La Marseillaise - The World's Best Anthem?
Jul 18th, 2006, 12:20 PM
#41
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I didn't know the Right had co-opted God Bless America. To me, it's a song for hockey games (maybe all teams, but definitely the Flyers!). I have always liked America the Beautiful better than the Star Spangled Banner, even before I had any political leanings, which are mostly centrist anyway.
Jul 18th, 2006, 12:24 PM
#43
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For nonFlyers fans, the GBA link (from Wikipedia):
Later, from 1969 through the early 1970s, Smith's recording of the song before many Philadelphia Flyers contests brought it renewed popularity (as well as an apparent "good luck charm" to the Flyers), long before it became a nationwide sporting event staple. The Flyers even brought Smith in to sing "live" before the final game of Stanley Cup Playoffs in the spring of 1974, and the Flyers won the cup that day.
Later, from 1969 through the early 1970s, Smith's recording of the song before many Philadelphia Flyers contests brought it renewed popularity (as well as an apparent "good luck charm" to the Flyers), long before it became a nationwide sporting event staple. The Flyers even brought Smith in to sing "live" before the final game of Stanley Cup Playoffs in the spring of 1974, and the Flyers won the cup that day.
Jul 18th, 2006, 12:37 PM
#44
Maybe we could end "Jingoistic" National anthems, and each nation draws the name of another out of a hat, and then selects a new National Anthem for them (the more stereotypic the better).
I still think the Aussies should have gone for Walzing Matilda - I don't care how undignified, but at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
I still think the Aussies should have gone for Walzing Matilda - I don't care how undignified, but at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
Jul 18th, 2006, 01:04 PM
#45
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It's interesting that some focus on the music while others think of the words. I'll confess: in 56 years I still haven't learned the words to O Canada. I was trying my best but someone changed a few of the words a quarter century ago and that stopped me dead in my tracks. My wife, on the other hand, knows all the words, including what was changed and why.
It's a great tune, though; it still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
Anselm
It's a great tune, though; it still makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
Anselm
Jul 18th, 2006, 01:12 PM
#46
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I notice nobody has mentioned "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika" the South African National Anthem. Multi-lingual, impressive history, and lyrics that include stuff about ending "war and strife." And so beautiful when sung by a large group.
Jul 18th, 2006, 02:02 PM
#47
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I like La Marseillaise as a tune to get teen agers out of bed on Saturday afternoons.
A friend of mine, who played the clarinet very well in his day, used it for exactly that purpose. He would get a metal dishpan, a big wooden spoon, pound on the dishpan, and sing as loudly as he could.
I never heard him do it in full voice, but at half voice it was horrendous, but highly effective. Whether or not that type of alarm clock is child abuse I will leave to your decision.
A friend of mine, who played the clarinet very well in his day, used it for exactly that purpose. He would get a metal dishpan, a big wooden spoon, pound on the dishpan, and sing as loudly as he could.
I never heard him do it in full voice, but at half voice it was horrendous, but highly effective. Whether or not that type of alarm clock is child abuse I will leave to your decision.
Jul 18th, 2006, 02:12 PM
#48
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KT, I love to hear Nkosi Sikelel' i Afrika well sung, but, Having tried to sing it unaccompanied, I find it a real sod. I also hate that at sports things, the whites never know the Zulu(it is Zulu, isn't it?) bit, but burst into noise for the Afrikaaner bit.
As great rugby fans, I have to say that the makie up that was written so that players from the north and south of Ireland could sing together always has us rolling in the aisles- and singing along. "Oirland! Oirland! Together standing tall!"
The next line is "Shoulder to shoulder we'll answer Ireland's call!" and anyone who's ever seen Peter Stringer (the scrum half) standing next to Paul O'Connell (a flanker) knows it should be "Shoulder to knee cap".
And I can never hear "Advance Australia Fair" without hearing Eric Bogle's song "I hate Wogs". Satire? I hope so.
As great rugby fans, I have to say that the makie up that was written so that players from the north and south of Ireland could sing together always has us rolling in the aisles- and singing along. "Oirland! Oirland! Together standing tall!"
The next line is "Shoulder to shoulder we'll answer Ireland's call!" and anyone who's ever seen Peter Stringer (the scrum half) standing next to Paul O'Connell (a flanker) knows it should be "Shoulder to knee cap".
And I can never hear "Advance Australia Fair" without hearing Eric Bogle's song "I hate Wogs". Satire? I hope so.
Jul 18th, 2006, 02:30 PM
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I love La Marseillaise.
I don't understand why people here think that the words are offensive or that it glorified a bad period in French history.
If you look at the condition of the non-aristocracy under the monarchy, you should be hard pressed to deny the need for change. Nearly every government, sooner or later, has needed a Robespierre to straighten things out. The beauty of the Robespierres of the world ( not the one on this board) is that people sooner or later recognize that they need to go to, at which point, true reform begins.
My only problem with the French anthem is that it is as unsingable for the average person as the Star Spangled Banner. Not looking for a fight, but the principle reason that there has been a movement to replace it, is just that. Nobody with a normal vocal range can sing it. My vote in America is for America the Beautiful, not because it's non-militaristic, but because the words and sentiments expressed are beautiful and what I believe America should represent.
I can also sing it; though not well.
I don't understand why people here think that the words are offensive or that it glorified a bad period in French history.
If you look at the condition of the non-aristocracy under the monarchy, you should be hard pressed to deny the need for change. Nearly every government, sooner or later, has needed a Robespierre to straighten things out. The beauty of the Robespierres of the world ( not the one on this board) is that people sooner or later recognize that they need to go to, at which point, true reform begins.
My only problem with the French anthem is that it is as unsingable for the average person as the Star Spangled Banner. Not looking for a fight, but the principle reason that there has been a movement to replace it, is just that. Nobody with a normal vocal range can sing it. My vote in America is for America the Beautiful, not because it's non-militaristic, but because the words and sentiments expressed are beautiful and what I believe America should represent.
I can also sing it; though not well.
Jul 18th, 2006, 03:04 PM
#51
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Best National Anthems - Nkosi Sikelel' i Afrika for those of us who have seen it grow from being an illegal song that would have got you shot for singing it.
Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau because it's a great tune and Wlsh is a great language for mass singing. Thanks Muck for the spelling. I've only ever known it as Land Of My Fathers which I fist met in my school orchestra in 19!! as part of a set of English (!!!) folk tunes. To his credit our conductor was quick to point out that it wasn't English. Don't suppose you could post the lyrics with a translation?
For any number of reasons GSTQ is my least favourite. Although I'm no die-hard anti-monarchist, I find it offensive for anyone to assume that you can'tbe patriotic if you're not a monarchist. The bit about crushing rebellious Scots (what other kind is there?) is not just added to make it fit the tune, it's the whole point of the song. The song was written in support of one side at a time of civil war, not exactly the best national anthem to try and bring the sides together afterwards. Afterwards, of course, came wholesale genocide in the highlands of Scotland, the man responsible being feted as "Hail the Conquering Hero Comes" on his return to London. Like many of my compatriots, GSTQ is the only "national" anthem I will never stand up for.
"Now dawns the day, now comes the call;
Carry freedom and justice to all;
God be our guide, and ofrsake us never;
Scotland, my country to the end of my days." The last line should be in Gaelic but this is an approximate translation. The tune is one that makes the hairs on your neck stand up when you hear it. It's one of several wonderful songs written in response to various competitions to write a new anthem for the new Scotland. Or we could just stick with Scotland the Brave which I'm reliably informed had its first ever public performance sung by a pantomime horse!
Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau because it's a great tune and Wlsh is a great language for mass singing. Thanks Muck for the spelling. I've only ever known it as Land Of My Fathers which I fist met in my school orchestra in 19!! as part of a set of English (!!!) folk tunes. To his credit our conductor was quick to point out that it wasn't English. Don't suppose you could post the lyrics with a translation?
For any number of reasons GSTQ is my least favourite. Although I'm no die-hard anti-monarchist, I find it offensive for anyone to assume that you can'tbe patriotic if you're not a monarchist. The bit about crushing rebellious Scots (what other kind is there?) is not just added to make it fit the tune, it's the whole point of the song. The song was written in support of one side at a time of civil war, not exactly the best national anthem to try and bring the sides together afterwards. Afterwards, of course, came wholesale genocide in the highlands of Scotland, the man responsible being feted as "Hail the Conquering Hero Comes" on his return to London. Like many of my compatriots, GSTQ is the only "national" anthem I will never stand up for.
"Now dawns the day, now comes the call;
Carry freedom and justice to all;
God be our guide, and ofrsake us never;
Scotland, my country to the end of my days." The last line should be in Gaelic but this is an approximate translation. The tune is one that makes the hairs on your neck stand up when you hear it. It's one of several wonderful songs written in response to various competitions to write a new anthem for the new Scotland. Or we could just stick with Scotland the Brave which I'm reliably informed had its first ever public performance sung by a pantomime horse!
Jul 18th, 2006, 03:55 PM
#53
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NOW I remember the words to La Marseillaise....Allan Sherman!
<i>"Louis the Sixteenth was the king of France in 1789/He was worse than Louis the Fifteenth, he was worse than Louis the Fourteenth, he was worse than Louis the Thirteenth/He was the worst, since Louis the First!"</i>
<i>"Louis the Sixteenth was the king of France in 1789/He was worse than Louis the Fifteenth, he was worse than Louis the Fourteenth, he was worse than Louis the Thirteenth/He was the worst, since Louis the First!"</i>
Jul 18th, 2006, 05:06 PM
#55
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Re "My hen would fly to Norway", there's a phonetic version of Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau for non-Welsh speakers, done up by the Welsh poet Nigel Jenkins:
My hen laid a haddock, one hand oiled a flea,
Glad farts and centurions threw dogs in the sea,
I could stew a hare here and brandish Dan’s flan,
Don’s ruddy bog’s blocked up with sand.
Dad ! Dad! Why don’t you oil Auntie Glad ?
Can whores appear in beer bottle pies,
O butter the hens as they fly !
My hen laid a haddock, one hand oiled a flea,
Glad farts and centurions threw dogs in the sea,
I could stew a hare here and brandish Dan’s flan,
Don’s ruddy bog’s blocked up with sand.
Dad ! Dad! Why don’t you oil Auntie Glad ?
Can whores appear in beer bottle pies,
O butter the hens as they fly !
Jul 18th, 2006, 05:59 PM
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La Marseillaise is indeed a beautiful Anthem..But being born in Italy I believe that the Italian National Hymn is very Patriotic.
It gave pride to a nation that for century was divided, it gave unity and many died fightings the invaders ..
For me this is the most beautiful anthem, because the lyrics have so much meanings, is a chant of a country and of people that were oppressed for so long and were able to unite and to finally have some identity as Italians Citizens.
These are some of the verses:
ITALIAN LYRCIS
Fratelli d'Italia
L'Italia s'è desta,
Dell'elmo di Scipio
S'è cinta la testa.
Dov'è la Vittoria?
Le porga la chioma,after
Ché schiava di Roma
Iddio la creò.
Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò.
Noi siamo da secoli
Calpesti, derisi,
Perché non siam popolo,
Perché siam divisi.
Raccolgaci un'unica
Bandiera, una speme:
Di fonderci insieme
Già l'ora suonò.
Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò.
Uniamoci, amiamoci,
l'Unione, e l'amore
Rivelano ai Popoli
Le vie del Signore;
Giuriamo far libero
Il suolo natìo:
Uniti per Dio
Chi vincer ci può?
Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò.
It gave pride to a nation that for century was divided, it gave unity and many died fightings the invaders ..
For me this is the most beautiful anthem, because the lyrics have so much meanings, is a chant of a country and of people that were oppressed for so long and were able to unite and to finally have some identity as Italians Citizens.
These are some of the verses:
ITALIAN LYRCIS
Fratelli d'Italia
L'Italia s'è desta,
Dell'elmo di Scipio
S'è cinta la testa.
Dov'è la Vittoria?
Le porga la chioma,after
Ché schiava di Roma
Iddio la creò.
Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò.
Noi siamo da secoli
Calpesti, derisi,
Perché non siam popolo,
Perché siam divisi.
Raccolgaci un'unica
Bandiera, una speme:
Di fonderci insieme
Già l'ora suonò.
Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò.
Uniamoci, amiamoci,
l'Unione, e l'amore
Rivelano ai Popoli
Le vie del Signore;
Giuriamo far libero
Il suolo natìo:
Uniti per Dio
Chi vincer ci può?
Stringiamci a coorte
Siam pronti alla morte
L'Italia chiamò.
Jul 18th, 2006, 10:25 PM
#59
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LOL
Try this, nothing do do with Norway.
The Land Of My Fathers
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi, The land of my fathers, the land of my choice,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
The land in which poets and minstrels rejoice;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
The land whose stern warriors were true to the core,
Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.
While bleeding for freedom of yore.
Cytgan Chorus
Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. Wales! Wales! fav'rite land of Wales!
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
While sea her wall, may naught befall
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.
To mar the old language of Wales.
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd, Old mountainous Cambria, the Eden of bards,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Each hill and each valley, excite my regards;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
To the ears of her patriots how charming still seems
Ei nentydd, afonydd i mi.
The music that flows in her streams.
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwald tan ei droed,
My country tho' crushed by a hostile array,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ac erioed,
The language of Cambria lives out to this day;
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
The muse has eluded the traitors' foul knives,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
The harp of my country survives.
Muck
Try this, nothing do do with Norway.
The Land Of My Fathers
Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi, The land of my fathers, the land of my choice,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri;
The land in which poets and minstrels rejoice;
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mâd,
The land whose stern warriors were true to the core,
Tros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed.
While bleeding for freedom of yore.
Cytgan Chorus
Gwlad, Gwlad, pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. Wales! Wales! fav'rite land of Wales!
Tra môr yn fur i'r bur hoff bau,
While sea her wall, may naught befall
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.
To mar the old language of Wales.
Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd, Old mountainous Cambria, the Eden of bards,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn i'm golwg sydd hardd;
Each hill and each valley, excite my regards;
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
To the ears of her patriots how charming still seems
Ei nentydd, afonydd i mi.
The music that flows in her streams.
Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwald tan ei droed,
My country tho' crushed by a hostile array,
Mae hen iaith y Cymry mor fyw ac erioed,
The language of Cambria lives out to this day;
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
The muse has eluded the traitors' foul knives,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
The harp of my country survives.
Muck
Jul 18th, 2006, 11:12 PM
#60
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Craigellachie wrote
<<The bit about crushing rebellious Scots (what other kind is there?) is not just added to make it fit the tune, it's the whole point of the song.>>
I think you conveniently left out the current Scottish anthem of choice and that is 'The Flower of Scotland' which the whole of point of the song is about defeating the English and sending King Edward packing.
The song was written in the 1960's not 2 - 300 years ago, so why don't you get over it and go and do something a bit more useful, like go and look for some more North Sea oil, as we're starting to run out of it.
Geordie
<<The bit about crushing rebellious Scots (what other kind is there?) is not just added to make it fit the tune, it's the whole point of the song.>>
I think you conveniently left out the current Scottish anthem of choice and that is 'The Flower of Scotland' which the whole of point of the song is about defeating the English and sending King Edward packing.
The song was written in the 1960's not 2 - 300 years ago, so why don't you get over it and go and do something a bit more useful, like go and look for some more North Sea oil, as we're starting to run out of it.
Geordie
