I seem to remember that A Soldier's Song was chosen as the anthem of the Republic as the result of a popular vote, and I suspect that those who voted for it never had tried singing it. The repeated run from B-flat up to D is as difficult for most amateurs as the range of the Star Bangled Banner.

Incidentally, the runner up in the competion was apparently 'O'Donnell Abou" which features the immortal lines: 'Make every Saxon feel Erin's avenging steel!'

And those who are concerned with the proper respect to be shown an anthem haven't watched an American baseball game, where the fans are urged to "honor America by joining in the singing of the National Anthem'. Then a pop star gets up and bawls a blues, jazz, funk or rap version. When the cheering starts somewhere around 'a rocket's red glare' it's a blessing!

I think 'O Canada' is great!!

My Lions Club starts every meeting patriotically with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of -- well, we're not about to be challenged by that unsingable anthem, so we warble 'America' -- commonly known as 'My country 'tis of thee' to that nice simple singable tune of 'God Save the Queen/King'.