Comments on: And did those feet in Ancient Time?

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:42:49 +0000

Jerusalem is a beautiful song/melody and would be ideal as an English anthem except for 2 things:
1. It would be totally unacceptable to have as an English national anthem a song whose title is the capital city of another country (Israel) particularly as ownership of Jerusalem is a big bone of contention between the Palestinians and the Israelis.
2.Jerusalem is a Christian song, almost a hymn. We live in a society which whilst nominally Christian is home to people of many religions and none. To adopt a Christian song as the English anthem would be very devisive and would not be universally accepted.
The only real contender is Land of Hope & Glory. A fabulous melody and words which, if a little old fashioned, can be supported by all English people. It’s a song which always makes me emotional and proud to be English. Most national anthems are dreary dirges. To hear this played at international events would stir the soul.

By: simon

simon — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 08:10:45 +0000

The most important thing about “Jerusalem” of course, is that it can be sung to the tune of “Hernando’s Hideaway”…

By: Toque

Toque — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:02:48 +0000

Polls by anthem4england and the BBC both show Jerusalem to be the favourite for an English national anthem.

By: Rob

Rob — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 17:02:50 +0000

I kind of agree actually – i wouldn’t want an anthem for patrotism sake, more for just motivation for the team and fans before games.

By: Foreverzidane

Foreverzidane — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 16:11:07 +0000

I love National Anthems as well, mostly because of their beautiful melodies.
However in this age of GLOBALISM anthems have lost their significance unless
you’re using them as a motivational tool. A large portion of the free world
population is settled by immigrants and it will take eons for their generation to actually feel any patriotism towards a country other than their birth place. Just a point of view, please don’t hurl things! LOL
Strictly speaking musically I love the Russian national anthem followed by of course as a Les Bleus fan the France national anthem though the lyrics are quite vulgar but I find it so invigorating from a musical sense.
In accordance with you I think it’s time to get rid of “God save the queen”.
Truly enjoyed reading the lyrics to Jerusalem, nicely done.

By: Rob

Rob — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:44:51 +0000

Jose – Yeah. I’m not patriotic really – England is my team as much as anything. But I do love National Anthems. I think Fratelli d’Italia is geniunely rousing, for example. I’d love to have a song I like as the theme of my team.

By: Jose

Jose — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 14:10:27 +0000

I really think this stuff does matter. Jerusalem is such a great song (I have a geeky interest in national anthems, lol)… Imagine hearing that before England plays. Heck, I’d support them!