The National Anthem

Bodach

"The Welsh sing "Oh land of my Fathers beautiful in Welsh", and the Scots "The flowers of the Forrest_".
Yammy: I think you probably mean "Flower of Scotland". "Flowers of the Forest" is a lament for the Scots killed at Flodden in 1513. A lovely song, but not a suitable national anthem..

Personally, I like" Scotland the brave."Sorry I got muddled up.

First problem I had with my late FIL was when I refused to stand for the National Anthem at a Masonic dinner .No chance in hell of me ever standing for it .I told him I would sit at the table or I would walk to the loo ...his choice .I walked to the loo

Masonic Dinner- another close knit group like some see the RF and before you ask, yes. I am well acquainted with Freemasons through several generations. But at least you stood.

I'd stand for Flower of Scotland, but never in a million years for God Save the Queen, King or any other monarchic figure.

What’s wrong with Rule Britannia? A happy tune?

You need to ask?

Not Jerusalem. How many other countries would sing about establishing a foreign capital in our green and pleasant land.? How would Muslims, Hindus and other religions feel about that? Perhaps substitute Beijing or Washington? I know what Blake was referring to but that makes it a purely Christian hymn. Not relevant to our multi-cultural society

Apart from that, it's about Englands 'green and pleasant land', so not appropriate for anybody but the English

StoneofDestiny, you’re right, and that’s the problem with so many songs that we sing enthusiastically. So many different cultures-even though they’re born in the UK, living in England and are happy to declare they’re British if asked, will make it difficult to find a song that will suit all.
In Jerusalem, that word was meant to be a place to aspire to for Christians. To my knowledge, neither Beijing, nor Washington are places we would aspire to be, and they don’t scan anyway. May just as well use Afghanistan

I thought we could maybe use the tune and the words of Jerusalem, but substitute Utopia for Jerusalem?
According to Merriam-Webster ,
Utopia is a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions
So Till we have built Utopia in England’s Green and Pleasant land, could well be something to aspire to.
What do you think?

Pressed post too quickly
Or Britain’s green and pleasant land

Jerusalem is a very controversial option - so controversial that when I got married the vicar would not allow it to be used in the ceremony.
www.spectator.co.uk/article/there-s-nothing-patriotic-about-william-blake-s-jerusalem

StoneofDestiny

*Not Jerusalem. How many other countries would sing about establishing a foreign capital in our green and pleasant land.? How would Muslims, Hindus and other religions feel about that? Perhaps substitute Beijing or Washington? I know what Blake was referring to but that makes it a purely Christian hymn. Not relevant to our multi-cultural society*

Apart from that, it's about Englands 'green and pleasant land', so not appropriate for anybody but the English

England needs it's own Anthem too.
At sporting events when, for example, England plays Wales, the Welsh sing their anthem with gusto, the English have to sing the one which represents the whole of the UK.

I remember our English teacher at school saying we wouldn't sing so enthusiastically if we really understood Blake's words.

As the English National Anthem there is always Flanders and Swan's "The English are Best" www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4zyfwtDIHE
Apologies to all from the other three countries. It is completely non-PC.

I’m so pleased that it’s not mine as I wouldn’t sing it, I’m Welsh and love ours

Thanks Casdon.

Jerusalema? dance to the Anthem?

I was thinking Land of Hope and Glory but that has rather unpleasant colonisation overtones. Jerusalem is regarded as blasphemous by many. There’ll always be an England ?

OxfordGran

Jerusalema? dance to the Anthem?

👏🏼

Zoejory

Maybe Living on a Prayer would do. Quite apt and everyone always sings along.

Ha! I love this idea. 🤣