The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #155110   Message #3645965
Posted By: Gallus Moll
28-Jul-14 - 11:16 AM
Thread Name: Song challenge. PC national anthem
Subject: RE: Song challenge. PC national anthem
I believe the song used as the national anthem of England / UK was originally written as the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie were getting closer to London -- the song was sung in theatres and the like to try to rally the locals who were panicking and leaving town? (I am not a historian by the way!)
I am sure I have seen versions of the second verse which actually mentions Scots, not (just) Jacobites -- - - I have always had a strong objection to the whole concept of being required to stand for an anthem (as happened after any function / gathering including cinema, theatre, when I was young. Particularly as the monarch is incorrectly titled (she is Elizabeth I of the UK).
I do not believe that anyone is born 'better' than me, nor do I believe in titles / medals / garden parties / inherited wealth.
For a national - or international - song about humanity. equality, fairness there are plenty from which to choose - the first two that come to my mind are Robert Burns' Is there for Honest Poverty and Hamish Henderson's Freedom Come All Ye (Hamish Henderson NoBE!!)