| As Scots will have nothing to do
for the next month or so, The JT this week launches a new service - a review of some of
the world’s best national anthems. Completely chosen at random, this week’s
selection are really out of the top drawer anthems wise. So sit back and enjoy these
marvellous examples of anthemic art. First up, Sweden. What a really
cracking paean of praise to the frigid North this beauty is. Written by Richard Dybeck in
1844 and adopted as anthem in 1880s, "Thou Ancient, thou free". The opening
stanza captures much of the spirit of this proud northern people:
"Ye free, ancient country
Ye high mountained north
Ye silent and free
and so delightful
We greet you as loveliest
land upon earth
Your shining sun, your sky
Your pastures green
This mob's pish, let's get a hatful."
And then there's Argentina. What a great bunch
of lads. Penned by Planes and Parera in 1813, the anthem's openeing line
encapsulates the fighting Latin spirit: |
"Mortals! Hear the sacred cry;
Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!
Hear the noise of broken chains
See noble Equality enthroned
Hasten Miguel and blooter right intae
Beckham's left foot!"And who could forget Nigeria? And who
could fail to get worked up and steam right in during, say, just for the sake of argument,
an international football match, by the following lines:
"Arise, O Compatriots,
Nigeria's call obey
To serve our Fatherland
With love and strength and faith.
The labour of our heroes past
Why do those blokes in kilts cheer every time we get the ball?"
So there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the world’s great anthems.
Hopefully, there will be no need to return to this topic again in, say, two weeks time.
So, everything crossed eh? |
