English anthem

I think Jerusalem would be great, the words evoke going into battle and giving your all, great to sing when you are about to compete for your country!

Nfk, I think England lacks an identity because it cannot let go of it's Rule Britannia attitude , I think England needs to find pride in other than how England once ruled what is now the commonwealth . The awful Land of Hope and Glory is a perfect example of this, no love of country just we are the big boys and chosen by God to rule. I think this is because England has never been oppressed, always placed itself top of the tree . So much England can be of yet it still clings to the days of the British Raj

English patriotism isn't bad , if it was the patriotism that was love of the country not pride in things past which was so wrong

That sounds good Jalima. I like that, it's easy to sing and quite stirring.

I agree with Annie that England does lack an identity. For so long now we've been told that English patriotism is bad, not allowed. Even racist. I think it would be good for all of us to stand up regardless of religion or skin colour and be proud to be English!

Too religious!!

'There'll Always be an England'

with a tweak to some of the words (red and white, not red, white and blue - and no Empire or a million marching feet).

Don't know if they have kissed and made up Jamila, I think Jeruselem will be the choice , I don't think it appropriate but I will never have to sing it

Lyrics by Tim Rice?
are they speaking?

Lyrics by Gransnetters

It seems England lacks an identity , the suggested anthems are of the days of the British empire . I think a song writer is needed , an English writer , Andrew L W perhaps ?

Sung to the tune of 'God save the Queen!'
Oh no .....

I prefer the idea of being part of a brotherhood of man
Well, yes, of course that is an ideal, and a peaceful world, but would that mean doing away with the Olympics, World Games, Commonwealth Games, international football, rugby, cricket etc etc?

The anthem is not for jingoistic purposes, more to use in friendly competition and sing at events such as those. Surely we wouldn't want to do away with pride in one's country? (and who would want to abolish the Haka?).

Well said, Greyduster, I agree with you entirely! I favour "I vow to thee my country" but would be happy with "Jerusalem".

I like that Galen but pilgrims pride ? They left here not fled here

Novel idea

'My country,tis of thee
Land of sweet liberty' etc

Sung to the tune of 'God save the Queen!'

Exactly.The Welsh and the Scottish own anthems express patriotism after all, so there would be no problem with blowing our own trumpet a bit as well.

Hear, hear, *greyduster. There is patriotism (good) and there is being jingoistic (bad)

The whole point of a national anthem is patriotism - good patriotism, not verbally bashing any other country but expressing love and pride for one's own. That does not clash with international goodwill and a love for ALL humanity.

For whom does too much patriotism cause problems? Certainly not for me and, i suspect, for many many people like me, and before someone jumps to the wrong conclusion, and there are always those who can't wait to so just that, i am not some tub thumping, strident, nationalistic redneck; i am a person of moderate views who loves her country, has taken an oath to protect it and its ruler and its values (yes, we still have some good sound British values). If too much patriotism causes woolly liberals and their mealy mouthed compatriots problems, i for one could not care less! It is too little patriotism that is the problem, not to much!

Patriotism in a national anthem? Perish the thought!

That's the whole point of it, nina. Too much patriotism causes problems. I prefer the idea of being part of a brotherhood of man.

Thanks for the reminder Greyduster...I had forgotten how good they were....we used to play their songs in the car on long journeys after DD2 'discovered' them 20 years ago....they were old fashioned then but somehow still relevant and funny!

roses - oh, yes, the Hokey Cokey would be brilliant. Anyone know what a Hokey Cokey is? Or what about Knees Up Mother Brown if we want something really singable. Might have to rewrite the words!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdY1Y5XNJBY

Brilliant Greyduster

I just posted this in the wrong thread, but what about Flanders and Swann's 'Song of Patriotic Prejudice'? "The English, the English, the English are best; i wouldn't give tuppence for all of the rest!" i'm not about to quote the rest of the words for fear of being lynched!

The Hokey Cokey?

And just think how long it would take to sing the whole bloomin' lot...

Where's the patriotism though durhamjen ?