Rule Britannia

[urban genie]

Most national anthems are jingoistic, it's the nature of the beast.

The Internationale isn't/wasn't and nither is spains, andorras or San Marinos ;-)

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

 

[BlueMoonAcrossThePond]

I always thought that the phrase was, "Rue Britannia." Silly me.

 

[Fiftyyearsandcounting]

To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:



Is it a song that serves capitalism or does it make you proud to be British?


"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

As a nation that has a rich history, it fascinates me how we portray ourselves and how we are portrayed by others. I love my country and I wonder if these songs are relevant and how much they play on our nations noggins today.

Is this wokery nonsense from me, or does it have legs.

A lot of people think the line is Britannia RULES the waves ie an arrogant statement of our superiority. The word RULE here, is an exhortation to not allows our nation to become subservient to others.

 

[Fiftyyearsandcounting]

Everyone of which is a million times better than the dirge that currently serves as our national anthem. If changing the national anthem and pledging allegiance to some woman is too difficult to change then, as a minimum, we should have one of them as a English anthem. Like you, my preference would be for Jerusalem.

Certainly I agree with the dirge of our current anthem, just an adoration of the queen (and Charles to come). Jerusalem is a fine tune, also Land of hope, Nimrod etc. However, I personally would like any change in the lyrics to specifically exclude any religious reference to gods or heavens, any individuals, and instead just be about the country.

 

[Rascal]

Certainly I agree with the dirge of our current anthem, just an adoration of the queen (and Charles to come). Jerusalem is a fine tune, also Land of hope, Nimrod etc. However, I personally would like any change in the lyrics to specifically exclude any religious reference to gods or heavens, any individuals, and instead just be about the country.

"Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall
While thou shalt flourish, shalt flourish great and free"


Are the above lines a paean to free market capitalism?

 

[Fiftyyearsandcounting]

"Must, in their turn, to tyrants fall
While thou shalt flourish, shalt flourish great and free"


Are the above lines a paean to free market capitalism?

Not sure if James Thornton knew much about international commerce in 1740. I think this particular chorus is simply saying England will fare better than "lesser nations" . A little chauvinistic perhaps.

 

[Rascal]

Not sure if James Thornton knew much about international commerce in 1740. I think this particular chorus is simply saying England will fare better than "lesser nations" . A little chauvinistic perhaps.

Good point

 

[Deleted member 77198]

To thee belongs the rural reign;
Thy cities shall with commerce shine:



Is it a song that serves capitalism or does it make you proud to be British?


"Rule, Britannia! rule the waves:
"Britons never will be slaves."

As a nation that has a rich history, it fascinates me how we portray ourselves and how we are portrayed by others. I love my country and I wonder if these songs are relevant and how much they play on our nations noggins today.

Is this wokery nonsense from me, or does it have legs.

It’s just a British anthem. Some people love it like City fans love “Blue Moon”, West Ham fans love “Blowing Bubbles”, Rolling Stones fans love “Satisfaction”. It’s just a song and something that shouldn’t be read into too much.

It’s just like a few City songs:
“Blue Moon” is a song about being a bit of pathetic sad sap loner, someone with nothing going for them who longs for companionship because they haven’t got anyone, yet we belt it out like it’s something triumphant. It’s a bit of a stupid idea for a song for us to sing. Yet we do sing it.
“the best team in the land and all the world” we sang that when we were shit and when it’s actually true. It wasn’t ironic when we were shit and it’s not arrogant now it’s true, it’s just a song.
“we don’t carry hammers, we don’t carry lead, we only carry hatchets to bury in your head”… we didn’t actually mean that.
The Pope has never really told Man United to “fuck off”.
There is no Invisible Man.

Pick anything to read into with great detail and they can all be pulled apart.

Lionel Ritchie did a music video for “Hello” where he was a teacher who was following one of his students around, hiding in bushes and behind trees perving on her.

In American sports, during those daft time-out things they have, if the home team have just done something good they play a song by a paedophile that everyone dances along to.

The Cure did a song called “Killing An Arab”.

Serge Gainsbourg did a song with his daughter which was all about incest. Very weird song, worrying to a degree. But instantly forgettable and if some people like the song, then let them enjoy it.

 

[blue for life]

I can’t get into the national anthem as I oppose the idea of monarchy. It should be a celebration of the country and its best values and beauty. Jerusalem though is a top time in itself.