During the War of 1812 (and probably before) the British soldiers called Americans "Cousin Jonathan", to denote the still close ties even with to the nation they were at war with.
Isn't there another popular US song called "My Country 'Tis of Thee" that is just different lyrics set to "God Save the Queen"? A bit funny to have a patriotic song based off the anthem of your former ruler, I think.
The tune, with different lyrics was also, at one time, the anthem of Germany, Austria, and (I believe) for a short time Russia. Like Deutschland Uber Alles, it is based on a simple Christian hymn.
Regarding the National Anthem of the United States, it has only been "official" since 1931. Prior to that numerous patriotic songs stood in its place, including Battle Hymn of the Republic and Hail Columbia.
With regard to The Star Spangled Banner my favourite verse is the fourth verse.
Last edited by MacMillan of Rathdown; 7th March 08 at 10:23 PM.
Reason: correct typo
The tune, with different lyrics was also, at one time, the anthem of Germany, Austria, and (I believe) for a short time Russia. Like Deutschland Uber Alles, it is based on a simple Christian hymn.
It is also the Royal Anthem of Norway and the Anthem of Lichtenstein.
As to Deutschland Uber Alles the tune was originally the Imperial anthem of Austria, composed by Joseph Haydn http://www.viennaonline-ezine.com/ai/ai0302.html although of course it's used as a hymn tune also.
[B][COLOR="Red"][SIZE="1"]Reverend Earl Trefor the Sublunary of Kesslington under Ox, Venerable Lord Trefor the Unhyphenated of Much Bottom, Sir Trefor the Corpulent of Leighton in the Bucket, Viscount Mcclef the Portable of Kirkby Overblow.
Cymru, Yr Alban, Iwerddon, Cernyw, Ynys Manau a Lydaw am byth! Yng Nghiltiau Ynghyd!
(Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Cornwall, Isle of Man and Brittany forever - united in the Kilts!)[/SIZE][/COLOR][/B]
That song just depresses me... Plus it is way overplayed at Irish events! This time of year it's sort of the Irish version of Scotland the Brave. I put a note in my funeral plan (I'm OK, just like to plan ahead!) not to play it. Play 'Carraig Fhearghais' and 'The Soldier's Song' for me!
Never occurred to me to play "Carraig Fhearghais" on the pipes (good tune though, just found sheet music for it), but I'll definitely be piping "Amhrán na bhFiann"!
I'd mentioned piping AG ad nauseum by requests at an Irish festival; one of the highlights of that weekend was when two lovely young women chatted us up. I asked if they'd like a tune, and one of them rather wistfully said that what she'd really like is to hear the National Anthem. I immediately struck in, and in a strong clear voice she proudly sang along with my pipes in Irish. That one incident made the whole trip for me.
Last edited by PiobBear; 8th March 08 at 06:54 AM.
What a poor excuse "Because it was written by an Englishman". Music has no borders with each person takeing away his own thoughts and emotion. Music is the one thing left without politics. Ask that a song not played because it's heard ad nauseum - fine, but because of political B.S. is simply childish.
I agree totally, Danny Boy is a beautiful tune, and song, and because it was written by an Englishman should be no reason whatsoever to ban it on St Patricks day,...i mean,..wasn't St Patrick originally from Wales?
I would personally ring out Danny boy at any chance, and will no doubt give it a rendition on 17th March regardless.
I must say though,...i always thought that Danny Boy was about a son who was sent away to France during WW1....but what do i know?
On a similar note,....one of the most beautiful tunes i have ever heard played by a pipe band, or lone piper, is Highland Cathedral, should the Scottish pipe bands stop playing it because it was written by two Germans?
Just my opinion.
Neil.
Last edited by The Ulsterman; 9th March 08 at 05:03 PM.
On a similar note,....one of the most beautiful tunes i have ever heard played by a pipe band, or lone piper, is Highland Cathedral, should the Scottish pipe bands stop playing it because it was written by two Germans?
Just my opinion.
Neil.
I must say though,...i always thought that Danny Boy was about a son who was sent away to France during WW1....but what do i know?
Then that's what the song is all about. Just like abstract art we add our own meanings to songs, that is why music is such an important part of our lives.
I admit, Danny Boy is sad and a bit... predictable. But what better way to complement an afternoon/evening of consuming depressants than with a depressing song that every one can sing along to? He's going to lose some business, I'm sure. Better to take a shot of Jameson's and plug up his ears.
I sang Danny Boy as part of the '92 Kentucky high school all-state SSA chorus. We sang it a capella, and I have to brag... it sounded so pretty that I cried while we were singing it.
"An áit a bhfuil do chroí is ann a thabharfas do chosa thú: Your feet will bring you to where your heart is."
Originally Posted by emolas
...but what do i know?
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