Ian C Posted July 17, 2010 Report Share Posted July 17, 2010 (edited) A little warning to all reading this thread - I absolutely love national anthems. I don't know why, but the point of this thread is to see if anyone else shares my weird interest! So post up your favourites and share opinions etc. etc. My favourites.... 1) Amhrán na bhFiann/The Soldier's Song ---------------------------------------- The classic Irish answer. It has everything you want in an anthem; a pounding military beat, patriotic and slightly xenophobic lyrics and it also ticks the 'in a language nobody else understands' box. Lyrics: Sinne Fianna Fáil, atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn, Buíon dár slua thar toinn do ráinig chughainn, Faoi mhóid bheith saor Seantír ár sinsear feasta, Ní fhágfar faoin tíorán ná faoin tráill. Anocht a théam sa bhearna baoil, Le gean ar Ghaeil, chun báis nó saoil, Le gunna scréach faoi lámhach na bpiléar, Seo libh canaig amhrán na bhFiann Soldiers are we, whose lives are pledged to Ireland, Some have come from a land beyond the wave, Sworn to be free, no more our ancient sireland, Shall shelter the despot or the slave. Tonight we man the "bearna baoil", In Erin’s cause, come woe or weal, ’Mid cannon’s roar and rifles’ peal, We’ll chant a soldier's song (There are further references to things like "out yonder wait the saxon foe", "tyrant" etc. etc. ) Video (Sorry about GSTQ at the start, but this is the seminal public performance of the Irish National Anthem... and I get to rub in the fact that we hammered you guys that day ) 2) The European National Anthem - Ode to Joy -------------------------------------------- Okay okay, I admit. This was mysteriously dropped between the failed EU Constitution and the successful Treaty of Lisbon - but you've got to admit that it's a quality tune! Unofficial Lyrics: Latin original Est Europa nunc unita et unita maneat; una in diversitate pacem mundi augeat. Semper regnant in Europa fides et iustitia et libertas populorum in maiore patria. Cives, floreat Europa, opus magnum vocat vos. Stellae signa sunt in caelo aureae, quae iungant nos. Rhymeless and literal English translation Europe is united now United may it remain; Our unity in diversity May it contribute to world peace. May there forever reign in Europe Faith and justice And freedom of the people In a greater fatherland Citizens, may Europe flourish, A great task calls on you. Golden stars in the sky are The symbols that shall unite us. Listen here: http://www.hymnus-europae.at/music/01%20Titel%201.wma 3) La Marseillaise - L'anthem nationale de France -------------------------------------------------- Yes they're cheating bastards but I know I'm not the only one who makes sure that they catch this during French home games during the 6 Nations. Quality quality tune. Lyrics (first verse + chorus): Allons enfants de la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé ! Contre nous de la tyrannie, L'étendard sanglant est levé, Entendez-vous dans les campagnes, Mugir ces féroces soldats ? Ils viennent jusque dans vos bras Égorger vos fils, vos compagnes ! Aux armes, citoyens, Formez vos bataillons, Marchons, marchons ! Qu'un sang impur Abreuve nos sillons ! Listen: 4) Flower of Scotland -------------------------- Best anthem of the 6 Nations by far. No question. Scotland may be shite at rugby, but they can fucking sing! Lyrics: 1. O flower of Scotland When will we see Your like again That fought and died for Your wee bit hill and glen And stood against him Proud Edward's army And sent him homeward Tae think again 2. Those days are passed now And in the past they must remain But we can still rise now And be the nation again And stood against him Proud Edward's army And sent him homeward Tae think again Watch: Annoying that you can't have more than 1 media file per post Okay you can tell I'm ridiculously bored today! Edited July 17, 2010 by Grarghsies Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted July 17, 2010 Report Share Posted July 17, 2010 ...the point of this thread is to see if anyone else shares my weird interest! No. You are very weird :whistle: :upsidedown: :arrowhead: . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian C Posted July 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2010 No. You are very weird :whistle: :upsidedown: :arrowhead: . I didn't know they allowed the guests to have computers in the home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted July 17, 2010 Report Share Posted July 17, 2010 I didn't know they allowed the guests to have computers in the home Good behaviour . Actually some anthems are impressive....just that when you're stuck with a (usually discordant) dirge such as ours you tend to be dismissive of others to avoid embarrassment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian C Posted July 17, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2010 I must (shamefully) admit that I have quite fond of Jerusalem though. Don't understand why that isn't used as the English annthem and keep GSTK/Q as the UK/Imperial anthem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lowensda Posted July 18, 2010 Report Share Posted July 18, 2010 Ian. You win the award for the most random thread ever aha Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
holystove Posted July 18, 2010 Report Share Posted July 18, 2010 I love national anthems too! BTW, the European anthem exists in the same capacity as it always did. It was elevated to an official anthem in the Constitutional Treaty. So it's still the unofficial anthem of the EU. There's one obvious anthem missing from your list and my personal number one : MOTHER RUSSIA! . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted July 18, 2010 Report Share Posted July 18, 2010 Is the UK the only country in the world who's anthem witters on solely about the head of state rather than the nation? Had a quick scan and even North Korea's is not so nauseatingly deferential.... "Let morning shine on the silver and gold of this land, Three thousand leagues packed with natural wealth. My beautiful fatherland. The glory of a wise people Brought up in a culture brilliant With a history five millennia long. Let us devote our bodies and minds To supporting this Korea forever." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubecula Posted July 18, 2010 Report Share Posted July 18, 2010 If we ignore the lyrics, some of the music for national anthems is very stirring. Living in Wales I hear Men of Harlech sung on occassion, and that is pretty impressive when sung with passion. Bread of Heaven too. There is a bit in it that I do remember... well two words of it. LOL ......."Gwlad Gwlad"....... I am not going to bother with a web search for the rest. I agree with grarghsies on the French Irish and Scottish anthems too. And I have been known to hum Ode to joy. But I think an anthem for England would be "Land of Hope and Glory" rather than "Jerusalem" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeO Posted July 18, 2010 Report Share Posted July 18, 2010 But I think an anthem for England would be "Land of Hope and Glory" rather than "Jerusalem" Teletubbies theme would be better than what we have now . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubecula Posted July 18, 2010 Report Share Posted July 18, 2010 I think the Benny Hill theme would be the most suitable for someone running around chasing something totally elusive. Humming it to yourself yet? Try imagining Rooney chasing the ball all over the place before diving in with frustration, Now are you humming it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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