Comments on: National anthems http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/ Out of the crooked timber of humanity, no straight thing was ever made Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:06:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Mak http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8280 Mak Thu, 05 Feb 2004 00:13:10 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8280 Well, the BRITISH national anthem has some very interesting verses which are rarely (if ever) used nowadays. The word Poppish or Knavish in the 2nd verse for one - is definately not PC in todays society. And then there's the final verse that speaks of crushing the sedition making Scots - God grant that Marshall Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring, May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to Crush, God save the King. - Maybe this could be the reason why many scots refuse to sing-a-long,,, Well, the BRITISH national anthem has some very interesting verses which are rarely (if ever) used nowadays. The word Poppish or Knavish in the 2nd verse for one – is definately not PC in todays society. And then there’s the final verse that speaks of crushing the sedition making Scots – God grant that Marshall Wade, May by thy mighty aid, Victory bring, May he sedition hush, And like a torrent rush, Rebellious Scots to Crush, God save the King. – Maybe this could be the reason why many scots refuse to sing-a-long,,,

]]> By: Turk Shamil http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8279 Turk Shamil Wed, 04 Feb 2004 12:08:46 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8279 CHECHEN NATIONAL ANTHEM We were born at night, when the she-wolf whelped. In the morning, as lions howl, we were given our names. In eagles' nests, our Mothers nursed us, To tame a stallion, our Fathers taught us. We were devoted to our Mothers, to people and the Native land, And if they will need us - we'll respond courageously, We grew up free, together with the mountain eagles, Difficulties and obstacles we overcame with dignity. Granite rocks will sooner fuse like lead, Then we lose our Nobility in life and struggle. The Earth will sooner be breached in boiling sun, Then we appear before the world; losing our honor. Never will we appear submissive before anyone, Death or Freedom - we can choose only one way. Our sisters cure our wounds by their songs, The eyes of the beloved arouse us to the feat of arms. If hunger gets us down - we'll gnaw the roots. If thirst harasses us - we'll drink the grass dew. We were born at night, when the she-wolf whelped. God, Nation, and the Native land - We devote ourselves only to their service. Words by Aydamirov Abuzar Music by Dimaev Ali CHECHEN NATIONAL ANTHEM We were born at night, when the she-wolf whelped. In the morning, as lions howl, we were given our names. In eagles’ nests, our Mothers nursed us, To tame a stallion, our Fathers taught us. We were devoted to our Mothers, to people and the Native land, And if they will need us – we’ll respond courageously, We grew up free, together with the mountain eagles, Difficulties and obstacles we overcame with dignity. Granite rocks will sooner fuse like lead, Then we lose our Nobility in life and struggle. The Earth will sooner be breached in boiling sun, Then we appear before the world; losing our honor. Never will we appear submissive before anyone, Death or Freedom – we can choose only one way. Our sisters cure our wounds by their songs, The eyes of the beloved arouse us to the feat of arms. If hunger gets us down – we’ll gnaw the roots. If thirst harasses us – we’ll drink the grass dew. We were born at night, when the she-wolf whelped. God, Nation, and the Native land – We devote ourselves only to their service. Words by Aydamirov Abuzar Music by Dimaev Ali

]]> By: Anthony http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8278 Anthony Wed, 19 Nov 2003 20:45:52 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8278 Nicholas Weininger posts the third verse of the Star Spangled Banner: <i>And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the horror of war and the battle's confusion A home and a country should leave us no more - Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.</i> <i>No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight and the gloom of the grave, And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!</i> without pointing out that "the hireling and slave" refers to the British Army. The fourth stanza is similarly martial in spirit, though not really anti-British: <i>Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation, Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n - rescued land Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation.</i> <i>Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto--"In God is our trust." And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.</i> Isaac Asimov <a href="http://www.purewatergazette.net/asimov.htm">wrote a paean to the Star-Spangled Banner, with directions for singing it.</a> Nicholas Weininger posts the third verse of the Star Spangled Banner: And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the horror of war and the battle’s confusion A home and a country should leave us no more – Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight and the gloom of the grave, And the Star-Spangled Banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave! without pointing out that “the hireling and slave” refers to the British Army. The fourth stanza is similarly martial in spirit, though not really anti-British: Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war’s desolation, Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n – rescued land Praise the Pow’r that hath made and preserved us a nation. Then conquer we must, for our cause is just, And this be our motto—”In God is our trust.” And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. Isaac Asimov wrote a paean to the Star-Spangled Banner, with directions for singing it.

]]> By: Joshua W. Burton http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8277 Joshua W. Burton Tue, 18 Nov 2003 23:49:56 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8277 There are any number of magnificent anthem-worthy songs from the American Civil War, starting with the incomparable Battle Hymn of the Republic and including something for almost every taste: poignant (Tramp, Tramp, Tramp), sprightly (The Bonny Blue Flag), vengeful (Battle Cry of Freedom), crusading (We Are Coming, Father Abraham), defiant (I'm A Good Old Rebel), parodic (Maryland, My Maryland) or homely (Dixie). And for sheer effectiveness in combining the martial and hymnal forms to drive a million feet in unison, what compares to the Internationale? But too few white Americans know our "other anthem", so my vote today goes to Lift Every Voice And Sing. It's got everything going for it: a long pedigree, a distinct ethnic sound instantly recognizable worldwide, and words that start the tears flowing almost as reliably as Amazing Grace. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/i/liftevry.htm There are any number of magnificent anthem-worthy songs from the American Civil War, starting with the incomparable Battle Hymn of the Republic and including something for almost every taste: poignant (Tramp, Tramp, Tramp), sprightly (The Bonny Blue Flag), vengeful (Battle Cry of Freedom), crusading (We Are Coming, Father Abraham), defiant (I’m A Good Old Rebel), parodic (Maryland, My Maryland) or homely (Dixie). And for sheer effectiveness in combining the martial and hymnal forms to drive a million feet in unison, what compares to the Internationale? But too few white Americans know our “other anthem”, so my vote today goes to Lift Every Voice And Sing. It’s got everything going for it: a long pedigree, a distinct ethnic sound instantly recognizable worldwide, and words that start the tears flowing almost as reliably as Amazing Grace. http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/l/i/liftevry.htm

]]> By: Highway http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8276 Highway Tue, 18 Nov 2003 18:24:52 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8276 Since I'm usually listening to anthems at the end of sporting events (Formula 1 and the Olympics), I'm not too up on the words. But of orchestral versions, I have to throw some of my support behind the Star-Spangled Banner. I think it's got a good uptempo beat without being so martial, and if the selectors get gutsy, they can use a version with cymbal crashes. Second on my list would be the Italian anthem, it's a lot of fun to listen to (and it means Ferrari have won ;) ). But ones like the Finnish anthem and GSTQ really bring down the mood (they are playing them after a victory, after all). Since I’m usually listening to anthems at the end of sporting events (Formula 1 and the Olympics), I’m not too up on the words. But of orchestral versions, I have to throw some of my support behind the Star-Spangled Banner. I think it’s got a good uptempo beat without being so martial, and if the selectors get gutsy, they can use a version with cymbal crashes. Second on my list would be the Italian anthem, it’s a lot of fun to listen to (and it means Ferrari have won ;) ). But ones like the Finnish anthem and GSTQ really bring down the mood (they are playing them after a victory, after all).

]]> By: Jeffrey Kramer http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8275 Jeffrey Kramer Tue, 18 Nov 2003 16:45:15 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8275 I think the American anthem most resembling the Marseillaise (as an"upbeat celebration of martial comradeship") would be "Battle Cry of Freedom": We will welcome to our number The loyal, true and brave; Shouting the battle cry of freedom! And although he may be poor, He shall never be a slave; Shouting the battle cry of freedom! I think the American anthem most resembling the Marseillaise (as an”upbeat celebration of martial comradeship”) would be “Battle Cry of Freedom”: We will welcome to our number The loyal, true and brave; Shouting the battle cry of freedom! And although he may be poor, He shall never be a slave; Shouting the battle cry of freedom!

]]> By: TomD http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8274 TomD Tue, 18 Nov 2003 11:35:42 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8274 The tune Haydn wrote was "Gott Erhalte Franz den Kaiser" : "God Save the Emperor Franz". The lyric was a straight steal from God Save The King... To popularize it Haydn wrote a string quartet with the slow movement being a set of variations on the tune. The beginning of the *first* movement also starts with the notes GEFDC : G ott E rhalte F ranz D en C aiser. Later in the movement he introduces an imitation of Hungarian (or gypsy?) dance music. The first, and greatest, patriotic composition - although you'd scarcely know to listen to it, since Classical music *was* Austro-Hungarian music. Concerning the history of GSTK and Jerusalem, the fact that their connotations have changed considerably over the years is entirely in tune with the nature of the English establishment: continuously evolving to subsume every rebellion into itself while keeping the same outward appearance. Irony comes with the package. The tune Haydn wrote was “Gott Erhalte Franz den Kaiser” : “God Save the Emperor Franz”. The lyric was a straight steal from God Save The King… To popularize it Haydn wrote a string quartet with the slow movement being a set of variations on the tune. The beginning of the first movement also starts with the notes GEFDC : G ott E rhalte F ranz D en C aiser. Later in the movement he introduces an imitation of Hungarian (or gypsy?) dance music. The first, and greatest, patriotic composition – although you’d scarcely know to listen to it, since Classical music was Austro-Hungarian music. Concerning the history of GSTK and Jerusalem, the fact that their connotations have changed considerably over the years is entirely in tune with the nature of the English establishment: continuously evolving to subsume every rebellion into itself while keeping the same outward appearance. Irony comes with the package.

]]> By: Doug http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8273 Doug Tue, 18 Nov 2003 07:48:57 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8273 Haydn didn't write the lyrics to 'Deutschland ueber alles,' Google turns up Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1798-1874) as the author. Haydn did write the melody, as a tribute to the Austrian emperor, and I have seen the tune referred to as 'Austria.' The third verse is the modern German anthem, roughly 'unity, right and freedom,' (Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit) mis-transcribed by some wags as 'unity and the right to time off' (Einigkeit und Recht auf Freizeit), or further mangled into 'unity and the right to free beer' (Einigkeit und Recht auf Freibier). Haydn didn’t write the lyrics to ‘Deutschland ueber alles,’ Google turns up Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1798-1874) as the author. Haydn did write the melody, as a tribute to the Austrian emperor, and I have seen the tune referred to as ‘Austria.’ The third verse is the modern German anthem, roughly ‘unity, right and freedom,’ (Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit) mis-transcribed by some wags as ‘unity and the right to time off’ (Einigkeit und Recht auf Freizeit), or further mangled into ‘unity and the right to free beer’ (Einigkeit und Recht auf Freibier).

]]> By: JP http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8272 JP Tue, 18 Nov 2003 05:45:29 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8272 My understanding is that Deutschland Uber Alles wasn't intended to be expansionist. The lyrics were supposed to refer to Deutschland over each of the constituent parts of Germany, which had just unified in the 1800s and was still trying to develop a sense of national unity (i.e. Deutschland over Bavaria, Deutschland over Baden, and so forth). Of course, it did start to take on a whole new meaning once 1914 rolled around... By the way, in this American's opinion, the textbook national anthem belongs to the Canadians. Nice tune, easy to sing, and straightforward, not-too-fluffy lyrics. Can't ask for more than that. My understanding is that Deutschland Uber Alles wasn’t intended to be expansionist. The lyrics were supposed to refer to Deutschland over each of the constituent parts of Germany, which had just unified in the 1800s and was still trying to develop a sense of national unity (i.e. Deutschland over Bavaria, Deutschland over Baden, and so forth). Of course, it did start to take on a whole new meaning once 1914 rolled around… By the way, in this American’s opinion, the textbook national anthem belongs to the Canadians. Nice tune, easy to sing, and straightforward, not-too-fluffy lyrics. Can’t ask for more than that.

]]> By: Dave http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8271 Dave Tue, 18 Nov 2003 00:45:38 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8271 The _SSB_ isn't so old an english drinking song; "To Anacreon in Heaven" is late 18th century. That explains why it should be sung faster: it's not mean to be all stuffy and patriotic, it's a tune involving twining the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus' Vine. As for the _M_, van Loon's riff on that verse cautions us that whenever the pigs put fine sentiments up on the side of the barn it doesn't hurt to keep a close eye on them: The time in which he lived bore a close resemblance to our own. A brilliant beg inning. The dawn of enlightenment had appeared above the distant horizon. The brotherhood of man was to inaugurate an era in which freedom and an absolute equ ality of opportunity were to be the birthright of every child. _Allons, enfants de la patrie!_ But something went wrong. The procession, instead of arriving at the foot of th e Statue of Liberty, must have taken the wrong turn somewhere along the road, fo r it suddenly found itself facing the steps up to the scaffold. _Le jour de gloire est arrive'_ The SSB isn’t so old an english drinking song; “To Anacreon in Heaven” is late 18th century. That explains why it should be sung faster: it’s not mean to be all stuffy and patriotic, it’s a tune involving twining the Myrtle of Venus with Bacchus’ Vine. As for the M, van Loon’s riff on that verse cautions us that whenever the pigs put fine sentiments up on the side of the barn it doesn’t hurt to keep a close eye on them: The time in which he lived bore a close resemblance to our own. A brilliant beg inning. The dawn of enlightenment had appeared above the distant horizon. The brotherhood of man was to inaugurate an era in which freedom and an absolute equ ality of opportunity were to be the birthright of every child. Allons, enfants de la patrie! But something went wrong. The procession, instead of arriving at the foot of th e Statue of Liberty, must have taken the wrong turn somewhere along the road, fo r it suddenly found itself facing the steps up to the scaffold. Le jour de gloire est arrive’

]]> By: Martial http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8270 Martial Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:19:26 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8270 The poor <i>SSB</i>. It gets more unsingable with every performance by another high-strung hysteric. Thank goodness for the Dixie Chicks and their plain, simple, <i>singable</i> song at the Super Bowl back in January. As for the <i>Marseillaise</i>, I'm partial to the Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Elizabeth Shaw "translation". ... Ye sons of France, awake to glory! Hark! Hark! the people bid you rise! Your children, wives, and grandsires hoary Behold their tears and hear their cries! Shall hateful tyrants, mischief breeding, With hireling hosts a ruffian band Affright and desolate the land While peace and liberty lie bleeding? CHORUS To arms, to arms, ye brave! Th'avenging sword unsheathe! March on, march on, all hearts resolved On liberty or death. Oh liberty can man resign thee, Once having felt thy gen'rous flame? Can dungeons, bolts, and bar confine thee? Or whips thy noble spirit tame? Too long the world has wept bewailing That falsehood's dagger tyrants wield; But freedom is our sword and shield And all their arts are unavailing. O sacred love of France undying Th'avenging arm uphold and guide Thy defenders, death defying Fight with Freedom at their side. Soon thy sons shall be victorious When the banner high is raised; And thy dying enemies, amazed Shall behold thy triumph, great and glorious. The poor SSB. It gets more unsingable with every performance by another high-strung hysteric. Thank goodness for the Dixie Chicks and their plain, simple, singable song at the Super Bowl back in January. As for the Marseillaise, I’m partial to the Percy Bysshe Shelley and Mary Elizabeth Shaw “translation”. … Ye sons of France, awake to glory! Hark! Hark! the people bid you rise! Your children, wives, and grandsires hoary Behold their tears and hear their cries! Shall hateful tyrants, mischief breeding, With hireling hosts a ruffian band Affright and desolate the land While peace and liberty lie bleeding? CHORUS To arms, to arms, ye brave! Th’avenging sword unsheathe! March on, march on, all hearts resolved On liberty or death. Oh liberty can man resign thee, Once having felt thy gen’rous flame? Can dungeons, bolts, and bar confine thee? Or whips thy noble spirit tame? Too long the world has wept bewailing That falsehood’s dagger tyrants wield; But freedom is our sword and shield And all their arts are unavailing. O sacred love of France undying Th’avenging arm uphold and guide Thy defenders, death defying Fight with Freedom at their side. Soon thy sons shall be victorious When the banner high is raised; And thy dying enemies, amazed Shall behold thy triumph, great and glorious.

]]> By: Eric Jablow http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8269 Eric Jablow Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:14:48 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8269 You have <em>Rule Britannia</em>, we have <em>Stars and Stripes Forever</em>. I'll take Sousa any day. You have Rule Britannia, we have Stars and Stripes Forever. I’ll take Sousa any day.

]]> By: ben http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8268 ben Mon, 17 Nov 2003 21:07:33 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8268 The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, has the most amiable anthem I know of. There's some minor religiosity but its sentiments are otherwise very wholesome, and the tune is fittingly simple and upbeat. No warriors, blood, sacrifice, maiming, tyranny or violence. For The Gambia, our homeland, We strive and work and pray, That all may live in unity, Freedom and peace each day. Let justice guide our actions Towards the common good, And join our diverse peoples To prove man's brotherhood. We pledge our firm allegiance, Our promise we renew; Keep us, great God of nations, To The Gambia ever true. The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, has the most amiable anthem I know of. There’s some minor religiosity but its sentiments are otherwise very wholesome, and the tune is fittingly simple and upbeat. No warriors, blood, sacrifice, maiming, tyranny or violence. For The Gambia, our homeland, We strive and work and pray, That all may live in unity, Freedom and peace each day. Let justice guide our actions Towards the common good, And join our diverse peoples To prove man’s brotherhood. We pledge our firm allegiance, Our promise we renew; Keep us, great God of nations, To The Gambia ever true.

]]> By: nick http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8267 nick Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:48:07 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8267 Oh, and GSTQ/K is itself a kind of ideological imposition from the days of importing fat Hanoverians: see Linda Colley's <i>Britons</i> for all the gory details. The point being that having a patriotic song devoted to the person of the monarch sort of evaded the fact that he was a sausage-eating foreigner imposed by the Whigs. Ahem. Oh, and GSTQ/K is itself a kind of ideological imposition from the days of importing fat Hanoverians: see Linda Colley’s Britons for all the gory details. The point being that having a patriotic song devoted to the person of the monarch sort of evaded the fact that he was a sausage-eating foreigner imposed by the Whigs. Ahem.

]]> By: nick http://crookedtimber.org/2003/11/17/national-anthems/comment-page-1/#comment-8266 nick Mon, 17 Nov 2003 20:45:38 +0000 http://crookedtimber.org/wp/?p=592#comment-8266 Billy Connolly had it right: it takes five times as long for British athletes to march around the track to GSTQ. His suggestion: change the national anthem to 'Barwick Grove' (the theme from <i>The Archers</i>) which is much more jolly. And immigrants can learn it in the cab from Heathrow. Eddie Izzard was right about 'The Star-Spangled Banner', as well: big mouth, just keep confirming and denying: <blockquote>The American national anthem I’ve noticed is a bit hazy in the middle! Cause it starts strong and you finish strong, but the middle bit’s a bit, “And fish in the sky, and a big monkey pie…” I’ve seen guys up there, halfway through, just losing it. “What the fuck is it?” “I came second, I’m from Turkey – I don’t know! Would you like some furniture?”</blockquote> As for 'Jerusalem', Harry, it's <i>so</i> not a hymn, in spite of Parry's intentions. Blake's <i><a href="http://www.wise.virginia.edu/history/wciv2/blake.html">Milton</a></i> is saturated with irony, which is why I look at the hordes at the Last Night of the Proms and wonder if they really know what they're singing. Billy Connolly had it right: it takes five times as long for British athletes to march around the track to GSTQ. His suggestion: change the national anthem to ‘Barwick Grove’ (the theme from The Archers) which is much more jolly. And immigrants can learn it in the cab from Heathrow. Eddie Izzard was right about ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, as well: big mouth, just keep confirming and denying:
The American national anthem I’ve noticed is a bit hazy in the middle! Cause it starts strong and you finish strong, but the middle bit’s a bit, “And fish in the sky, and a big monkey pie…” I’ve seen guys up there, halfway through, just losing it. “What the fuck is it?” “I came second, I’m from Turkey – I don’t know! Would you like some furniture?”
As for ‘Jerusalem’, Harry, it’s so not a hymn, in spite of Parry’s intentions. Blake’s Milton is saturated with irony, which is why I look at the hordes at the Last Night of the Proms and wonder if they really know what they’re singing.

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