Patriotic Songs
 

Chatting at work today about this and that and it got onto the subject of patriotism. Surprisingly...........or maybe not really.............none of us considered the National Anthem to be our favourite patriotic song. Most picked Land of Hope and Glory with a couple opting for Jerusalem. Although both of those can bring a tear to my eye, Jerusalem just shades it for me as it was also my old school song.

I wondered what orger's would choose as their favourite patriotic song, especially our Welsh, Scottish and Irish members. Would it be the National Anthem, or something else?

I'd also be interested to hear what orger's from other countries would choose? Again, would it be their National Anthem, or something else completely?

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

Have to admit I really don`t rate our own natonal anthem. For me my favourite anthem would have to be The Land Of My Fathers especially when sung by a Welsh male voice choir.... is so emotional and brings tear to my eyes.

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

Interesting, I'll have to have a think. My grandparents were irish, my dad was brought up as irish in england, and so was I.. its only recently I've considered myself english. Its just the way I was brought up.. will have to have a think about a patriotic song though! None spring to mind.

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

Welsh anthem always gives me goosebumps. I think that's my patriotic song!

Alex

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

without doubt ''men of harlech''. such a 'stiffen up the sinews and summon up the blood' type song. stuck in my mind since i first saw zulu as a young wippersnapper.

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (Land of my Fathers), the Welsh national anthem will make any Welshman proud. When it was sung before the Grand Slam match this year, even the French guys with us had a tear in the eye.

Gwesty Cymru always gets my blood up after a few beers to :-(

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

I'm with Billy Conolly on this.

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

Well found, same as me.

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

Don't say you're English

From the Queen's Royal Lancer's Website:

Goodbye to my England, So long my old friend
Your days are numbered, being brought to an end
To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that's fine
But don't say you're English, that's way out of line.

The French and the Germans may call themselves such
So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch
You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane
But don't say you're English ever again.

At Broadcasting House the word is taboo
In Brussels it's scrapped, in Parliament too
Even schools are affected; staff do as they're told
They must not teach children about England of old.

Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw
The pupils do not learn about them anymore
How about Agincourt, Hastings, Arnhem or Mons
When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.

We are not Europeans, how can we be?
Europe is miles away over the sea
We're the English from England, let's all be proud
Stand up and be counted- Shout it out loud.

Let's tell our Government and Brussels too
We're proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue
Fly the flag of Saint George or the Union Jack
Let the world know - we want OUR ENGLAND BACK !!!!


Perhaps this as a new national anthem!

Re: Patriotic Songs
 

The people's flag is deepest red
It shrouded oft our martyred dead
And ere their limbs grew stiff and cold
Their hearts' blood dyed to every fold

Chorus:
Then raise the scarlet standard high
Beneath its folds we'll live and die
Though cowards flinch and traitors sneer
We'll keep the red flag flying here

It waved above our infant might
When all ahead seemed dark as night
It witnessed many a deed and vow
We must not change its colour now

Chorus

It well recalls the triumphs past
It gives the hope of peace at last
The banner bright, the symbol plain
Of human right and human gain

Chorus

It suits today the meek and base
Whose minds are fixed on pelf and place
To cringe beneath the rich man's frown
And haul that sacred emblem down

Chorus

With heads uncovered swear we all
To bare it onward till we fall
Come dungeons dark or gallows grim
This song shall be our parting hymn

Chorus