same tune as "God Save the Queen". Is that from the German version as well, or is it the other way around?

My favourite anthem has to be Ukraine, though. It represents every minute of struggle and plight the nation has suffered just to be allowed its freedom, its ancient (pre-Russian) language and culture, and its glory. Yeah, so maybe I am biased, but I heard and loved this tune before I even knew it was a national anthem, let alone the Ukrainian one.

"Ще не вмерла Україна, ні Слава ні Воля!" means "Ukraine has not died, nor her glory nor her freedom!" Go check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG38sf4oesg&feature=related

And here, a version without lyrics:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55I7Vwlr3SM
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55I7Vwlr3SM)

First person to guess who I am on Youtube gets a Ukrainian cookie ;)


UK gives me a sense of pride even though it's a little dry. Maybe a return to "Rule Britannia" is the best option?

Damn straight! For us Saxons who love England and the Union, but despise the monarchy, namely the idea that "royal" blood is somehow superior superior to that of the common man, then "Rule Britannia" should be the anthem. I also think England should have its own anthem ("Land of Hope and Glory")...

...and its own parliament...

...and a fair budget compared with Scotland, Wales etc...

...but that's another rant xD

Yes I know not all Americans are quite so stupid, I was taking a generalisation about quite a few Americans I have met over the years mainly tourists in countries where English isn't the main language.

Oh trust me, when I was living in France I wanted to kill most of the Americans I came across.

I really do like France and Italy and even Germany (the words don't mean over everyone... meaning other countries it means Germany over all of the constituent states).

My fave national anthem (though I don't know if it counts because its not actually the official anthem of the country but..) Pokarekare Ana the unofficial maori language national anthem of New Zealand, its beautiful! The New Zealand national anthem (the real one) in Maori is also really good, not a fan of the English version.

BTW Scotland doesn't have a national anthem they use Flower of Scotland a lot but its not official. I think the only British country to have an anthem of their own (officially) is Wales with Mae hen wlad fynhadu.

I HATE the British national anthem because i'm a bit of a republican, Rule Britannia would be a much better anthem! Really don't like the American one either but that might just be political, not a fan of the Australian one either actually. In fact anything with excessive references to God and that country being the chosen nation of God I tend not to like

Romania.

UK gives me a sense of pride even though it's a little dry. Maybe a return to "Rule Britannia" is the best option?

I vote for 'This is England', by The Clash. But then, I'm not the most patriotic of people.

I also HATE the US anthem. I find it a horrific piece of music with poorly written lyrics and it's been overused in movies etc so I find it riddiculously cheesy.

Hendrix did a good version of it.

Bhutan: is indeed good, as someone else said:

In the Thunder Dragon Kingdom, where cypresses grow
Refuge of the glorious monastic and civil traditions,
The King of Druk, precious sovereign,
His being is eternal, his reign prosperous
The enlightenment teachings thrive and flourish
May the people shine like the sun of peace and happiness!

But I like Denmark's better:

Free metrical translation (I like this one better, I admit):

There is a lovely land
with spreading, shady beeches
Near salty Baltic beach :|
Its hills and valleys gently fall,
its ancient name is Denmark,
And it is Freya's hall :|

There in the ancient days
the armoured Vikings rested
Between their bloody frays :|
Then they went forth the foe to face,
now found in stone-set barrows,
Their final resting place :|

This land is still as fair,
the sea is blue around it,
And peace is cherished there :|
Strong men and noble women still
uphold their country's honour
With faithfulness and skill :|

Literal translation:

There is a lovely country
it stands with broad beeches
near the salty eastern beach
It winds itself in hill, valley,
it is called old Denmark
and it is Freja's hall

There sat in former times,
the armour-suited warriors,
rested from conflict
Then they journeyed forwards to their enemies' injury,
now their bones are resting
behind the mound's menhir

That country is still lovely,
because the sea waves so blue frolic,
and the foliage stands so green
And noble women, beautiful maidens,
and men and brisk swains
inhabit the Danes' islands

Hail king and native country!
Hail every a Dane-citizen,
who works, what he can
Our old Denmark shall endure,
as long the beech reflects
its top in the blue wave

Denmark's got a VERY romantic (literary Romantic) anthem. The thing sounds like an RPG or fairytale description. I like. :D

Khazakhstan. Either their real anthem or the Borat one. They're both good. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Kazakhstan_(anthem)

The real one^

I personally like this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk74BwRlTFw) version better, despite what ppl tell me.

I'd like the US national anthem if it were this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWS-FoXbjVI&feature=related

I'd like the US national anthem if it were this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWS-FoXbjVI&feature=related

And that is why most of the world doesn't like America. <_<

And that is why most of the world doesn't like America. <_<

You have something against Bed Bath and Beyond?

Azerbaijan (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyUnTn9mLfg&feature=related) In terms of music at least.
I don't know what the words to go with it are.

And that is why most of the world doesn't like America. <_<

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satire

Britian should use Hearts of Oak or Spanish Ladies. keep God Save The Queen as it is a Royal Anthem not a national.

I voted for Germany, because I like the sentiment, but my favorite anthem is "O Canada", especially as sung by the spectators at an Oilers' game.

And yes, I'm a US American, but like the Cheapskates said--"I'd wear my maple leaf with pride." :tongue:

La Marseillaise.

The Star-Spangled Banner.

Reasons:

Most anthems are simple injunctions: "do this," "never forget this," "honor the monarch," "eat your vegetables," etc. The Star Spangled Banner asks the listener whether they're on board with this whole "United States" thing, as a question. Most people say "sure," but you don't have to and aren't beaten over the head with the message. It's persuasive, sure, but there's less "GOD SAYS SO" than other anthems. No God at all, even, when sung. That's 10 points on my scorecard.

Most anthems include at least a couple advertisments. "No one's as free, noble, unified, strong, brave, etc. as we are!" They don't all *sound* like ads, but almost all of them are. Though, some really do sound like ads, e.g.:

Germany: come for the wine and music, stay for the chicks!
Poland: Check out our glorious alliance with Napoleon!
Italy: We kicked Poland's ass!

etc. (Euro-centric, I know)

The Star-Spangled Banner isn't perfect, but as far as anthems go, I like it. Some anthems go on for pages, e.g. the Dutch and the French (though I like the Marsaillaise - the most brutal and threatening anthem by far :p) as I remember, though I don't remember whether they sing the whole thing. The Star-Spangled Banner is short and entertaining. It paints a vivid picture rather than preaching, and even has a touch of suspense thrown in, if read it as though you didn't know the outcome of the battle beforehand. Its only advertisement is phrased as a question and punctuates the ending, rather than setting the tone. It's a good song. :)

The Star-Spangled Banner.

Reasons:

Most anthems are simple injunctions: "do this," "never forget this," "honor the monarch," "eat your vegetables," etc. The Star Spangled Banner asks the listener whether they're on board with this whole "United States" thing, as a question. Most people say "sure," but you don't have to and aren't beaten over the head with the message. It's persuasive, sure, but there's less "GOD SAYS SO" than other anthems. No God at all, even, when sung. That's 10 points on my scorecard.

Most anthems include at least a couple advertisments. "No one's as free, noble, unified, strong, brave, etc. as we are!" They don't all *sound* like ads, but almost all of them are. Though, some really do sound like ads, e.g.:

Germany: come for the wine and music, stay for the chicks!
Poland: Check out our glorious alliance with Napoleon!
Italy: We kicked Poland's ass!

etc. (Euro-centric, I know)

The Star-Spangled Banner isn't perfect, but as far as anthems go, I like it. Some anthems go on for pages, e.g. the Dutch and the French (though I like the Marsaillaise - the most brutal and threatening anthem by far :p) as I remember, though I don't remember whether they sing the whole thing. The Star-Spangled Banner is short and entertaining. It paints a vivid picture rather than preaching, and even has a touch of suspense thrown in, if read it as though you didn't know the outcome of the battle beforehand. Its only advertisement is phrased as a question and punctuates the ending, rather than setting the tone. It's a good song. :)

BTW, you know there's like three or four verses we don't sing, right?

BTW, you know there's like three or four verses we don't sing, right?

Yes. That's why I said, for example, that there's no "God" in our anthem when sung. "In God We Trust" is in the last, unsung stanza. Our anthem, as sung, is relatively short.

KazahkstanSeconded!
:hail:

Since we are in the Olympics, one thing bothers me:

So who has the best national anthem? I vote France. I quite like the idea of watering the furrows (whatever they are - I assume it's some kind of horrible agricultural thing) with impure blood.

Eurocentric pole coming.

But plz vote your own favorite.

Scotland's, or Ireland's. Not that I'm biased or anything.

The USA's national anthem is a great song, but it is poor as a national anthem because it is difficult for the average citizen to sing well, due to its large range. A good national anthem should have an excellent tune but also be easy enough for most of the citizenry to sing. Canada's national anthem is very good in this regard. I think the USA's national anthem should have been "America the Beautiful," but that's just my personal opinion of course.

Oh Canada!!! Our Home And Native.....................

The Ghanaian national anthem, God Bless Our Homeland Ghana.

The Soviet Union's national anthem was my favorite...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKnm8sEtXCw

Canada, eh?

Canada, eh?I heard they're not even a real country, anyway.
<.<
>.>

Why are we waiting,
We could be masturbating,
Why are we waiting so fucking long?

Oh, why are we waiting,
We could be fornicating,
Oh, why are we waiting so fucking long...

not a fan of the Australian one either actually. In fact anything with excessive references to God and that country being the chosen nation of God I tend not to like

Now I may be like 50% of the population of Australia who doesn't know the words to the anthem, but can you show me where the reference to God is in Advance Australia Fair.

Not even the three verses which have now been dropped has a reference to God in it.

All though on a side note I would like to see the 2nd verse added back to it.

Quite clearly Vanuatu's "Yummy Yummy Yummy".

Maybe its biased opinion coming from Canada but i think Canada has the best national anthem. It's patriotic and shows how much we love our country.

Now I may be like 50% of the population of Australia who doesn't know the words to the anthem, but can you show me where the reference to God is in Advance Australia Fair.

Not even the three verses which have now been dropped has a reference to God in it.

All though on a side note I would like to see the 2nd verse added back to it.

The Australian national anthem should be changed to Waltzing Matilda, it is an awesome song.

Now I may be like 50% of the population of Australia who doesn't know the words to the anthem, but can you show me where the reference to God is in Advance Australia Fair.

Not even the three verses which have now been dropped has a reference to God in it.

All though on a side note I would like to see the 2nd verse added back to it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_Australia_Fair#.27Missing.27_verse.3F

'Missing' verse?

Some have claimed there is a missing sixth verse.[12] This verse has an overtly Christian overtone. The first performance in recent memory of this verse was during the Global March for Jesus in 1998.[12] The most recent known performance of the verse was at a special service at St. Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney, on 10 July 2005 with Prime Minister John Howard present. However the verse is in fact not McCormick's. It is not known who the true author of the verse is, or when it was first penned and used.

Is the closest, though not a proper not of the anthem.

Ours is set to the tune of a frickin' drinking song. Our country is about beer.

Beat that, suckers.

In order:

First: Asturies, patria querida- Asturias´s national anthem (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJoQxlnSJ8)!


Second: Spain´s national anthem (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZwyJQWMOZ0)!


Third: Kimigayo (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq1dN1TZyFQ)- Japan´s national anthem!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advance_Australia_Fair#.27Missing.27_verse.3F

Is the closest, though not a proper not of the anthem.

So an unknown verse which may or may not be part of the original song you are claiming the anthem has references to God in it. And it is not a part of the Australian Anthem anyway. I don't mind you not liking the anthem but at least get your reasons right.

The Australian national anthem should be changed to Waltzing Matilda, it is an awesome song.

:D

So an unknown verse which may or may not be part of the original song you are claiming the anthem has references to God in it. And it is not a part of the Australian Anthem anyway. I don't mind you not liking the anthem but at least get your reasons right.


Not me, I just wikied it because I was bored.

Ours is set to the tune of a frickin' drinking song. Our country is about beer.

Beat that, suckers.

My sentiments exactly. It's funny, when I first heard that tidbit of information, suddenly the melody, with it's irregularity and unsingability, all made since. It was composed by guys who were wasted.

The Russian anthem is the best in the world.

Of the anthems I know offhand, La Marseillaise and The Star-Spangled Banner are probably the best musically; if I include lyrics I probably have to give the edge to the latter for being less...homicidal. :tongue:

Not me, I just wikied it because I was bored.

Sorry I thought you were the person who said you didn't like it, the one I originally quoted.

Yes there is a possibility of the song having a verse which has the word Christ in it but it is unknown if this is part of the original verse and it is not a part of the anthem.

Yes I know not all Americans are quite so stupid, I was taking a generalisation about quite a few Americans I have met over the years mainly tourists in countries where English isn't the main language.

My experience is that all tourists are stupid, regardless of nationality

My experience is that all tourists are stupid, regardless of nationality

You can't say all.

But then again maybe it is because Americans are louder when visiting other countries and so bring more attention to themselves. Maybe if they shut up once in a while and listened then they wouldn't be asking questions when the answer was given 30 seconds ago.

My experience is that all tourists are stupid, regardless of nationality

Hear Hear!! I've seen more poorly behaved Brits, Germans and French in NYC over the past two years or so that I care to count. :(
And dont EVEN get me started on the Irish!

For me, it has to be Italy. It's such a jolly little number!

Since we are in the Olympics, one thing bothers me:

So who has the best national anthem? I vote France. I quite like the idea of watering the furrows (whatever they are - I assume it's some kind of horrible agricultural thing) with impure blood.

Eurocentric pole coming.

But plz vote your own favorite.

Finland.

Finland.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN2ZJBh92SM

:D

How could I forget about Finland, I love that song and it has even more memories for me after watching Mika Hakkinen on top of all those podiums. Beautiful.

I'm surprised it took five pages for someone to nominate "O Canada!"
I second that nomination.

However, "Der er et yndigt land" (Denmark) and "Land der Berge" (Austria) come close.

And for those in doubt, those same three, respectively:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MnB2OaQrRHk
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3mHzlkK8LOo
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=WJxDet4oH-k

The Soviet Anthem.

Hands down.

I wish that at the next event China wins, someone messes with the soundsystem that plays the anthems so that it plays Rick Astley instead. Totally worth the inevitable torture and death penalty that would follow for the culprit.

DEUTSCHLAND, DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES, UBER ALLES IN DER WELT!! *continues singing, horribly out of tune

Auferstanden aus Ruinen und der Zukunft zugewandt...

Can anyone already guess which anthem I am referring to? No googling :)

Quite clearly Vanuatu's "Yummy Yummy Yummy".
It's "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi", learn Bislama! :p

Of the ones you've listed, France's is obviously the best. :)

But the other two in the top three would have to be Russia and Israel. Both have beautiful national anthems.

I know Karelia doesn't count as a country, but I do like this one too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSCPCG_l7wY&feature=related

It's "Yumi, Yumi, Yumi", learn Bislama! :p

Thank you; I'm so glad somebody knows that! :D

Everybody constantly mispronounces it. It's not pronounced "yummy, yummy, yummy" but "you-me, you-me, you-me". The word "yumi'" in Bislama means "us", and derives from the English "you-me". Bislama is a pidgin language.

Israel's Hatikvah. Absolutely beautiful, even if you don't speak Hebrew.

Trivia questions:

What country's anthem begins "O Lithuania, thou art my country"?
Poland
What country's anthem includes the line "I am a loyal servant of the king of Spain"?
The Netherlands

What country's anthem includes the line "I am a loyal servant of the king of Spain"?
The Netherlands

Well that stands to reason.

Since we are in the Olympics, one thing bothers me:

So who has the best national anthem? I vote France. I quite like the idea of watering the furrows (whatever they are - I assume it's some kind of horrible agricultural thing) with impure blood.

Eurocentric pole coming.

But plz vote your own favorite.

The Imperial March.

And if that doesn't count, well, broaden the selection to include it.

hey ..

has anyone suggested this before ??

i think perhaps one of the best if not the best anthems is..

the anthem of tajikistan ..

it is loud and certainly stirs the blood ......

try listening to it ..


cheers !!!

Well that stands to reason.

The line about loyalty to the king of Spain in the Dutch anthem is sarcastic (the song is about a famous rebel). The enthusiasm for Lithuania in the Polish anthem, however, is sincere (their golden age was when Poland and Lithuania were a united kingdom, the names used interchangeably).

/the U.S.A anthem, then France then U.K. oh and i like O Canada and the national anthem of Dominica and Haiti

Because Bach is an English composer, right?

No, I recall that conversation quite clearly.
Besides, it would have been a major effort to bomb it flat. It doesn't cover a lot of ground, and is situated in the Alps virtually in the middle of nowhere.
I don't think bombing during WW II was anywhere near accurate enough to damge it, unless by sheer luck.
They used to miss whole TOWNS back then, after all.

They did a pretty good job of destroying Monte Casino, that was probably no bigger than that castle. I bet they could have leveled it if they had wanted to.

The Romanian anthem.

Fuck lyrics. It's a lack of fast-paced electric guitars that national anthems are suffering from.

One I don't think we've ever heard at the Olympics -

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Hatikvah

It gives me shivers everytime I hear it and I'm not even Jewish.

I vote the Ork National Anthem...

Orks! ORks! Orks orks, Orks1 ORks! Orks orks...

Its the best description of a people, lol...

"Ueber alles" does not appear in the German national anthem.

The text, translated into English, is :

Unity and justice and freedom
For the German fatherland!
For these let us all strive
Brotherly with heart and hand!
Unity and justice and freedom
Are the pledge of fortune;
|: Flourish in this fortune's blessing,
Flourish, German fatherland. :|

The Germans composed the melody of "God save the queen", the lyrics back then were a praise to the German emperor, though.
The melody the Germans are using now was written for a similar song for the Austrian emperor Franz Josef. It started "God save Franz the emperor..."

"Deutschland, Deutschland ueber alles" was the German national anthem during the third reich, and was changed after the Nazis were removed from power, although the melody is the same.

I reject all petty jingos and social-chauvinism, nations are just meant to divide humanity against each other so the ruling class can more easily exploit us.

I support The Internationale, the anthem for the international working class!

I support The Internationale, the anthem for the international working class!

Yeah, but doesnt that divide people along class lines, since by saying its for the international working class it implies that its not for the Upper and Middle Classes?

Yeah, but doesnt that divide people along class lines, since by saying its for the international working class it implies that its not for the Upper and Middle Classes?
An anthem doesn't divide anyone, considering that the division already existed. In fact class division, the division between those with property and those without, is the only tangible division, between the toiling workers and the oppressors, and it's the only division which is real and worth fighting for!

No war but the class war!

Since we are in the Olympics, one thing bothers me:

So who has the best national anthem? I vote France. I quite like the idea of watering the furrows (whatever they are - I assume it's some kind of horrible agricultural thing) with impure blood.

Eurocentric pole coming.

But plz vote your own favorite.
You forgot Poland!!

In reality.....the Russian national anthem is the best. I am surprised it is not on your list.

I reject all petty jingos and social-chauvinism, nations are just meant to divide humanity against each other so the ruling class can more easily exploit us.

I support The Internationale, the anthem for the international working class!

Are you one of AP's puppets?

Are you one of AP's puppets?

I was thinkin the same thing, but i wasnt going to say it...been in enough trouble lately, lol...

Im not sure if someone already pointed this out, but the Star Spangled Banner was arranged by a Brit, Francis Scott Key just wrote the words.

The UK, clearly

The old soviet anthem takes it in my book. Course, I don't know if Russia is still using it so it may not count.

My vote goes for the Star Spangled Banner (of course).

They did a pretty good job of destroying Monte Casino, that was probably no bigger than that castle. I bet they could have leveled it if they had wanted to.

The point I was making is, why would they have wanted to in the first place?
Monte Casino (being a good bit bigger, btw), was used as a military base of sorts, if I remember correctly.

Neuschwanstein wasn't.

So, to destroy it, they would have needed an awful lot of resources, used on a completely irrelevant target.
It's just a silly assumption that the castle ever was in danger.

Also, you have the Neuschwanstein Schloss story wrong. It's only still standing because Disney didn't want it bombed flat. That is what he was probably trying to tell you.

Ok, I spent some days digging, and it would appear that nobody appart from you has ever even heard of the story of Disney asking the allies not to bomb Neuschwanstein.
Why would he, and why would they listen anyway?

The Sleeping Beauty castle in Anaheim wasn't built until 1955, and the Cinderella castle was only built in 1971.
I'm currently checking with the good people from snopes, feel free to join that discussion if you have anything to add to it.

The point I was making is, why would they have wanted to in the first place?
Monte Casino (being a good bit bigger, btw), was used as a military base of sorts, if I remember correctly.

Yes Monte Casino was used as a military base, in fact it had many attacks on it to get rid of the German's fortified in it, including the Australians, New Zealand, the US and the Polish, in fact if I am recalling the correct fortification it was the polish that got rid of them in the end.