English anthem

I have just realised that DM must have been an Ivor Novello fan; playing that link and all the other songs on it has made me realise I know all the words!

and sung by another Welshman!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3dD05mu3qQ

Just the chorus, the rest is a bit long-winded. Excuse the deep voice, I have had a cold.

Sing a verse or two jalima and we can see if we like it.

'Rose of England' by that lyrical Welshman Ivor Novello?

although people in Yorkshire may not approve: Red shall thy petals be as rich wine untold

jalima anything is possible.

Jesus certaintly got around in three years

I thought he came when he was quite young, before he began his ministry (some people think he went to India as well, so yes, perhaps he did get around, perhaps with his uncle who may have travelled extensively).

I could make ya a star, kid!

Great! yes, I think the great British English public will get behind those stirring words ( they may even remember them when it's time to sing)
May I offer to be your manager Merlot shall we say 30% for me?

but Jesus didn't walk England's land and satanic mills are a shame in history not something to celebrate
Until it can be proved to me that he didn't then I will believe that he did; however I do think that Jerusalem was written in anger about England's industrial revolution and the lives of the workers in the mills.

A new anthem, perhaps new words to an old tune?

Apologies to Eastenders and Life of Brian

Jellied Eels and Fish and Chips,
Steak and Kidney Pie – our National dishes
Now we’ve all got spreading hips,
Lacking exercise and drinking like fishes,
Join a gym and try to slim,
The Government keeps issuing guidelines,
Never mind the PG Tips,
Have a glass of wine and Look on the Bright Side of Life.
Doo-doo-be-doo.

Mind you, we haven't won a European song contest for quite a few decades now, so not sure about the songwriting.
I think Elton and Paul have run out of catchy tunes.

We will rock you! it gets my vote.

On the 6 o' clock news one woman suggested Heroes by David Bowie!

It makes me laugh to think of Merlot's perfect words being sung to The Archers theme tune and who knows it may catch on.
Isn't there a song that begins ' There will always be an England' ? How about that one?

On second thoughts 'I Vow to thee my country ' might be a better choice .

This country is full of talented songwriters. As this is to be something new and there doesn't seem to be anything appropriate available that "belongs" to England exclusively, we need something new. Something that describes what is good in England such as beautiful nature etc.

I'll give it a go, roses Dunno about verses though.

Need a first.

Love it merlot! I don't think those words can be improved on, they're absolutely spot on. And although I agree the Archers theme tune is unlikely to end up as the English anthem, wouldn't it be great if your 'song' reached the airwaves somehow?

Elegran Hail to the Chief, which always makes me laugh, was originally a setting for some wholly inappropriate verses from the The Lady of the Lake, although a newer version was written later. Although played on and off for some earlier presidents, it only became the presidential anthem when Mrs Polk decided it should blast out whenever the president appeared, as James Polk was a diminutive and insignificant figure and people tended not to notice his arrival anywhere.

I know they're indispensable, but how would you reproduce them? Would people have to do the sound effects?

I think the bouf boufs should replace the Royal fanfare!

Come on Merlot do some verses to the Eastenders Theme for us.

The bouf boufs are integral to the whole composition, they get everbody's attention!

Bit dirgey though, roses - and what about the bouf, boufs at the beginning?