Most people think they know the national anthem for UK by heart. You’ve heard it at football matches, royal weddings, and those slightly awkward school assemblies. But here’s the thing: almost nobody actually knows all the words. We usually just mumble through the first verse and hope the person next to us is louder.
It’s a strange song. It isn't even legally the official anthem by an Act of Parliament or a Royal Proclamation. It just sort of... happened. Through custom and usage, "God Save the King" (or Queen, depending on who’s wearing the crown) became the de facto song of the nation. It’s arguably the oldest national anthem in the world, yet it remains one of the most controversial pieces of music in British history.
The Messy Origins of a Song Nobody Wrote
The history is messy. If you're looking for a single composer to credit, you’re out of luck. Some historians point toward Dr. John Bull in the early 1600s, while others swear it sounds suspiciously like a plainchant from the Tudor era. It really gained traction in 1745. Imagine London in a state of absolute panic. The "Young Pretender," Charles Edward Stuart, was marching south to reclaim the throne for the House of Stuart.
The Hanoverian establishment was terrified. To boost morale, the leader of the orchestra at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, arranged a performance of "God Save the King" after a play. It was a hit. A literal smash hit. People started singing it in other theaters, and within a few years, it was the go-to tune for showing loyalty to the monarch.
Interestingly, the melody isn't even uniquely British anymore. At various points in history, over 140 composers—including heavyweights like Beethoven, Haydn, and Brahms—have used the tune in their work. It served as the basis for the national anthem of the German Empire ("Heil dir im Siegerkranz") and, famously, the American patriotic song "My Country, 'Tis of Thee."
The Lyrics We Conveniently Forget
We usually stop after the first verse. Honestly, that’s probably for the best. The standard version used today is polite enough, focusing on longevity and victory. But if you dig into the historical verses, things get a bit "aggressive."
Take the infamous "Rebellious Scots" verse. During the 1745 Jacobite rising, a verse was added that specifically asked for help to "crush" the Scots.
✨ Don't miss: Am I Gay Buzzfeed Quizzes and the Quest for Identity Online
"Lord grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush,
And like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the King."
You won't hear that at Murrayfield during a Six Nations rugby match. It was dropped almost immediately after the Jacobite threat vanished, but the memory of it still lingers in political debates about Scottish independence. It’s a reminder that the national anthem for UK wasn't originally designed to be inclusive; it was a wartime rallying cry for a very specific group of people.
Then there are the verses about "confounding their politics" and "frustrating their knavish tricks." It’s basically a polite way of saying "I hope our enemies fail miserably." It’s gritty. It’s defensive. It reflects a Britain that was constantly at war or looking over its shoulder.
The Change from Queen to King
On September 8, 2022, something shifted that hadn't happened in 70 years. The words changed. For the vast majority of people alive today, "God Save the Queen" was the only version they had ever known. Switching to "God Save the King" felt clunky. People tripped over the syllables.
The change is more than just a word swap. It’s a psychological shift. The anthem is tied to the person of the Sovereign. Unlike "The Star-Spangled Banner" which focuses on a flag, or "La Marseillaise" which is a call to arms for the citizens, the British anthem is a prayer for a human being. When the human changes, the song changes.
Why Some People Want a New Song
Not everyone is a fan. If you go to a sporting event where England is playing, you might notice a weird tension. Scotland has "Flower of Scotland." Wales has "Land of My Fathers" (Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau)—which, let’s be honest, is a total banger that usually puts the UK anthem to shame in terms of raw passion.
🔗 Read more: Easy recipes dinner for two: Why you are probably overcomplicating date night
England doesn't really have its own exclusive anthem. It uses the UK anthem. This leads to calls for England to adopt "Jerusalem" or "Land of Hope and Glory."
- Jerusalem: Based on William Blake’s poem. It’s soulful and tied to the English landscape.
- Land of Hope and Glory: Elgar’s masterpiece. It feels grand but carries heavy "Empire" vibes that some find outdated.
- I Vow to Thee, My Country: Beautiful, but originally a poem about the conflict between earthly and heavenly loyalties.
Then there are the republicans. If you don't believe in the monarchy, singing a song that is essentially a prayer for a King is... awkward. They often suggest "Power to the People" or something entirely new that focuses on the British public rather than the crown.
The Global Influence of the Tune
It’s kind of funny how many countries stole the melody. Liechtenstien still uses it for their anthem, "Oben am jungen Rhein." If you’re ever in Vaduz and hear the UK anthem playing, don’t get confused. They just really liked the tune and decided to keep it.
Norway’s royal anthem uses it too. It’s a testament to the musicality of the piece. It’s simple. It’s easy to sing (the first verse, anyway). It has a stately, rhythmic progression that feels "official."
How to Sing it Properly (According to Tradition)
If you find yourself at an event where the national anthem for UK is being played, there are a few unwritten rules.
First, you stand up. Even if you aren't a monarchist, it’s generally seen as a mark of respect for the country. If you’re in uniform, you salute. If you're a civilian, you just stand straight. Don't wear a hat.
💡 You might also like: How is gum made? The sticky truth about what you are actually chewing
Musically, the first verse is usually played through once as an introduction, or sometimes just the last few bars. When the singing starts, it’s meant to be "Largo"—slow and dignified. Over the years, pop stars have tried to do "soulful" versions, but they usually fall flat. This isn't a song for vocal gymnastics. It’s a song for a collective, slightly droning, mass of people.
The Future of the Anthem
Will it ever change? Probably not anytime soon. The British are notoriously stubborn about tradition. Despite the grumbling from various corners of the UK, "God Save the King" is baked into the fabric of the state. It represents continuity.
However, as the UK navigates its identity in the 21st century, the anthem remains a focal point for what it means to be British. Is it about the monarch? Is it about the four nations? Is it about a shared history that isn't always pretty?
The song survives because it is adaptable. It’s been a battle cry, a funeral dirge, a celebration, and a protest.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you want to understand the anthem beyond just the surface level, here is what you should actually do:
- Listen to the "Commotion" Version: Look up recordings of the 1745 arrangement. It’s much more energetic and frantic than the slow versions we hear today.
- Read the 18th-century verses: Don't just stick to the two verses in the prayer book. Look up the verses written during the Napoleonic Wars or the Victorian era. It’s a wild ride through British political anxiety.
- Watch a Welsh Home Game: If you want to see the difference between a "state" anthem and a "cultural" anthem, watch Wales play at the Principality Stadium. The contrast between the UK anthem and the Welsh one is a masterclass in national identity.
- Check the Protocol: If you are hosting an event with dignitaries, remember that the National Anthem should be played first if the Sovereign is present, but if you are playing anthems of other countries, the guest's anthem usually goes first.
The national anthem for UK is a living artifact. It’s imperfect, slightly confusing, and deeply rooted in a history that many are still trying to figure out. Whether you belt it out with pride or stand in silent protest, it remains the undeniable soundtrack of the British Isles.