There is a noticeable trend of criticism directed at this nation currently from various sources.
From supporters of the Make America Great Again movement describing the country as a lawless, crime-infested place to Europeans making fun of the regrets surrounding Brexit, the nation has become an easy target.
One would expect our reputation to be on the rise as the world celebrates its greatest-ever sport, a game that this country introduced to the world. However, this is not the case. Despite the Three Lions still in the competition, the world is subjected to what is possibly the least inspiring national anthem before each game.
The dull, monotonous anthem that awkwardly pleads for the salvation of an aging aristocrat fails to evoke pride in players and fans. Instead of instilling a sense of national spirit, it is mumbled out apologetically as if it were an embarrassing afterthought.
This year, with an expanded World Cup featuring 48 anthems, the national anthem sounds even more lackluster. According to The New York Times’ Athletic website, which ranked all 48 World Cup anthems, God Save The King was rated as the worst.
The anthem not only falls short compared to stirring classics like those of France, Brazil, and the Netherlands, but it also pales in comparison to anthems like Colombia’s spirited call to action and Curacao’s lively saxophone tune. Closer to home, anthems like Flower Of Scotland, Wales’ Land Of Our Fathers, and Ireland’s The Soldiers’ Song never fail to ignite national pride, making God Save The King seem as uninspiring as a dated pop song.
The anthem’s lyrics are bland and lack relevance for a sizable portion of the population. A significant number of Britons do not support the monarchy, and a majority do not believe in God, raising questions about the anthem’s relevance to modern society.
There is a growing call for a new national anthem that resonates with the diverse population. While Scotland and Wales have their own anthems, the focus is on providing the English with a more uplifting and inclusive anthem.
Suggestions for a new anthem include Billy Bragg’s A New England and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, both offering more meaningful and relevant lyrics than the current anthem. Other options like God Save The Queen by the Sex Pistols and The Jam’s Eton Rifles are proposed for their critiques of outdated traditions and societal norms.
For those inclined towards a classical piece, William Blake’s Jerusalem, known for its condemnation of capitalist greed, is also considered a suitable replacement. Ultimately, the aim is to find a well-known, beloved anthem that captures the national traits of skepticism, pessimism, and resilience, such as Eric Idle’s Always Look On the Bright Side Of Life.
This anthem would not only resonate with the English population but also serve as a source of unity and pride during international events like the World Cup, acknowledging the rollercoaster of emotions that come with supporting the national team.